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A wedding is the biggest day in a couple’s life. Friends and family gather to witness the first day of their life together, which is why both bride and groom put so much effort into every detail. The wardrobe must be elegant and beautiful, the venue has to be romantic but comfortable, and the food should consider potential guest allergies. In order to ensure this, the couple will meet with different professionals, but few are so essential and helpful as the wedding photographer.

A good photographer will capture every memorable detail of the wedding, from candid moments to emotional reactions, but they are prepared to do a lot more. A photographer’s work can also involve designing invitations and preparing an online album. They will even share advice based on their extensive experience. But finding the right photographer is not easy. In fact, before choosing your wedding photographer, there are a few things couples should consider.

Table of Contents

1. Make Sure There’s Rapport

Having a good relationship with your photographer is essential to obtaining great wedding pictures. The couple will have to take directions from their photographer, and won’t know exactly what they are getting until after the photographs are sent, so it’s important to establish a relationship based on trust.

This is usually done through an in-person meeting designed to get to know each other. Having said that, it’s also useful to choose the same photographer for both the engagement session and the wedding, as this will give the couple a chance to get used to how the photographer works, making it easier to relax.

2. Research Photography Equipment

Make sure you do some comprehensive research about photography. Testimonials from former clients can be very persuasive, but they probably won’t talk about the equipment used. There are many different digital cameras a photographer might use, but it might be a good idea to check specific things like whether they’re going to shoot with a DSLR; if you know a bit about equipment yourself you might even enquire as to which type.

Typically, if a photographer is shooting with something like the Canon EOS 6, a $2500 camera, you know they take their work seriously. If they try to tell you that they are going with an instant camera for authenticity, then there might be reasons for concern.

3. Take a Look at Their Portfolio

One of the most important decisions regarding wedding pictures a couple has to make is to choose a style. Some couples prefer a documentary style, where the photographer tries to capture natural poses and actions, while others might go for an editorial photography style. With this style a lot of thought is put into the poses and location, similar to shots that feature in a luxurious magazine.

Nevertheless, explaining what style we want can be difficult, especially if we have no experience in photography. So it might be better to find a photographer with an extensive and well-organized portfolio, so you can explore alternatives and find a style that matches how you imagined your wedding pictures to be.

4. Ask About Their Photography Rights Policy

You may not know this, but couples don’t own the copyrights for their wedding pictures. It’s common practice for photographers to keep these rights because this allows them to use the pictures for marketing purposes on their website, brochures, and even printed ads.

The couple only has the right to personal use, which means they can show them to friends or upload them to social media. Most couples are fine with this arrangement, but for others seeing their pictures in an online ad or magazine can become a privacy concern. In this case, it’s better to agree on certain terms, like requiring your approval before a picture is published or shared on the photographer’s social media.

Wrap Up!

Couples put a lot of thought into planning their weddings. They carefully decide the location, their wardrobe, and even the time of the day; however, choosing the photographer should receive the same level of attention.

Understanding the equipment involved, being able to see their portfolio in order to choose the right photography style, and discussing rights are all necessary steps to make sure the right professional is chosen, and that the most memorable moments of this special day are preserved for future generations.

Article written by Jackie Roanes