Photographer is one of the things which you need to book early enough so you can be sure you have the one you like the most. Before you begin researching photographers, first you'll need to decide what type of photography style you prefer. That will help determine which kind of photographer you'll want shooting your wedding. Photographs aren't things you can hear, smell, taste or even feel at first—you don't really know what you're getting until you get your own album, but than can be too late to react.
Carefully review potential photographers' websites and blogs to check out photos of other weddings they've shot, which will give you an idea of their style. The design of the website may also have clues about the photographer's personality and sensibility. Check out their Facebook and Instagram pages too, if possible. Is the feedback from clients positive? How does the photographer respond?
How to choose the best one FOR YOU?
You must meet your potential photographers in person, you can't decide only by reviews and perfect web page. If you like what you see on their site—and their fees are in your budget —call to see if they're available for your wedding date. If the photographer is already booked on your date, you may want to see if they have an associate or can recommend another shooter with a similar style. Set up in-person meetings with three to five potential photographers who are available on your wedding date to look at more of their work.
1. Set up interviews
Don't base your decision on what you see in a photographer's highlights gallery or album. Photographers show prospective clients a portfolio of their best pictures, all from different weddings, so you're seeing the best of the best.
Ask to see some full galleries from real weddings they've shot so you can get an idea how will your album look after the wedding.
When reviewing a photographer's album, look for the key moments you want captured: Did they get photos of both the bride and the groom when they locked eyes for the first time? Also look for thoughtful compositions (does a shot look good the way it was framed, or is there too much clutter in the frame?) and good lighting (beware of washed-out pictures where small details are blurred—unless that's the style you're after).
2. Ask for real wedding Albums
Don't underestimate the importance of liking and bonding with your photographer. You've seen theirs work, but make sure that you like their personality. They'll be shadowing your every move, and the more comfortable both of you are with the photographer, the better the photos will turn out. To get the best photos, your photographer needs to be assertive enough to seek out great moments, he must be invisible to catch relaxed smiles and natural stances from guests, and calm enough to be a positive force.
3. You need to like your photographer
When interviewing photographer, ask for a general range based on the photographer's standard "shooting fee" and package, plus their standard rates for the type of album you think you'll want and the amount of coverage you're hoping to book them for. It's important to find out what's included in the standard package, plus the basic range for any extras you may want, like an engagement shoot or additional coverage, so you can compare rates. In particular, find out exactly how many hours of coverage are included.
4. Compare packages
Ideally, you want your photographer to be there for your full wedding day—from when you start getting ready until after you make your grand exit from the reception. While packages vary, most include about 6 to 12 hours to cover everything from preceremony events (getting ready with your bridesmaids or first-look photos) to the end of the reception. It's usually better to pay for more coverage if there's a chance you'll run over and you definitely want your photographer there until the end (overtime is usually charged at a higher hourly rate). Have in mind whether you'll want to do an engagement shoot or have your photographer shoot other events during your wedding weekend.
Before choosing the best one you'll need to do some homework. Careful research and selectiveness regarding professional skills is demand before final decision.
Once your wedding has happened, you’re going to want to get your hands on your photos asap. But it will take some time before you'll have them in your hands.
After you choose "the one" photographer for you, the most important thing is to have sign on the contract.
5. Be aware of your rights and stick to contract
The contract should include delivery timeline, will you get hi-res JPGs or will you have to order prints through the photographer? What publication rights will your photographer have? If you want control of where your photos are published, ask for that in advance. Sometimes asking photographers to not publish your work means they charge you extra, since free advertising is what keeps their costs down. Sometimes that’s worth it. And finally, find out if you’ll get access to your unprocessed images.
