How to Book Your Wedding Day Photographer
1. Research Photographers
When searching for your photo and video team, the best place to start is by researching creatives local to where you’re getting married (unless you want to fly your photo/video team in) and deciding who you are interested in meeting with.
Look through photographer websites and social media accounts and ask yourself these questions:
Does their personality fit well with myself + my partner?
Do their images align with my style?
Do their films resonate with me?
What emotions does their work evoke?
Do I enjoy the unique perspective they capture on the wedding day?
It is also important to check their style. When you look at their portfolio, is there consistency in their style? Do they have clean editing? Do you like the way that they edit and color-grade? Do you like the way that they pose their couples?
2. Set up a MEETING
Once you have chosen a few photographers and videographers to meet with, schedule consultations and bring the following to your meeting:
Key Details of Your Day:
Date
Location(s)/Venue(s)
Time/Schedule (even if it's a rough draft!)
Ideal Event Coverage: When do you want them there? But also ask what they would recommend!
Any other vendors you've booked
Why You're Interested in Them:
Reasons you love their style
What draws you to their work?
Which package most interests you?
If you want a second shooter
This information helps the photographer get to know you, your day, who else they might be working with, and more details about what to expect from the experience. It also shows them that you’ve really looked into their work, reviews, and portfolio and have a sense for who they are and what they provide.
BIG TIP: Ask your photographer for a full photo album or your videographer for a full wedding video to get a sense for ALL that they provide to their clients, not just the small pieces you've seen in the beautiful Instagram feed or website portfolio they've created.
3. Ask Questions
After sharing your key information with the vendor- have a conversation with them! Here are some questions that you can ask in this call:
What does your package include?
What’s your approach on wedding days?
How do you serve your clients in a unique way?
How comfortable are you with indoor lighting, low-lit ceremonies, etc.?
What is your booking process like?
What type of communication should we expect prior to the wedding?
How many photos do we receive with our package
What is your editing style?
How and when did you get started in the business
What is your turnaround time for photos?
How do you choose music for our videos?
How do you tell the story of our wedding day through your art form?
What is the turnaround time for our wedding video?
Are revisions or additional edits allowed?
Do you offer drone footage? Raw footage or audio?
Are you licensed and insured?
These questions will help you know whether the photographer/videographer is a good fit for you and your big day. If you choose the right team, they are able to turn your wedding day into images and videos that tell a story that you can relive over and over. A little preserved moment in time for you to keep and share with each other, your friends, and family, and maybe one day pass it on as a family heirloom.
♥ The Everson Events Team
