Where to Find: Photographer
Where do you find vendors? That’s the age old question, isn’t it. Most of us don’t have a list of favourite vendors (maybe some of us do…) to pull from when we’re looking to book for our special day!
Obviously, the internet is a great tool. Websites like The Knot and Weddingwire are famous for their vendor pools, but it’s just fancy advertising. I actually looked at advertising on The Knot and Weddingwire (they’re the same company) and their base package is about $300 per month in 2022. I’m going to tell you right now, there are fantastic wedding photographers on both of those websites. There is nothing wrong with hiring from there, it’s actually the best way for us photographers to get clients for wedding. That overhead, though? I’d personally have to book a wedding every single week, possibly more than one, to make that affordable for me and that makes my turnaround time slower. Alternately, I’d have to overcharge for my services to cut my turnaround time and give each couple the attention they need.
Period point blank, for every incredible photography company or photographer on The Knot, there are four or five just as wonderful photographers in your local area! The best place to find wedding vendors at all (besides local vendor Facebook groups where advertising is $free.99), is other vendors!
Ask your venue who they work with. From the vendors you book, ask them about other vendors they’ve seen at weddings. The business of creating dream weddings is a very small spiderweb and you’re dead center when you’re planning. Take advantage!
Once you have some suggestions, though, where do you go? How do you pick your photographer?
Visit their portfolio website!
I know for a fact, from talking to other photographers, out Instagrams are not the place to go for a good look at our work. So many of us post previews there (often not fully-edited) or are iPhone shots we posted on our story. Our websites are going to give you the best and fullest taste of everything we do.
Look at their photos. Really look at them.
At the end of the day, you are not just hiring someone to capture your day. You’re hiring someone to tell your story. Every photographer has their own voice and it’s told in the angles they take, the shots they choose from (often) vast wedding albums to make public, and the editing styles present across their portfolio. A photographer is not going to turn around and re-edit your entire album in a different style after you get it back. Make sure you’re hiring someone whose work you actually like before you contact! Please note, some photographers might not have their full portfolio accessible because of privacy agreements with clients and/or legal issues with former company employers. You still need to get a feel for their portrait and event styles, regardless. Consider using your engagement session as a preview, if you’d like.
Prices…
Not every photographer posts their price sheets online. You’ll notice that I actually don’t, myself. It depends on the photographer. Photographers who do make their prices public often have it listed under “investment” because that’s really what it is. If your photographer has their prices listed, check those before reaching out. If they don’t, don’t be too worried. I don’t post mine because I require a consultation. There are so many factors in pricing——travel, number of hours, what a couple wants included, etc. I think it’s unfair to show a basic price and either make you pay that (even if you don’t want everything included) or dangle a carrot in front of your face only to let you know that I cannot provide what you want from me at that price point. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t see those $$$ yet, if you really like their work, reach out.
Reach out!
Reach out to the photographer and get ready to talk shop. I’ve included a great list of questions to consider below. Before you ask them, I recommend copying and pasting these questions into a word document for yourself and answering them the way you want to hear them answered! That way, you know what you need.
Questions to Ask!
Do you have a contract? Red flag right away if they don’t do contracts for weddings.
Will you be the photographer the day of the wedding? If not, who will be and can I see their portfolio? If they can’t tell you or can’t show you a portfolio, you might not get the photographer you want/the one who took the photos you like.
Do you work with a second shooter/videographer? I always suggest second cameramen for weddings.
What do your travel fees include?
What’s your turnaround time? Up to 8 weeks is pretty standard.
How soon do I get previews? Typically in 24-72 hours by most photographers.
How many photos do you deliver in a standard wedding package?
How will final photos be delivered? Digital album, USB, etc.
What do your wedding packages include? If you want a printed album, engagement/boudoir shoot, all digital downloads, etc. this is when to find out what they offer.
Does your engagement shoot include free downloads? Not all do/it sometimes effects price.
What’s your maximum number of hours? For those extra long wedding days!
What is your payment process? How do you accept payment? Find out about installments, etc.
Finding a photographer doesn’t have to be stressful or difficult! In fact, I’m going to list two here. In case my own work isn’t quite your style, just click their name below to see their websites (and let them know I sent you if you wind up reaching out to them).
Dave Yang: weddings, cosplay, portraits, events; travels, based out of Texas; easy to work with, always responsive!
Lauren Kearns: weddings, engagements, boudoir; travels, currently based out. of Florida; so open and transparent, beautiful personality
Mary Cleary: graphic design/wedding invitations, portraits, food, events, cosplay; based out of New York City; we work together frequently
