MISTAKES TO AVOID WHEN CHOOSING A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

When looking for a wedding photographer in your area, it can be overwhelming to navigate through numerous websites, captivating Instagram profiles, and charming Facebook posts.

To assist couples in their search for the ideal wedding photographer, we present the most common blunders made by couples and offer guidance on avoiding them.

FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WANTS TO BE AT YOUR WEDDING

Select a reliable individual who will ensure a seamless and organized wedding experience. Opt for someone with whom you can easily communicate and who genuinely grasps your desired wedding atmosphere. How can you identify them? When you engage in conversation, they demonstrate greater interest in understanding you rather than simply outlining print sizes and costs.

If you come across a photographer who’s just in it for the money, it should be fairly obvious. They’ll be more interested on selling you their biggest package over talking about your wedding day.

IS THIS SOMEONE YOU WANT TO SPEND YOUR WEDDING DAY WITH

Avoid repeating the unpleasant experience of the weird uncle who photographed your cousins wedding.

Instead, choose a professional who will turn your posed photo sessions into enjoyable, unforgettable, and exhilarating moments! Wondering how to identify the right fit? During your conversation with the photographer, inquire about their comfort level with your family members capturing shots beside them. If they remain relaxed and accommodating, it's a sure sign that everyone will have a fantastic time.

At the end of your wedding day a good photographer will leave you remembering how you felt, not how you were posed.

LOOK FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS SOME FLEXIBILITY IN THEIR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY STYLES

When searching for a photographer, it's important to explore various options and find the one that aligns with your personal style. Each photographer has their own unique approach, so take the time to discover which one suits your aesthetic preferences. Consider different styles such as Traditional, Black & White, Candid, Romantic, Modern, or Photo-journalistic.

Additionally, make sure to assess how each photographer handles both indoor and outdoor settings. Can they capture stunning portraits as well as candid moments? Keep in mind that the photographer's creativity, personality, and the connection you establish with them are what make your wedding photos special and your expressions truly authentic!

ASK TO SEE A FULL WEDDING GALLERY

When searching for a photographer for your wedding in Ontario and Quebec, it's important to find someone who showcases a variety of ceremony and reception photos on their websites and social media.

Before making a decision, ensure that you absolutely adore their ability to capture every aspect of a wedding day. It's recommended to view a complete wedding gallery before deciding if the photographer is right for you.

This is important because many photographers primarily feature styled shoots on social media, which can differ significantly from real wedding scenarios. To ensure you'll cherish the photos from your special day, it's essential to request photos from a real wedding!

NOT MEETING THEIR PHOTOGRAPHER FIRST

By meeting your photographer beforehand, you can assess your compatibility. If you struggle or feel awkward during the meeting, it may translate into your photos. However, if you instantly click and it feels like conversing with an old friend, your wedding photos will exude a sense of fun, authenticity, and enjoyment. Your most remarkable shots will capture genuine moments of you having a blast and cherishing the special day.

Consider arranging an in-person meeting, video call or scheduling an engagement shoot, to establish a connection with your photographer.

PROVIDE A SHOT LIST BUT DON’T MICRO MANAGE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

When hiring your ideal wedding photographer, you choose them based on your admiration for their style, your comfort in working with them, and your trust in their abilities.

While it's fine to communicate a few desired shots such as family portraits or pictures of the bride with her mother, avoid overwhelming your photographer with an extensive list of specific photos. Remember, you hired them because you trust their expertise and have already seen their complete portfolios, appreciating their unique style.

Allow them to document genuine emotions and use their years of knowledge to create a beautiful narrative of your special day.

However, do inform your photographer if you have any specific family portraits in mind, providing a list of desired group shots. You can even assign a guest to help gather the required individuals on the wedding day. It's important to note that these requests are more related to traditional family photos with important people.

Ensure that you allocate enough time, particularly for group shots, as it may take a while to gather the key individuals you want in the photographs. Notify your guests in advance about the time and location for group photos. On the other hand, don't let this aspect dominate your day. Remember to enjoy and have fun, as you don't want memories of your wedding day filled with stress over numerous group shots.

HIRING THE CHEAPEST PHOTOGRAPHER

We hesitate to say this because it's not always true, but when it comes to your wedding photography, the saying "you get what you pay for" often holds weight. Opting for a cheaper option or relying on Uncle Bill and his fancy camera may initially seem like a smart way to save money, but chances are high that you'll regret it later.

Considering that your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, it's crucial to realize that settling for a cheaper alternative can lead to disappointment. There are countless stories like this all over social media. It happens more often than you'd think, so don't assume it won't happen to you.

That being said, it's possible to conduct your own thorough evaluation and find a talented individual who may be offering their services at a lower cost because they're just starting out or for other reasons.

During your search, remember the importance of investing a bit more money in a photography team that has a strong track record, positive testimonials, and captivating shots.

If you would like to speak with us about being your photographer, please contact us. We would be happy to answer any questions you have.

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