Choosing the right wedding photographer is a huge decision for any couple. Wedding photographers are single-handedly responsible for capturing the fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments of your special day so that you have timeless memories to cherish for a lifetime.
There’s definitely a lot on the line. Since newly engaged couples are researching wedding photographers for the very first time, there are a bunch of ways to mess up the decision-making process that you may not even be aware of.
Don’t worry though, I’m here to help you out.
In this blog post, I’ll discuss 5 key mistakes to avoid when researching different wedding photographers. By highlighting these 5 points, you’ll be fully equipped to make the best choice for your big day.
Let’s get started!
1. Looking Only at Their Portfolio
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is solely relying on a photographer’s portfolio to make their decision.
While a portfolio is essential and provides a glimpse into a photographer’s style and capabilities, it should not be the sole determining factor. Take the time to read reviews and explore their overall online presence. Don’t skip their About Me page, social media accounts, etc. This comprehensive research will give you a better understanding of their professionalism, reliability, and ability to work well with different couples.
Additionally, ask the photographer for a recent full-day wedding gallery. This does two things:
- It will show you if they’ve shot any recent weddings and what their most recent work looks like. You’ll want to make sure your wedding photographer is actively shooting weddings and that their style is consistent with their website.
- It will give you a better understanding of their full body of work. Portfolios are naturally designed to show off a photographer’s best work. This is great because it’ll show you the types of images they can produce and the various couples and locations they’ve worked in. However, getting a full-day wedding gallery will give you a better glimpse into the depth of their creativity and if they can create consistently good work across several different locations and lighting situations.
Some photographers will be uneasy when asked to present a full-day wedding gallery. This is a red flag.
To be fair, there’s some natural hesitation when being asked this question. It puts us photographers in a vulnerable position in the event our images are not consistent with the work displayed on our website. However, your photographer should be confident and transparent enough to show a full gallery when asked.
I personally like to send a full-day wedding gallery as soon as a couple inquiries with me. As I mentioned above, I feel this is the most honest and transparent way for me to display recent work and give couples a glimpse into what their full wedding day could look like.
2. Neglecting to Meet via Video Call
Thanks to modern technology, it’s easier than ever to connect with potential vendors, including wedding photographers, through video calls. Even if you’re not the most tech-savvy, setting up a 30-45 minute video call is easier than ever. It just takes a quick Google search though your photographer should be able to walk you through this as well.
Neglecting to schedule a video call or in-person meeting can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings. A video call will allow you to gauge the photographer’s personality, ask questions, discuss your vision, and asses where you have a good rapport. This interaction is crucial in determining if the photographer is the right fit for you both personally and professionally.
The process for setting up a Zoom call can also give you some insight into the photographer’s professionalism and attention to detail. Do they make this meeting setup a stress-free and streamlined process? Are they flexible with their availability to meet you at a time that’s convenient for everyone involved?
These intangibles give you a peek into how they run their business. If they pay attention to details and are dedicated to making your experience seamless, there’s a good chance that they care deeply about their craft and are serious about making sure you have the wedding day of your dreams.
3. Failing to Discuss Expectations and Communications
This was mentioned above but deserves its own paragraph too. Clear communication is vital when working with a wedding photographer.
Many couples make the mistake of assuming that the photographer understands their preferences and expectations without discussing them explicitly. To avoid disappointment, discuss your wedding timeline, desired shots, and special requests.
That being said, it’s important to be reasonable with your requests. As photographers, we love knowing how to get you the images of your dreams; however, being given the flexibility to express your requests with our own artistic vision is key to creating work we’re passionate about while still delivering on couples’ expectations.
Additionally, ensure you’re on the same page regarding communication channels and response times to prevent any potential frustrations. For example, let them know if you prefer text over email or if you are only available to chat between 5:00 and 9:00 pm Monday-Friday. It’s much easier to lay all these things out at the start of a relationship than to find out the hard way later on.
Wedding photography is a personalized experience, so making sure you team up with someone who understands and is in alignment with your vision is an essential component of an overall successful wedding day.
4. Overthinking Price
While budget is an essential consideration, overthinking the price will cost you. It’s natural to want to find the best deal. However, compromising on quality for the sake of cost can negatively impact the outcome of your wedding photos.
How do you know for sure whether or not someone’s worth the price they ask for?
One way to know is by reviewing their full-day wedding gallery (see point #1 for more details) and by weighing the quality of their work with the experience they have. Generally speaking, wedding photographers with more experience will cost more.
While spending more money is never initially a fun thing, this is actually a green flag when researching wedding photographers. A wedding photographer with years of experience and tons of weddings under their belts increases your odds of getting amazing wedding images since they’ve worked with a multitude of different couples throughout many different wedding venues. For this reason, it’s helpful to ask how long they’ve professionally been photographing weddings. Additionally. knowing how many weddings they shoot a year is also helpful.
Remember that your wedding photos are an investment that will last a lifetime. Wedding images age like fine wine (they get better as time goes on). Instead of focusing solely on pricing, consider the photographer’s experience, expertise, reviews, and the value they can bring to your special day.
5. Not Considering Videography
Photography and Videography go hand-in-hand when capturing the essence and emotions of your wedding day.
Many couples put all their eggs in one basket (photography) while overlooking the importance of hiring a professional videographer. While photos freeze moments in time, wedding videos add movement, audio, and a real-time feel of being on your wedding day again.
Does every wedding require a videographer? The short answer is no. Photography is a staple in the wedding industry. Videography is a ‘nice-to-have’ if it’s within the couple’s means.
Don’t underestimate the power of reliving your vows, speeches, and dance moves through a well-crafted wedding film. While it’s certainly not a requirement or necessity, it’s certainly worth considering when looking at wedding photography coverage.
Conclusion
Choosing a wedding photographer is a decision that should be carefully considered.
By avoiding these five common mistakes, you can ensure that you’ll find the perfect photographer (and potentially a videographer) to capture the magic of your wedding day.
Let’s Connect
If you’re looking for a photographer who values authenticity, emotion, and storytelling, I’d be beyond honored to join you on your journey.
Let’s connect, have a friendly chat, and make your wedding an unforgettable experience.
You can see more of my work on my portfolio page or contact me directly using the button below. I can’t wait to hear from you!