Weddings are one of the most personal and memorable occasions in our lives. They represent the joining of families, the promise of commitment, and new beginnings. One of the most important parts of any wedding is the wedding photograph – these are once in a lifetime events that simply cannot be recaptured if the photographer isn’t up to the task. With that in mind, here is a quick guide to finding a photographer that will help to make this moment last forever.

Budget it Out

Unfortunately, cost is going to play a large part in your ability to select a wedding photographer. Weddings are expensive affairs, and a well-rounded and experienced photographer isn’t likely to come cheap. Set a budget for wedding photographs that includes the cost of shooting the event plus what you will need to spend on prints, reprints, picture frames, albums and other incidentals. When you have a dollar figure in mind, you’ll be better prepared in selecting a wedding photographer in your price range. Be aware that photographers that work for lower rates often do so for a reason.

Choose Your Style

Do you want classic wedding portraiture? Are you a fan of candid shots of the wedding party? Every photographer has their own style of shooting so get familiar with their work and style before you agree to anything. Always meet with each photographer and ask to see examples of their work. These meet-ups will help you to understand not only their artistic style, but also their shooting style. Your wedding photographer is going to be taking pictures throughout your wedding so make sure that you and your guests will be comfortable with him or her.

Check for Experience

Selecting a wedding photographer is something that you should take time to investigate. After you find a person who matches your personal style and shoots in a manner that you like, ask for a few references and speak with their previous clients about the service they received. Get an idea of how the photographer worked during the wedding, how responsive they were before and after the wedding, and how they dealt with any hiccups that may have occurred. Credentials are important, but nothing is more telling that the stories of former clients.

Get Personal Recommendations

Speak with your friends and family about wedding photographers they may have used. Wedding photography is a very specific niche and it is likely that the local best are well known and have worked for someone you know. You should start looking for a photographer as soon as you have a wedding date – top-notch wedding photographers often book their schedule months or a year in advance. There’s nothing worse than finding the perfect shooter only to discover they’re booked for another wedding on the same day.

Get it in Writing

As stated above, a wedding is a once in a lifetime experience. No matter how amazing the photographer may be, you are putting a lot of faith in their ability to show up and shoot the photographs you want. In order to make sure that there are no misunderstandings, you should insist upon having a written agreement outlining the commitment. The agreement should include what you’re paying, the time they’re expected to arrive on the wedding day, how long they’ll stay and what they’re expected to do. If your photographer can’t back up his or her promises in writing, find someone else.

One of the most stressful parts of planning a wedding is finding a great wedding photographer so make sure to start early and you should have no problem finding one that’s right for you. With that out of the way, you’ll be free to worry about the other ten thousand things that a wedding entails!

Author Bio: Autumn Lockwood is a writer for Your Picture Frames. Visit our website and see our wedding picture frames in a variety of color, styles and sizes. Shop online and see our special wedding picture frames and special anniversary picture frames or call 1-800-780-0699.

Category: Arts and Crafts
Keywords: wedding photographer tips,wedding photography,wedding photographers