Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime event. When the wedding is over there are only a few things you will have left (the ring, the dress, the wife/husband and the photographs). The photos are there to remind you of all the planning, work, details and fun memories of the day.
With this in mind, you need to hire a photographer who is capable of capturing those moments and details. The photographs are there to remind you of all of your hard work, the intricate details you planned and the fond memories of the day. To help you make your decision, Erik Christian Photography has put together this helpful checklist of questions to ask and things to do before you hire your photographer.
1. Decide what style of photography you prefer
Decide what style of photography you prefer
There are traditional, journalistic, glamour, freestyle or eclectic photographers available. You should beware
of photographers who tell you that they “shoot all styles” or "combine the best of..." Make sure you like
their style. Make sure you trust them enough to create something special for you. Another thing to think about
is just because you like their style, make sure it fits who you are. In other words it may look great for the
last bride but not you. Read
more about your style here.
2. Research, research, research
Once you find a few photographers who’s style you like, it’s time to do some more research. Search items like
their names, phone number, and business name. You can find complaints that they may not want you to find. Ask
for and call their references, and check their standing with the Better Business Bureau. Make sure to examine
the photos on their online galleries closely. You're looking to make sure backgrounds are out of focus - the
lighting is soft and professional - and the post-processing work enhances the image and is not overdone.
3. Experience
Make sure your photographer has plenty of experience because this is the person who is going to guide you
through the day. Look over their portfolio. Is there more than just a wedding or two? If not, find out how
many weddings they have photographed. (Your friend with the nice camera doesn't have a clue about what to do
at a wedding.)
4. Make a list
Make a list of photographers who seem to fit your criteria for price and style and research each of the
photographers on your list.
5. Meet with each finalist in person
Look at samples of their work, gather information about wedding packages available and ask lots of questions.
Notice how polite they are. Think about whether this is someone you will want to spend the entire day with.
Ask to see a full wedding. Don’t get fooled into looking at just one gallery of their favorites. This way you
will see how many great photos they are able to produce. Make sure they are capable of creating what you
expect at each and every wedding.
6. Does your photographer have insurance?
Most Hudson Valley wedding venues don’t allow the photographer onto the
premises unless they can show proof of event and liability insurance coverage.
This is not the time you want to find out your photographer can’t provide
their services.
7. Backups of your photos
Ask your photographer what they do to ensure your photos are archived. In today’s world of digital
photography, photographers rely on hard drives to archive your images. Everyone knows that computers and hard
drives fail. If they give you a blank stare or can’t explain what they do, then you know they are unprepared.
You want your photographer to have your images saved in multiple locations and different media.
8. Backup equipment
Ask about backup equipment. Make sure they have at least 2 camera bodies
for each photographer, multiple lenses and flashes. Equipment can and
does fail. You don’t want to get stuck with a photographer who has to
stop working at your wedding because their equipment failed. There are
many photographers who do not have enough gear to shoot at weddings, so
make sure to ask.
9. What happens if your photographer gets sick?
Everyone gets sick at times. What happens if your photographer gets sick
or in an accident the day of your wedding? If they can’t talk about it
then they haven’t thought about it. They should have 1 or more backup
photographers available to fill in for them. Your photographer should
have complete confidence in these other photographers.
10. Reserve the date
Call your chosen photographer and ask them to pencil you in on their calendar
until you can come back to sign the contract.
Call 845-418-4071 or e-mail us for more information.
