It’s an age-old wedding struggle. Hiring the best to take care of tasks at an event without breaking the bank. The reasons to hire a professional photographer are almost too numerous to count and have been discussed at length by almost every publication under the sun. Still, there are those that don’t see the value in “going pro” for their special day, and, beyond that, those who don’t exactly know how to find a photographer worth their salt. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you’ll come out a little bit wiser when it comes to the intricacies of wedding photography done right.
Why Go With A Professional?
It’s one thing to simply read about what a good photographer can do. It’s an entirely different thing to see it in action. Take a look at some of the “photos” your friends or the cut-rate amateur you were considering have taken, then compare them to the sterling work of real pros, like Vittore Buzzi photographer. The difference is stark, and it’s that difference that will take your wedding album from a mere series of snapshots to an intricately woven visual story.
Beyond that, though, professionals know the lay of the land since they’ve seen it all before. Most sources that espouse the benefits of hiring a pro list their experience near the top of the benefits list. You won’t have to nag them and you won’t have to tell them what to do because they already know what to do. It’s one less thing you have to worry about, and on a day as jam-packed as a wedding day, the last thing you’ll need is something preventing you from enjoying yourself.
So, How Do You Find The Right Pro?
With that out of the way, we can address the more pressing issue that most couples have leading up to the wedding day—how to find a photographer they can trust. There are several variables to keep in mind, and a few pitfalls you’ll want to avoid as well.
The first step is to set out some criteria for yourself. You’ll likely want your photos to adhere to a particular style, and you can use this factor to narrow down your choices.
For instance, some photographers excel at taking classic portraiture and can compose your pictures like they came straight out of a formal photo book that belonged to your parents. Others are skilled at edgier, contemporary techniques, providing photos taken from atypical angles, nonstandard crops, and other eccentricities that can make them stand out amongst the pack.
You can refer to this guide to get a better understanding of the different styles that are out there and use it to help identify what kinds of photographers you might match up with.
Next, you’ll need to establish your budget. You’ll want to stay within your means, but remember, when it comes to photography, you get what you pay for. Oftentimes, it’s worth it to spend a little extra to get a photographer who knows what they’re doing, meshes well with your personality, and is highly professional.
With those steps out of the way, it’s time to do some research. Read testimonials, dig into the photographers you might want to hire and prepare a list of questions. You should conduct a thorough interview beforehand to see if the photographer you’re interested in “fits the bill.” Not sure of what to ask? Here are a few queries to get you started:
- What styles do you specialize in?
- What’s your level of experience?
- What sort of gear do you use?
- What’s the timetable on photo processing?
- How will we be able to access the photos?
- What about photo rights?
- Our wedding will be at “X” venue. Do you have experience shooting in that sort of an environment?
- Can we see some samples?
Once you have your answers, you should also take care not to rush to judgment. Compare what you’ve collected from the different photographers you’ve contacted, and also keep a few additional details in mind.
Don’t get distracted by fancy package deals. While packages are good, they shouldn’t be the end-all-be-all of your decisions. You want, above all else, quality photos that will tell the story of your wedding in the fashion that you want it.
Furthermore, you have to make sure that you get along with the photographer you’re hiring. Remember, you’re seeking a pro because you want less hassle, not more. Make sure your personalities gel. If they’ve got that going for them and they’re a great photographer to boot, it shouldn’t be too difficult to make your final call.
