Every couple aspires for their wedding to be a picture-perfect affair. And, they leave no stone unturned to turn this dream into a reality. They look for the most exotic venue, hire the best vendors, select the most beautiful outfits, and everything else, which helps them to make their wedding truly memorable.

However, when it comes to hiring a wedding photographer, not every couple might end up making the best decision because of their lack of knowledge about this art. In fact, there are a few mistakes, which most couples usually make while hiring their photographer.

Well, this can be a real spoiler in any couple’s dreams of having a perfect wedding, since, only the wedding pictures preserve the memories of this beautiful day.

Here are some common mistakes you must avoid, which most couples make while hiring a wedding photographer.

1. Prioritizing products (Albums) over the quality of the photography

You might have a limited budget, and there is nothing wrong with that. This still does not mean you need to compromise on the quality of the pictures. There are ways to work around a small budget. For one, I believe it is better to have a bunch of great pictures in the drawer than an album of mediocre images. Skip the album for now. Get the pictures and make an album later. Even if you make it a year later it is still fine. Relax and look at what is important. Focus on the quality of the photography rather than the products you get right now

2. Not Sticking to the Finalized Schedule

Pay attention and respect the schedule you and your photographer discuss prior to your wedding. Being an hour late can make or break your images. Don’t just assume it only takes 10 minutes!

3. Don’t Make the Mistake of Overlooking the Photographer’s Personality

The number one mistake to avoid when hiring a wedding photographer is to listen to everyone else. Your best friend might have loved her photographer, and your cousin probably swears by hers. So you met with both of them and their pictures seem good enough. But did you like them? Your photographer will be with you all day, so it’s important you get along with them and enjoy their company. Your instincts will tell you a whole lot!

4. Interfering in his work

Many couples tend to give their suggestions to the photographer while getting themselves shot. What’s worse? They even reject the photographer’s ideas at times, and compel them to do the things the way they feel is right. You have to understand that your photographer is a pro in his work, and hence, is well aware of how to give you the best wedding photographs. By dictating your own terms, you might just end up irking him; the result of which, can lead to you getting the mediocre quality pictures.

5. Letting Relatives Get in the Way

We have a name in the industry for a guest who shows up with pro photo equipment and takes ‘unofficial wedding photos’—we call him Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob may think he’s doing you a favor by taking more shots for the couple, but usually he just gets in the way and makes us miss our shots. Tell Bob to leave the camera at home and just enjoy his time at the wedding without working.

6. Last Minute Bookings & Disappointment

You have set your budget for your photography, you have maximized it the best you can so you can afford the best photographer you can get. All ticks so far, however you leave it, you don’t make a decision and then when you realize you still need to hire someone, you can be left disappointed when the wedding photographers you wished you had hired are fully booked on your day.

As with your wedding venue, as soon as the wedding venue and the date is confirmed, you should be booking your wedding photographer. No matter what your budget the best wedding photographers will be taking bookings up to 2 years in advance, so don’t wait a couple of months before your big day and be surprised they are booked up.

Our advice is as soon as you have your date and venue, find your perfect wedding photographer and get them booked.

7. Not signing a legal contract

This is yet another mistake that many couples often make while hiring a wedding photographer- not signing a legal contract. Remember, whatever you decide and agree on with your wedding photographer should be put down in writing in a legal contract. This will save a lot of misunderstandings and help sort out issues that could potentially arise at a later stage. The agreement should mention the agreed number of days/hours of work, the number of edited/unedited images, the maximum delivery time, liability, ownership of the images, usage rights, payment terms, etc.

8. Put your phone away

Always an interesting topic but we feel wedding photos can easily be ruined by shots of the bride and groom walking down the isle to a sea of camera phones being held up too. Weather you ask your guests not to do it or not, perhaps ask them to have a cut off point, you can take photos if you wish up to this time, then please put your phone and camera away and enjoy the rest of the day with us. Have you considered an unplugged wedding?

Wedding Photography is a subject which cannot just be brushed aside, because it is not easy finding the right photographer to handle your wedding. Finding and interviewing potential photographers can be quite daunting and requires caution.

Your wedding photographs are supposed to remind you of that special day because they are going to remain long after the wedding day, so it’s only reasonable that you take your time to ask the right questions before making your final decision.

Before you book that photographer, get answers to these big questions:

1. Do you have photos of entire weddings that I can see?

Before booking a wedding photographer request to see his portfolio. This should include photographs of complete weddings, instead of just a sample of several events. This way, you can arrive at a better judgment on his skills and see how he photographs the entire course of a wedding.

Ensure the photographer puts all his completed projects on display, so now you are seeing what a finished album would look like, rather than the favorite pictures he puts on display. You may also want to enquire on “what percentage of his work is composed of weddings”.

If you find a photographer that specializes then you are in luck. It should not be only wedding photography but the style of wedding photography that you should consider.

2. Do you post the proofs online, or will I receive negatives?

Good reviews and ratings from customers show that a photographer is doing a good job, and if he has pleased numerous customers then the chances that he will do an awesome job for your wedding is on the high side.

So your question should be, “is there a website where I can read other clients experiences, reviews and ratings?” with the reviews of former clients you can easily arrive at the right decision.

3. Can I meet with my photographer personally?

It is quite significant that you meet face to face with the person photographing your wedding. This is owing to the fact that different photographers have their peculiarities and dispositions, (no two photographers have identical styles).

If the photographer is part of a large studio, it is advisable that you ask for an interview where you get to meet him\her personally so as to get a sense of their temperament and nature.

4. What are your provisions for the unexpected?

Even though it’s necessary to focus on making plan “A” work, there is also a need to make provisions for the unintended. The photographer should provide contact information of an alternative.

A professional photographer or should have access to other experts who can be placed on call in the occurrence of any complication on that day. You could also ask for sample photographs of the backup. It is the most important day of your life, nothing should left to chance

5. What are your terms of service?

First of all if the photographer doesn’t provide you with a sample contract it would be wise to pick someone else. You should go over the terms of payment, mode of operation and all other relevant aspects of the contract before you make any agreement. Any agreement made should be mutually beneficial.

6. How long have you been in the business of photography?

In the business of photography just like any other aspect of life the significance of experience cannot be overemphasized. You should make sure the photographer has been in business for at least five years. Trust me you don’t want your wedding photos taken by the dude who started taking pictures last Christmas.

7. What do you charge for overtime?

This should be part of the contract. Your choice photographer should make clear if his/her package includes any extra charge. For example, he should make known if he charges for any further use of his service after the time frame agreed upon.

This question should be asked to all the professionals working at your wedding including your wedding DJ.

8. What percentage of your samples is the work of associates?

As said earlier, every photographer has a particular style so when going through their collectionyou may want to ask what percentage of the job was done by associates and assistants. You don’t want the most memorable day of your life being captured by an apprentice.

9. What is your primary style?

You want to be able to tell the story of your day in pictures, and ensure everybody present has an enjoyable time doing it. The aim is to get shots of you that all you guests would be willing to put on their walls. The photographer’s style should be really simple and catchy and yur photographer should be able to deliver without any difficulty.

10. Do you have adequate backup equipment?

It could be very embarrassing when the photographing got delayed because the photographer’s camera went bad so he had to go to the hardware store to get a replacement

Your choice photographer should have a replacement for all his tools ranging from camera lenses to computer equipment. To avoid the unexpected you may want to find out if the photographer has a solid insurance package Also he should have backups of your files so you don’t lose your wedding pictures because a malicious hacker broke into his system and destroyed all his file. Remember you don’t make provisions for insurance when you need it.

11. What do you intend to put on for the wedding?

It’s your wedding! even though your photographers should be dressed properly, they shouldn’t steal the show. Discuss what they’ll be putting on – they should blend into scenery. Some professionals prefer to dress in black so as to go unnoticed

12. Have you ever shot at our location before?

It can be really soothing to hear that the photographer is familiar with your venue. If they haven’t shot there before, it would be wise to ask if they would be willing to visit your venue before the wedding to acquaint them with the layout as each venue comes with its peculiarities. The photographer should be aware of the lighting conditions of the venue

13. Can I have a custom-made package?

We all have different likes and preferences. You should ascertain if your photographer will be able to deliver EXACTLY what you want.

Hopefully, these scrutinizing questions should help you make the right choice when it comes to your wedding photography at a price that fits your budget.

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Avoid These Common Mistakes When Hiring Your Wedding Photographer