Choosing the right wedding photographer will make all the difference when it comes to preserving those special memories from your big day. While some photographers have shot hundreds of weddings, others are still getting their start. Both types can take beautiful photographs, but you’ll need to choose based on what’s important to you and your partner. Here are some pointers to keep in mind as you narrow down your search for the perfect wedding photographer, as well as advice on what to expect during your meetings and conversations with potential vendors.

Checklist For Choosing The Right Wedding Photographer

It’s not easy choosing a wedding photographer. Some will say it’s one of, if not the most important decision you can make for your wedding. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of your options, here are some questions to ask yourself when considering who to hire: Are they skilled in what I want them to capture? Some photography packages may be too limited for what you have in mind or some may simply be better at shooting specific types of photos (e.g., engagement photos or family portraits). Ask about their specialty and experience before agreeing on anything! -Do they specialize in my type of event (e.g., boudoir shoots or corporate events)? Your photographer is only as good as their skill set.

Tips And Advice From The Pros

Taking great wedding photos isn’t easy. There are a lot of factors to keep in mind: Lighting, colors, camera settings…and on and on. Sure, it can be overwhelming when you’re new to photography, but once you wrap your head around all of these factors you’ll be able to make informed decisions about what makes for good wedding photography. I talked with two professional photographers about how they take great wedding photos, and we were able to distill their secrets into one easy-to-follow infographic.

Things To Keep In Mind Before Shooting

The first thing to keep in mind when you’re hiring a wedding photographer is how much time you have. While it’s always good to be prepared, timelines are extremely important to keep your wedding photography costs down and ensure your photographer doesn’t miss any of those once-in-a-lifetime shots. Plus, there is nothing worse than trying to rush through taking pictures at a fun event like a wedding. In other words, try not to schedule your big day for months from now if you can help it—but if that does end up being your situation (hey, things happen), then make sure you find a photographer who has time in their schedule just for you!

How Many Hours Of Coverage Are Enough?

The amount of coverage needed for a wedding day depends entirely on what you’re looking for in a photographer. Some couples want to cherish every moment and get formal shots, candids, and anything else they can think of. Others opt for something more simple. If you only need enough pictures to remember your day and don’t care about fancy editing or albums, then one shooter can do it all with little fuss. However, if you want a full set of images that are high quality and highlight everything from the boutonnieres to your grandmother’s smile when she gives her speech—then having multiple shooters is crucial to making sure you get exactly what you expect on your wedding day.

How Can I Save On Wedding Photography?

One of your biggest expenses in planning a wedding is likely to be photography. Depending on how big you want your ceremony and reception to be, hiring a professional photographer could end up costing you over $3,000—and that’s just for one photographer! Fortunately, there are many ways to cut costs. Some couples choose to hire only one photographer rather than two or three, while others opt for a less-expensive photojournalist instead of an actual photographer. Still other couples forego professional wedding photography altogether and either use someone else’s work or take their own photos during their big day.

How Much Do Wedding Photographers Charge?

Charging for wedding photography services is both a personal decision and business one. Ultimately, photographers must decide what they want to shoot, how they want to shoot it, and how much they’re willing to charge their clients. In general, most photographers offer an all-inclusive package that includes hours of coverage, prints/digital images/albums, delivery of all products (on a CD or online), and rights to use their photos for promotional purposes (i.e., social media). Depending on your location and experience level, you should expect to pay anywhere from $1,500-$4,000 per wedding. How much will you be charged? It all depends on who you ask!