How to Choose A Wedding Photographer

1) Philosophy + Style //

What is the photographer's unique approach?

What do their photos typically contain, and how are they composed and edited?

            + Photojournalistic Photography // Focused on capturing events as they unfold, with little intervention from photographer

            + Editorial or Fine Art Photography // Focused on events as they unfold, with some intervention from photographer

            + High Gloss Photography // Some candid coverage, but typically a large amount of intervention from photographer

2) Price Ranges //

Approximate price ranges for the most typical package, which is two photographers, 8 hours of coverage, and digital files

           $10000-25000+ // Luxury

           $7000-10000 // Medium Tier, Upper range

           $5000-7000 // Medium Tier, Mid-Range

           $3000-5000 // Medium Tier, Lower-Range

           $2000-3000 // Often Portfolio-building professionals and associate photographers for small studios

           $1000-2000 // Large Studio offerings + Portfolio-building professionals or hobbyists

            under $1000 Student photographers, Large Studio offerings, and Portfolio-building professionals or hobbyists

3) Products + Services //

           + How many hours of coverage?

           + What are the products delivered? Files, albums, prints?

            + How many photographers? A second photographer typically helps when there are multiple locations or when having a second perspective on the event creates a fuller expression (i.e. there are 200+ guests)

            + Are there any additional added values? 

4) Personality //

          + Mutual respect and trust are key! Extra points for enjoying each other as people and sharing a sense of humor. 

To Do List:

1) EXPECTATIONS + RESOURCES: Have a discussion as a couple about your expectations of your wedding photographer. Look through blogs and Pinterest and compile a board of your favorite images. Think about your entire wedding, and rank photography in relation to your other needs so that you can prioritize funds.

2) RECOMMENDATIONS: Ask for recommendations from friends, family, and vendors. Try to be specific with your needs to get better recommendations.

3) REACH OUT: Get in contact with 3-5 of your favorite photographers within your price range and style group. Try to do this at least 6 months to one year before your wedding, if you're able.

4) MEET: Get to know the photographer and their services. Have a phone conversation with them or meet them in person. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, especially about contract items. Ask to see a full gallery sample, ask for referral couples. Do as much due diligence you need to feel confident + comfortable with your decision.

5) BOOK: Photographers will typically require a non-refundable retainer to hold your date and initiate their service process. This retainer is typically a percentage of the final package (30-50%) or a flat rate (example: $1000). The remaining balance of the package is typically due two weeks to one month prior to your wedding day. Don't forget to ask about the timeline for delivery of your products and post-production.

WE HOPE THAT THIS HELPS YOU FIND A WONDERFUL PHOTOGRAPHER!

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN HEARING MORE ABOUT WORKING WITH CITY LOVE PHOTOGRAPHY, PLEASE VISIT OUR CONTACT PAGE.