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The 5 Biggest Mistakes Brides Make When Choosing Their Wedding Photographer

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Mistake #1: Focusing on the Package and Not the Pictures

Very often brides are so focused on the items a photographer is including in the wedding package, that they miss what is most important…hiring the photographer who can capture the very best images.

When your groom sees you for the first time

When your father gives you away

Your first dance

It is the images that will remind you of these moments, so why focus on anything else other than hiring the very best photographer? What I have seen a lot is a bride who is “shopping” for the items that a photographer includes in his/her wedding package–items like a wedding album, additional hours of coverage, a second photographer, an image disk, etc. After the wedding day, is that really what’s most important? These extras are good, but take my advice and focus on hiring the very best photographer you can afford to hire.

Mistake #2: Not Knowing Much About Photography

Some brides know exactly what they want and understand what makes a great image, while others don’t see the difference from one image to the next. There is a big difference in the way an image is captured from one photographer to the next as well as a variety of photographic styles. That’s the reason you need to spend time reviewing the work of different photographers. The best place to start is at the top. Go view the work of nationally and internationally ranked wedding photographers. Google it. Go and see what it is that sets their work apart from everyone else. The images you see have more to do with the photographer’s artistic ability and experience than anything else… What’s important is for you to find the style you like best and to identify what makes those images appealing to you. Then, hire one of those photographers — unless the photographer is already booked or if you’re budget want allow you to do that : ). If that’s the case, then use the experience as you search for your own photographer by trying to find one who has the type of style and work you like best. Taking this all a step further, be sure you feel comfortable with your photographer. No matter how good the photographer’s work, if you and your photographer don’t get along it will likely come across in your photos.

Mistake #3: Last Minute Booking

The longer you wait to book a photographer, the more likely it is that you will miss the opportunity to book the photographer you want. Simple as that. Photographers generally start booking their schedules anywhere from six months to two years in advance. So start your search early.

Mistake #4: Price Shopping

Of course you are on a budget, but don’t make the mistake of only looking at the price. Your photographs are such an important part of documenting your day.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the Fine Print

“It was a big surprise to me when my photographer contacted me a week before my wedding and said she would be sending two of her assistants because she double booked…”

The single most important thing you can do to protect yourself from situations like this is to make sure you read and understand the details of your wedding contract. Every photographer should have a wedding contract or agreement that covers all of the details. If there is anything that is not clear to you or not covered in the contract, ask the photographer to clarify it in writing.