Last updated : Tuesday, November 17, 2009

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How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

With all the planning that goes into a wedding, you'll want to make sure your photos properly portray all of the beauty, joy and happiness of the day. You may have an idea of what you want your wedding album to look like, but how can you make sure you don't end up with a bunch of pictures that look like they were taken by your Uncle Sal after one too many trips to the open bar? We spoke with Darcy Miller, Editor-in-Chief of Martha Stewart Weddings who gave us three questions to ask potential photographers.

What's Included?
Ask about everything. Anything from the timing of that day (how many hours will they be there), do they do the rehearsal dinner, do they bring a second shooter and does that cost more?

What Comes in the Package?
Does it include proofs and/or print books? Do they put the books together or do they go to someone else to make your books?

Ask to See The Portfolio
See their work of a wedding similar to yours. Usually a photographer will have a couple images from different weddings so it's their best picture from Italy, their best from Nantucket so all the pictures are great. But make sure you see photos from a wedding that is similar in feeling to yours, whether it was indoor or outdoor, what the space and lighting were like. I know brides whom have fallen in love with one romantic picture from a portfolio and they like that style, but then after their wedding they complain they didn't get any pictures of the bridesmaids. A lot of photographers don't want to do group shots, so make sure you know what you're getting. Ask to see pictures from the beginning of the ceremony to the end of the reception. For every vendor at your wedding it has to be the right fit, both budget-wise and what you're looking for.

For more advice on planning your wedding, go back to the Love Section. 

 

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