Once your big day and dates are final, it’s time for some extra work. One of the vital things that needs careful selection is the photographers for weddings. To choose the right wedding photographer, you should consider certain factors like the event, venue, budget, etc.
Below are some tips that will help you choose the right wedding photographer for your big day.
1. Up-to-date Equipment:
Check if they are using the latest setup and equipment for covering a wedding. It’s crucial to ask this because a camera is the most vital thing in wedding photography. Cameras and other necessary equipment, like lenses, should not be outdated.
You should ask if they are going to use separate lenses for both solo portraits and family pictures. Photographers should use the latest cameras, like the A74, Mark 4, etc., for wedding pictures.
2. Professional and well-educated team:
Notice the staff’s behavior and what they are wearing. Staff should be educated enough to guide you properly through the whole process and answer your questions without any problem. The team should be courteous enough to show professionalism.
Wearing branded t-shirts with their brand logo shows a professional approach.
3. Customer comes first:
Customer service should be outstanding because the customer always comes first. If you have any questions, a representative should be available to assist you and sort out the problem.
You should inquire if they are punctual enough to provide the pictures and videos at a decided time. Before hiring any studio for affordable photographers in lahore, ask how many days it will take to provide data after the wedding shoot. It should be timely.
They should have a backup for the data in case of any virus or other technical problem, because this will ruin the memories of your special day.
4 . Don’t be late:
Ask when they arrive at the event because they should be punctual and arrive a few hours before the event starts to set up equipment and make themselves comfortable. They must arrive and see all the lighting, stage, and background for the photography and videography.
5. Printing and editing quality:
See the quality of their albums and what paper and album they will use for pictures. You want your wedding pictures to be preserved for a lifetime, so make sure album quality is up to the mark and will last for years.
Watch already-shot and edited pictures and videos of a random wedding, and be a judge to decide whether the photographer is worthy enough to be hired. Editing matters a lot because it will enhance the quality of your pictures and make videos more entertaining to watch.
6. Professional lady photographer:
Make sure to ask and check if the studio has any certified female photographers. A lady photographer should have proper training and knowledge on how to cover a wedding event. The female photographer should be aware of different couple poses and know how to properly do a photo shoot.
If you are looking for a female photographer who takes pictures and makes videos of females at the wedding, then ask related questions.
7. Review feedback:
Search the internet for information about the studio and read all the reviews from previous clients. Reviews help you get an idea of the studio and photographers. Read reviews related to the team’s behavior and how they behaved during the event with guests and family members.
Ask for testimonials or customer reviews from the studio, which will help you choose a photographer or wedding videographer.
8. Privacy policy:
If a studio has many different portfolios on their websites and social media pages, ask them if they take clients’ permission before uploading them.
9. Choose photography style:
Search for different photography styles and select the one you want for your wedding day pictures. Don’t be rushed; do your homework and discuss this with the photographer beforehand. So they will provide service according to what you are looking for at the event.
Decide whether you want simple and bright pictures or vintage-looking ones; the choice is yours.
10. Photography certification:
Look for certifications to see if the chosen studio has any certifications or awards related to photography. If not, then how many events have they handled successfully? These little things matter and will help you select the wedding photographer.
11. Shortlist photographers:
After researching and carefully considering all the important things, it’s time to shortlist the photographers. Shortlist them based on fee, reviews, photography style, experience, etc.
12.Decide your budget:
Do not make the mistake of researching and finding a photographer for a wedding before finalizing your budget. You do not want to choose a photographer who will be beyond your budget.
Look for wedding photographers who are located near you. And those who have posted their fees online, this way you will have an idea of how much you have to spend on your marriage pictures.
13. Finalized your venue:
It’s a smart move to search for a photographer after you have decided on your venue. After selecting the venue, you have to do extensive research to find the best-suited photographer. And try to hire a photographer at least 6 months before the event, if your wedding photographer is in high demand.
14. Recommendations from friends and family:
It’s a good idea to hit up your social connections to ask for recommendations. Ask your friends and family for some skilled photographers, who they have experience with. By doing this, you have a great chance to get good photographers on whom you can rely.
15.Contact them via website or call:
Once you decide on your venue and photographer, it’s time to tell the selected studio that you are interested in their wedding photography services. Contact them via an online form, call, or just visit them.
16. Ask for a portfolio:
You are still figuring out which studio you should go with. No problem; simply ask for a portfolio from every selected photographer. Visit their social media pages, like Facebook and Instagram, and try to see their profile.
Sometimes beginner brands try unethical ways to get fake followers and reviews, so it’s recommended to ask for a portfolio. By looking at their portfolio, you can easily decide which photographer you want to choose.
17. Take an interview:
When you ask for a portfolio, don’t just see and decide based on the best highlight reels of the photographer. Ask for complete footage of a recently shot wedding and see the footage from start to finish.
Meet the photographers, tell them about the venue, and ask if they have ever had experience shooting at your venue. If yes, then ask for that portfolio so you will have a better idea.
18. Finalize the fee:
It varies from studio to studio; some charge a one-time fee for services like photography, albums, printing, etc. Others will charge first for photography and then for all the other things post-production.
So, it’s crucial to sit down with the photographers and decide how they will charge for the wedding. And also negotiate; try to get a discount; it’s your right.
19. Follow your sixth sense:
It’s time to make the final decision. By this stage, you have followed all the guidelines, from setting a budget to finalizing the cost with a photographer. Now you have to make the last call and choose the photographer you believe suits most of your requirements.
You will feel confused about choosing among different wedding photographers, but you have to go after your gut feeling and hope for the best.
Final Thought:
As discussed, there are many things to consider to choose the right wedding photographer for your big day. It depends on how you will consider these guidelines and make the best use of them.
At Cam Studio, it’s our job to provide you with the best service possible. Services that cater to your needs and expectations. Do you need a budget estimate and want to see our portfolio? Better call us or visit us; we’ll be available for you. Cam Studio wishes you the best for your special day. Good luck.