Photography - You Never Get a Second Chance

Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions of the wedding planning process. The first thing to remember is that you do not get a second chance to catch the bouquet. You will not get that day back and the pictures are what will take you back to that magical day…10, 20, 50 years from now.

A photographer should be chosen shortly after the location of the event. Many brides have discovered that their photographer should coincide with their location, taking into consideration lighting, size of venue, scenery, and time of year. It is not uncommon for photography to be at least 10% of the wedding budget.

Do I want all heirloom pictures? Do I want a portion of my album to be in black and white? Or do I want a photojournalistic style, telling the story of my wedding through candid shots? These are all questions that a photographer’s website will be able to answer before making an initial phone call. After touring several photography websites, be sure to check references through friends, relatives, and newlyweds.

During the initial phone call you should get a feel for the photographer’s personality and you should be able to determine if his or her style and expertise fits your initial expectations. Follow-up appointments should include pricing and contractual obligations.

Remember, with the right equipment and ability, there could be over 5000 pictures taken throughout your wedding day. Before making your decision, ask yourself, is this the photographer who will capture Grandma’s dancing antics and Dad’s tear? Is this the photographer I want to sit with after my honeymoon to narrow the pictures down to an album of my most sentimental moments? Ask yourself ….