How To Select the Right Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Mitra! Your traveling editorial wedding and elopement photographer. I am happy you’re here and if you’d like to know more about you can read more here.
If you are wondering how to select the right wedding photographer for you you’ve come to the right place! In this blog I will address things like : How to determine if the investment is worth it, things to look for in a wedding photographer and so much more. I’ll be here to give you the rundown on what to look for when it comes to booking your wedding photographer. Trust me, it’s not as easy at it sounds. These photos will FOREVER be apart of you and your partner’s life. You’ll find that these photographs will become some of your most prized possessions over the years. Choose wisely.
Pola + Davide, Lake Como Wedding at Villa Carlotta
At the beginning of your search for a wedding photographer you’ll have to decide on a style you love — and a style you VISUALIZE yourself in. Once you narrow down that then you are able to find the ones you want to inquire with. You’ll use their contact form to inquire and then you’ll wait and hope that they are. Before you start having your consults here are a few things to consider after you know if they are available for your wedding or elopement date:
Make sure that the photographer is professional and punctual. If they are on time for your call, that’s always a good sign. It’s important that they are personable and excited about your wedding day! I can’t imagine you’d want to work with someone on your wedding day that wasn’t truly excited to be there with you. You can LOVE their work, but if their professionalism and how they are personality wise don’t mesh with you, it might not be the best fit.
PLEASE make sure the photographer is licensed and insured. This is a big one and something I discuss on all of my calls. A large majority of wedding venues will ask that all vendors be licensed and have insurance. This will fall on you — You owe it to yourself and your partner to be sure you are hiring and working with legal businesses. You never know what can happen and making sure your photographer (and the rest of your vendors) have the legal documents and insurance to cover your wedding for their business is important.
To tag on to the above : Make sure you are paying your vendors securely online. Not through Zelle or Venmo. Protect yourself and make sure you have a contract. The contract protects us, the vendors, as well as you. We should all be using them.
Decide what your wedding budget is and what part of that you will allocate towards your wedding photographer. Having this budget in mind will help you and the photographer. Be prepared to pay a retainer ( I collect a 30% retainer) and sign a contract.
Keep in mind, you are hiring THEM, so don’t be afraid to ask questions! Voice any concerns you may have or just overall questions about the photographer’s process, packages, or even their personality. If you are thinking it — ask it. That’s what we are here for.
You can usually tick your boxes off during the initial consultation call (which I also highly recommend doing; if not a zoom call, at least phone call). If this photographer has checked all the boxes, is in your budget and has your wedding date available, do yourself a favor and book ON the spot. If booking on the spot isn’t an option, I do recommend you reach out as soon as you are able to + secure this wedding vendor. You never know when another couple will inquire for the same date with that same photographer — and you possibly lose your opportunity if they book before you. I have had this happen many times over the years.
Liked these tips? Follow my blog for more tips and advice and as always, you can find me on Instagram!
If you like what you see on my portfolio page and you’re looking to book a wedding photographer or even an elopement photographer, check me out and let’s get in touch!!
