10 Tips to Picking a Wedding Photographer

With all the pressures of planning your perfect Wedding the last thing you need is a photographer who doesn't know what they are doing. This person will be documenting your Wedding Day, and they better know what they are doing. Don't ever trust this day to anyone. If you’re serious about this day, you need to be serious about hiring a pro. Here are 10 suggestions to help make your decision easier.

• Some of the best Wedding Photographers free lance. They don't have a studio for you to walk around. Most photography today is done at a location. So don't be thrown off if they work from their home. The main thing they should have is experience and top quality work.
• Ask to see their work, and you want to see a lot of it. They will show you hard copies or may show you on a computer. Many people meet at a coffee shop or their home to view the work.
• Make sure you are comfortable with the photographer. They should care about your day and ask you questions regarding the location, number of attendants, colors, whether you would like and engagement and bridal session, and so on.
• They should ask you questions regarding the events of the day. They will need to know the timing of the event. This is where you will discuss the details of the day and anything else you require.
• Ask them what services they will provide that day. In other words, the photographer will usually help with guiding you if a wedding planner is not involved. They will let you know what is coming next; for example, group shots, cutting the cake, and so on. There will be the traditional photographs and any pictures you requested. Check with the photographer on the style of Portrait, Journalistic, or both
• Find out if they will be staying until the end of the event. Many photographers leave after all the events at the reception are completed. If you would like the images of your departure, make sure you make this request.
• The conversation with the photographer should flow easy. The work may be beautiful, but if you feel uncomfortable with them. This is a sign that it will not be a good fit. You will have enough on your mind that day. You don't need to feel pressure from the photographer.
• Get it in writing. An experienced photographer will have a contract that protects both parties. It will outline the coverage and package chosen. They may sell print packages or a copyright release. If you don't see a package you like, ask them if you can alter it. Most photographers will are accustomed to making changes.
• Make sure you let them know of any special pictures you want taken. The photographer will be at your disposal that day. An experienced photographer will take whatever pictures you need that day. If a photographer put limits on the number of pictures they will take- move on.
• Remember, the photographer should arrive early. They should be at the first location at least 30- 45 minutes early. They should not charge you for this time. This is their time to get their gear and everything ready.


These suggestions are just a starting point. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave a comment or email me at tftphotography@sbcglobal.net.