5 Important Things to Know Before Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Identifying the best vendors and making arrangements for your wedding is an exciting job to do. There’s no doubt about it - finding the best wedding photographer can be one of the most tedious tasks amongst all. Right from understanding their style of photography and skills to matching it with your needs within your fixed budget becomes extremely important before finalizing one. 

In today’s time, photographers are given utmost importance as he/ she is the person with whom the couple is going to spend their entire D-day to create memories for life. For many couples, figuring out the best wedding photographer is done in the initial phase of planning. It is no longer concerned with shooting just the wedding rituals and ceremonies. You need to get your pre-wedding shoot on point along with bachelors or bachelorette party be covered. 

Additionally, the craze for amazing wedding photography has touched the sky over the past few years. Thus, many wedding photographers are booked at least 6 months before the start of the season. That means you need to block the date of your favorites fairly in advance. 

Know the style of photography

Now that you are ready to make your special moments captured, understand that every wedding photographer has his own unique way to capture. For instance, a candid photographer would always click the moments on spontaneity to freeze the real and natural expressions. He would try to click the true essence of emotions, love and happiness of the couple, family and friends. Whereas, a traditional photographer would give a formal appeal to the pictures while capturing minute to minute events. 

Apart from this, figure out your own choice of style and discuss it with your photographer. Find out whether you would like to have dark settings, moody lighting or pastel hues in your pictures. 

Understand the complete portfolio and package

Understanding the work of a wedding photographer is quite tricky. Firstly, you need to find a credible and trusted team. After all, it's about capturing your special moments. Ask for a portfolio to see whether the quality and style of photography fits in your taste. The most important thing when looking at the portfolio is to see the pictures clicked in lighting conditions which are similar to what you'll be having at your venue. For instance, finalising a wedding photographer on the basis of seeing his night setting pictures would not be sufficient for a ceremony planned to happen during day time. 

Another significant thing that plays a crucial role in finding a suitable wedding photographer is the budget. Spending on wedding photography is an important investment, not an expense. Once you have all the costing details from the photographer, sketch out your budget and finalize it on mutual terms. 

Extra planning for a destination wedding

Hiring a wedding photographer for a wedding which is going to take place within the city is easier. However, if you are planning a dreamlike destination wedding, then you'd probably need to have the best wedding photographer. 

Unlike within city weddings, destination weddings require a lot of planning. You need to be prepared to figure out and manage a couple of things for your wedding photography team. They will be travelling for your special day and will be working day and night to get the best shots of your life. Thus, you need to provide them with decent accommodation, travel expenses and the treats to keep them energetic. Moreover, you need to keep your photographer informed about each ritual and timing to make sure they don't miss out on capturing any precious moments of your life.

Know the delivery timeline

We understand your excitement level to see your wedding pictures. But you must know that wedding photography is not an easy job. The stock of your pictures undergoes an extensive post-production process to give them a magical touch. They require retouching and editing to make them look fabulous and make you release happy hormones. 

Every wedding photographer has his own timelines to deliver the images. Check with your photographer how soon they'd able to complete the post-production and deliver the stock.

Clarity on payment terms

Investment in wedding photography is not about a small amount. You are giving somebody a job and thus, mutual agreement on payment terms is important to be cleared in advance. Usually, a portion of the payment is made while blocking the date and the remaining payment is made in installments but is it still better to ask your wedding photographer about their terms. 

Wedding photography is no more considered a formality nowadays. You enjoy the photo opportunities even after the event is over and create everlasting memories. Careful and thorough research on professional and artistic skills is extra important to make this incredible decision.