Today's guest post comes to us from Katie Keller of Katie Keller Photography:
When you’re planning your wedding, things can quickly feel so overwhelming. From trying to find the perfect dress to choosing each of your vendors, just about every bride feels as if she is drowning in
details. One of the most important aspects of your wedding day is your photographer. And, this is one part of your planning that should not be stressful.
So, how do you find the right photographer for you? I’ll cut to the good stuff to help you keep your checklist short and let you focus on what’s most important.
#1: Personality
Before you even think about pricing, the most important aspects of your photographer are their personality and the product they deliver.
You could have a fantastic photographer, but they have a terrible “bedside manner”. What’s ultimately going to give you the best photographs on the day of the wedding? You being comfortable with your photographer. Your photographer will literally spend the entire day with you. He or she will be there for your most grandeur and intimate moments. If you don’t have a comfortable relationship with your photographer, you’ll end up with stiff smiles and uncomfortable stances.
#2: Don’t get stuck in the details
As photographers, we take every scenario into consideration before the wedding so that you don’t have to. We make sure your files are safe, we have extra gear, and even secure a backup photographer in the event of an absolute worst case scenario. Do feel free to ask important questions, but don’t let small (and often times negotiable) details be deal breakers. If you have found a good photographer, you’ll be able to work out an agreement you are both comfortable with.
#3: Ask to see samples
You may not know the difference between megapixels, DPI, and mounting boards, but you will know good quality when you see it. I only bring a couple of samples to a client meeting, since so much information is being given at once. If that isn’t enough for you, set up an additional meeting time to go over canvases, print quality, and to chat some more. Your photographer will be pleased to meet with you again and get to share more extensively the product they provide.
#4: Take their advice in planning your day
If you have a 6 hour block of time for the ceremony and reception, don’t book your photographer for 6 hours! Take into account the time to get your hair and makeup done, if you plan on having a “first look”, extra time at the reception, and extra time for formal photos. I have a feeling we’ve been to a lot more weddings than you have – and – we can anticipate the flow of the day and how much time is really needed to get all the shots you want.
#5: Book an engagement session!
All of my couples receive an engagement session as my wedding gift to them with an 11x16 print to display at the reception. This time together helps me to know my client and makes the wedding day photography go much more smoothly. Even if your photographer doesn’t offer this as part of a package or as a complementary session, consider adding it on. It can also be a great way to take a photographer for a “test drive” if you’re still on the fence.
And one last tip… even if you’re not booking them, it’s such a courtesy to say a simple “thanks but no thanks”. That kind of good karma goes a long way!
details. One of the most important aspects of your wedding day is your photographer. And, this is one part of your planning that should not be stressful.
So, how do you find the right photographer for you? I’ll cut to the good stuff to help you keep your checklist short and let you focus on what’s most important.
#1: Personality
Before you even think about pricing, the most important aspects of your photographer are their personality and the product they deliver.
You could have a fantastic photographer, but they have a terrible “bedside manner”. What’s ultimately going to give you the best photographs on the day of the wedding? You being comfortable with your photographer. Your photographer will literally spend the entire day with you. He or she will be there for your most grandeur and intimate moments. If you don’t have a comfortable relationship with your photographer, you’ll end up with stiff smiles and uncomfortable stances.
#2: Don’t get stuck in the details
As photographers, we take every scenario into consideration before the wedding so that you don’t have to. We make sure your files are safe, we have extra gear, and even secure a backup photographer in the event of an absolute worst case scenario. Do feel free to ask important questions, but don’t let small (and often times negotiable) details be deal breakers. If you have found a good photographer, you’ll be able to work out an agreement you are both comfortable with.
#3: Ask to see samples
You may not know the difference between megapixels, DPI, and mounting boards, but you will know good quality when you see it. I only bring a couple of samples to a client meeting, since so much information is being given at once. If that isn’t enough for you, set up an additional meeting time to go over canvases, print quality, and to chat some more. Your photographer will be pleased to meet with you again and get to share more extensively the product they provide.
#4: Take their advice in planning your day
If you have a 6 hour block of time for the ceremony and reception, don’t book your photographer for 6 hours! Take into account the time to get your hair and makeup done, if you plan on having a “first look”, extra time at the reception, and extra time for formal photos. I have a feeling we’ve been to a lot more weddings than you have – and – we can anticipate the flow of the day and how much time is really needed to get all the shots you want.
#5: Book an engagement session!
All of my couples receive an engagement session as my wedding gift to them with an 11x16 print to display at the reception. This time together helps me to know my client and makes the wedding day photography go much more smoothly. Even if your photographer doesn’t offer this as part of a package or as a complementary session, consider adding it on. It can also be a great way to take a photographer for a “test drive” if you’re still on the fence.
And one last tip… even if you’re not booking them, it’s such a courtesy to say a simple “thanks but no thanks”. That kind of good karma goes a long way!
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3 comments:
Great post!
Katie actually photographed my wedding last year (my Disneyland Engagement Session is featured on this site) and I LOVED working with her!
I completely agree with the advice about booking an engagement session. Our engagement session let us get to know our photographer (Katie!) better and become incredibly comfortable around her. When our wedding came around she was able to capture gorgeous photographs because we were so comfortable and natural around her.
I didn't work with Katie, but I completely agree with everything she said. Great tips Katie!
At our photog meeting, she got to see an entire wedding through pictures. I didn't think about it at the time, but it actually gave us a great snapshot of the quality of work throughout the entire event. Lots of times, the photographs that are blogged are the best and the rest that you get are "good". So seeing an entire wedding really helped us see that our photographer was really as awesome as we thought. See if your potential photographer will show you an entire wedding that they've shot rather than just a few samples.
Also, don't be afraid to negotiate. If you don't see yourself needing a jumbo print and album, see if you can exchange that for an extra hour of reception coverage.
Last, make sure your personal style meshes with your photographers' style. If you're more "high fashion", don't book a photographer with "traditional" photography because the price is right. Your documenting memories so don't skimp on those!
Best of luck when choosing your vendors. :D
They should also have a great hair & makeup artist. Cause there is only so much photo shopping you can do. lol WE love Katie Keller! Very cool post!
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