A big part of wedding planning is ironing out what you want for your wedding photos. What kind of wedding shots do I want? Is there a specific wedding photo that’s an absolute must-have? Should I hire a professional or should I have a friend be my wedding photographer? These are all valid questions that we will unpack in this article. Hopefully by the end you will have a clear idea of how you want to approach your wedding photography.
How much does a wedding photographer cost?
If you are considering hiring someone to take wedding photos, do some thorough research. Finding one that aligns with your budget is the first step. The average cost of a wedding photographer in the US is about $2,000 dollars. The most expensive cost around $3,000 and the cheapest approximately $1,000. A thousand dollars is still quite expensive and for many Americans this rate is simply unaffordable. It’s also normal for photographers, even if their skills are quite average, to request a lot more for weddings simply because it’s reasonable within the market.
How should I choose a professional wedding photographer?
There are a few things to consider when choosing a professional wedding photographer. Obviously cost is first and foremost, but you’ll also want to be sure that their style aligns with what you envision. It’s important that the person you choose is personable, patient, and easy to work with. After all, they’re going to be there for the whole wedding party, so it’s as if they are another guest at your wedding.
It’s probably a good idea to have a clear contract in writing between you and your wedding photographer. State clearly the times they should be there, and the amount of money they should receive.
Should I ask my friend to be my wedding photographer?
These days, more and more couples are asking their friends and family to take pictures of their wedding. It’s a great way to save a lot of money. Sometimes a family member is able to do a better job because of their relationship with the couple. An intimate moment or a preferred angle might be more easily recognized by a close friend than someone who is hired for the job.
Discuss the details of the wedding day with your photographer
Once you have found the person for the job, make sure to give them clear instructions about what you want recorded. Are there parts that you don’t want to be photographed, or special moments in which you don’t want the photographer running around to capture a good angle? It’s important to think through these details so your wedding goes exactly as you imagine.
What are some wedding photo must-haves?
Although the ‘first kiss’ is generally the most important shot to capture, it’s not the only moment you’ll want a good shot of. From the bridal suite to the first dance, these are all important moments on your big day.
Getting a nice shot of the ‘first look’ when the couple make initial eye contact during the opening of the ceremony is a beautiful one. A few pictures of the venue and photos of family members without the couple will also help document the ambience and vibe of the wedding. Pictures of the cake cutting, and some romantic shots of the first dance are also must-haves for any complete wedding album. Last but not least, some shots of the wedding party and all the guests enjoying themselves are memories you’ll most certainly not regret looking back on.
Once again, if you create a list of must have shots for your wedding photographer you won’t have to worry about your most special moments getting left out.
-Bernard Paul