So you're engaged or you're about to be engaged and you have a million decisions to make. The perfect wedding photographer for you and your groom is out there, somewhere, just waiting for you to stumble over their ad, website, or Facebook page. There will be, however, things that will not go to plan and you need to be prepared for that; so, below you can find tips to avoid the pitfalls that come with hiring your wedding photographer.
Dealing with a lack of communication
As a bride, communication between you and your photographer is absolutely essential; however, we all know that brides can be difficult and the photographers can be stubborn. Sometimes, the personalities between a bride and her photographer simply don't match. The trth is, however, that your photographer needs you to run his/her her business and you need your photographer to help preserve the wonderful memories from your wedding. A good way to avoid miscommunication is to discuss your own expectations with your photographer and to go over potential shots for your wedding album.
Schedule Changes
There are almost always changes in schedule in a wedding. Not only that, but weddings can run late. This is disappointing; however, it's important not to get upset with your photographer or the other staff you've hired if they need to charge you more by the hour. Perhaps the best way to deal with this is remain calm and to prepare ahead of time for these potential complications and allocate some funds in case of things don't go as planned. In my case, I do offer unlimited hours in some of my packages, so be sure to ask about that if you want peace of mind, at least as far as photography goes.
Don't Settle
Don't settle for a photographer that isn't right for your wedding. Often, a bride will skim through the photo albums and settle for a photographer who seems to have a few decent pictures but more than anything fits the budget. If you don't find someone who can record every detail of your wedding with a style you adore, don't go with him or her and don't expect to have the best wedding album in the world when you settle. Also remember that you get exactly what you pay for.
Sign a Contract
Be sure to sign a contract when you hire any service. Your wedding photographer is responsible for preserving one of the most memorable days of your life. A contract ensures you get what you pay for and it ensures that your photographer gets paid; therefore, it only covers you and your photographer.
Conclusion
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life and you want to be sure that you've chosen the right people to help bring it to life. In order to avoid complications, be sure to sign a contract, discuss expectations, be prepared for schedule changes, and choose the right photographer for the job.