If you’re anything like me, you’ve noticed the increased amounts of BLING all over social media these last few months! Statistics say that proposals and engagements escalate from November through February. The Holidays are such a festive time and adding a little sparkle makes them even better! But, after all of the celebrating has quieted down, the question of “…now what?” is infamous for running through the minds of bride-to-be’s everywhere. Planning a Wedding can be SO. MUCH. FUN. But it can also be a whole lotta crazy if you’re not careful! One easy way to tame the crazy is to know what you want in a wedding photographer. But how do you know what you want, if you’ve never planned your wedding before? That’s what I want to shine some light on!
Photography is one of the most important things you can invest in during your Wedding planning process. After all of the decorations have been taken down, the cake has been eaten and your bouquet has been dried, the only real life filled moments you will have are your Wedding images. That’s one of the main reasons why it is so important that you invest in a photographer that values not only the art of photography, but the experience!
I’m all about the experience of photography- it’s one of the main reasons I do what I do! It’s not just about clicking a button, its about cultivating a relationship that allows my clients to be totally and uniquely themselves. My brides are guaranteed that they will not only have beautiful images, but also a beautiful experience because I’m more than just a photographer. My clients not only trust me and their experience, but they also have fun doing it! Creating an experience for my brides has allowed for me to capture images that are confident, joy-filled and timeless because that’s what I believe love is all about! None of this is possible though if I don’t take the time to make sure my bride and I are a good fit! It’s taken me a few years to understand the value of this- but it essentially what has allowed my business to grow the way it has.
Below are a few tips that will help YOU as a bride-to-be find your perfect fit in a Wedding Photographer:
– Always read a photographer’s “About Me” section on their blog or website. The key to feeling comfortable around your photographer is connecting with your photographer! If you don’t connect on something, I highly doubt you’ll feel comfortable enough to be yourself with them.
– Ask Around! The best way to know if your photographer cultivates a good experience, or is good at their job is to ask their former clients. This sounds kind of outside of the box- but trust me, it works! Message a stranger and ask them in person about their experience. It could quite possibly be your “make it or break it” when deciding who to hire.
– Meet with Them! We can learn so much about a person simply by spending 10 minutes in their presence. As to meet with them for an initial inquiry and schedule a 30 minute coffee or Skype date– then, be prepared with questions. You’ll know just by sitting with them if they’re a good fit!
– Ask Questions. Either in your initial inquiry, or in the emails that follow, ask your photographer as many questions as you can. A few really important ones that I respect hearing are:
- May I see a sample album of a full wedding you’ve photographed?
- Are you only a natural light photographer, or do you have the equipment necessary to photograph in all venues?
- What are your travel costs outside of the city you’re located in?
- What your image turn around time? (When can I expect my photos?)
- Do you have any vendors that you would recommend?
–Be Upfront About Your Budget. Don’t be ashamed of the fact that you have a budget! But also, don’t automatically discredit the possibility of hiring a photographer you *love* if they are slightly outside of your budget. Sometimes photographers even have payment plan options! As an artist I would much rather be willing to work within a client’s budget if we seemed to be a perfect fit! Also, don’t forget- these images are tangible, living memories from one of the most important days of your life. They are an investment and therefore should be invested in!
xo
AnnaFilly
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