When it comes to the success of a wedding, selecting a good photographer and videographer is one of the most essential decisions couples make. After all, their job is to preserve the memories of one of the most important days of your life, and how those memories are captured can impact the way you look back on the event for years to come.
A wedding photographer and videographer are not just there to take pictures or shoot video, they are storytellers. They capture the emotion, the ambiance, the intimate moments, and the energy of the entire event. These images and videos become your memories, your keepsakes, and the way you’ll relive the day. But the right style, approach, and experience can vary greatly from one vendor to another, and these factors are key to ensuring the images and video match the couple’s vision and expectations.
There are many different styles of photography and videography, and couples need to choose a vendor whose style aligns with their vision for the day. For example:
- Fine Art Photography: Often characterized by soft lighting, airy compositions, and timeless elegance. This style focuses on creating images that feel artistic, almost like paintings.
- Moody Photography: Known for its dramatic lighting, deep shadows, and rich tones, this style is more cinematic and evokes emotion through darker, more intimate visuals.
- Photojournalism: Focuses on candid moments, telling the story of the wedding day as it naturally unfolds. The goal is to capture moments without staging or interference, creating a documentary-style experience.
- Cinematic Videography: Similar to fine art or photojournalistic photography, but with the added element of storytelling through video. A good videographer will create a wedding film that’s not just a recording but a cinematic experience.
Given the variety of styles and approaches, it’s crucial that couples spend time vetting potential photographers and videographers. Here’s how to do it:
- Check Social Media and Portfolios: Instagram, Facebook, and other platforms like Pinterest or personal websites are excellent ways to get a feel for a vendor’s style. A good photographer or videographer will regularly post their best work, and you should look at several recent events to see if their style resonates with you. Pay attention to the lighting, framing, composition, and editing style. Does it match your vibe? Is it what you envisioned for your wedding day?
- Look at Full Galleries or Videos: Social media can offer glimpses, but checking out a full wedding gallery (or a full wedding film for videographers) will give you a more accurate idea of their work. A good photographer will be consistent throughout the day, from getting ready shots to the ceremony, reception, and dance party.
- Ask for Recommendations or Reviews: Word-of-mouth and online reviews are key indicators of a vendor’s reliability and quality of work. Ask friends, family, or your wedding planner if they’ve worked with or know of reputable photographers and videographers.
While choosing a vendor based on style is important, it’s also essential to consider your budget. Wedding photography and videography can be expensive, but there’s often a direct correlation between price and quality. Be honest about your budget and make sure you are selecting someone within that range. The key here is that you get what you pay for, so please be cautious if something seems too good to be true. You want a vendor who can not only create beautiful images and video but also deliver quality and professional service.
When you’ve found a photographer or videographer you love, read the contract carefully. It’s easy to be excited and just sign the dotted line, but this document protects both you and the vendor. Make sure the vendor has clearly stated their hourly rate in case there’s a delay. Weddings rarely run exactly on time, so you want to know what’s going to happen if things run long (for example, if the ceremony starts late or if family portraits take longer than expected). Understand the conditions of canceling the contract. Weddings can be unpredictable, so it’s important to know what happens if you need to cancel or postpone. What happens to your deposit? Are there any penalties for last-minute changes?
The timeline for the delivering of your photos and video is also crucial. Typically, photographers may take 6/8 weeks to deliver a gallery, and videographers may take a bit longer. Knowing this in advance helps you manage expectations. Avoid vendors who promise rushed results that may compromise quality.
Finally, the relationship between you and your photographer and videographer should be collaborative. Good vendors are communicative and open to hearing your ideas, but they also bring their expertise to the table. Having a pre-wedding meeting or phone call to discuss your expectations, shot lists, and timeline is essential. This ensures the photographer and videographer understand exactly what you’re hoping to capture and can plan accordingly.
Your choice of photographer and videographer is critical to preserving your wedding memories and all these steps will help you choose a vendor who captures your day beautifully, and delivers results you’ll cherish for years to come.
