Selecting Your Wedding Photographer

You will want to treasure your wedding photos for years to come. You'll want to look at them and show them over the years to help you remember everything - the first kiss, the first dance, and all the other things that made the day special. You will want to show your wedding photos to your children and grandchildren, therefore selecting the wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will have to make, and this requires time and attention.

You will not have a second chance for this and therefore it is crucial to find a trustworthy professional who is in tune with your vision for the day and is confident that he or she can capture this.

It is very important to reserve your wedding photographer as soon as you have set the date; some popular photographers reserve a year or more in advance, especially if you are planning a summer wedding. It would be a good idea to reserve your wedding and reception location, as they can influence the style and content of your photographs. You should also set a budget for the wedding photographer: As a general rule, wedding photographs can cost around 10 percent of the total wedding budget.

You need to think carefully about how you want your wedding photos to look. Do you prefer posed shots or do you like the idea in images that have been captured unexpectedly, often without the subject realizing they are being photographed? A modern trend is to present the wedding and reception as a story told in sequence: the choice depends entirely on your taste and preference.

When looking for your wedding photographer, you can ask newlywed friends for suggestions, or you can ask your wedding planner for advice. If you can't get a personal recommendation, try the numerous wedding magazines, all of which have ads for wedding photographers. Many wedding photographers have websites where you can view their past work. This is particularly useful if the wedding photographer does not live near you.

After doing your research, you should put together a short list and contact the various photographers by phone. This will establish if they are available on your wedding date and if they are within your budget. Most wedding photographers will be happy to send you a portfolio of sample images, either as prints or digital files, before their first meeting. Make sure the groupings are from recent weddings and are taken in a location similar to yours and also taken at the time of your wedding day - light can make a big difference in your final shot.

When you meet with your potential wedding photographer, try to find out who will take the photos. Larger studios employ multiple photographers, and even one-person outfits usually have an assistant. Sometimes the attendant takes photos of the wedding guests while the lead photographer concentrates on the bridal party. You should request to see the work of the actual photographers who will be handling your wedding.

You will have to discuss the rates. Some studios charge an hourly rate and then charge for the images you want, while others quote a flat rate that includes a specific number of prints. You often have a choice of several different packages. Make sure you understand what is included in the package. Once you have selected your Edmonton wedding photographers, you should analyze the payment terms; you generally must pay a deposit to secure your date and be sure to check the refund or cancellation policy. You should also try to establish who owns the negatives. Some photographers deliver the negatives with the wedding photos, while others save them to make more prints on demand. While it may be tempting to keep the negatives on your own, keep in mind that a professional photographer will have more experience regarding safe storage.

The most important thing is to take references before hiring your wedding photographer. Check to see if past couples have been happy with their wedding photos and if they would be prepared to recommend that particular wedding photographer.