So, you’ve got the ring, taken all the selfies, and started daydreaming about your honeymoon adventures. But reality hits: it’s time to dive into planning. Whether it’s hiring a planner or picking the perfect date, there’s so much to juggle.
While I can’t sort out your guest list or ensure your dream venue is available, I can help with one critical aspect: hiring the right photographer. Sure, I’d love for you to choose me, but my goal here is to make sure you don’t end up with regrets. These photos will be your cherished memories, the snapshots you’ll reflect on for years, and possibly share with future generations.
So, you don’t want to be looking back at subpar photos, right? Thought so. That’s why I’m here to guide you.
Let’s start with the legal stuff. In the US, the person who takes the photo owns the copyright. This means if you take a photo or hire a professional, they own the rights unless specified otherwise in a contract. Contracts are crucial—they protect both you and the photographer from misunderstandings and potential legal issues. It’s rare for photographers to give away full rights unless it’s a high-profile gig, like a celebrity wedding.
Typically, you’ll get personal usage rights and possibly printing rights, allowing you to share, download, and print your photos. Some photographers operate differently, so it’s essential to understand the terms before you hire someone.
Remember, personal usage rights don’t include editing the images yourself. If you want changes, communicate with your photographer. Editing photos without permission isn’t just disrespectful—it’s illegal. Think of it this way: you wouldn’t buy a custom wedding cake and then redecorate it yourself, right?
Follow this guide to find a photographer whose style matches your vision, so you won’t feel the need to make any changes. It’s all about finding the right fit and maintaining good communication.
The Style of the Photographer
There are countless wedding and elopement photographers around the world, each with their own unique style. Every artist is dedicated to perfecting their craft, investing time and money into how they shoot, which lenses they use, their preferred camera brands, and the tones they create in their images. Some shoot in both film and digital—like me, hello!
Explore your options and note what you like. Do you prefer editorial poses that look like art, or candid moments that capture pure emotion? Bright, contrasted colors or warm, muted tones? Black and white elegance, or images full of movement and blur?
Look at photographers' portfolios, regardless of your budget. Identify what you do and don’t like. Emotional close-ups or wide shots that showcase the scenery? Save your favorites on Pinterest, and consider joining wedding groups on Facebook for recommendations based on your inspirations.
Think long-term: Will this editing style still appeal to you years from now? Some photographers desaturate greens or use orange skin tones—will that style endure the test of time? Our brains attach memories to photos, influencing how we remember events. Choosing the right photographer ensures you cherish your memories forever.
Your memories deserve the best, and I’m here to help you find a photographer whose style matches your vision.
Preparedness
When hiring a photographer, especially a professional, it's crucial to ensure your images are safe. Do they have backup equipment? What plans do they have in place if something goes wrong? Personally, I bring two digital cameras with dual slots, so if one camera fails or an SD card corrupts, your images are still safe. I carry multiple lenses and memory cards and ensure my batteries are fully charged.
I also bring my laptop and hard drives to back up your images immediately in two places. Plus, I have business insurance that covers my equipment in case it breaks (like my laptop did in December 2022). I even have online backups. All of these measures ensure your images are protected.
You only get this day once, so hire someone who takes this as seriously as you do. This diligence comes from years of experience and learning from challenging situations. It's why professional photographers charge what they do. The equipment, insurance, and backups aren’t cheap, but the peace of mind is invaluable.
Investing in a professional photographer is always worth it. These images will last a lifetime and become your legacy, your proof of existence. They’re what you’ll look back on as a testament to the love you shared with your best friend.
If you’re okay with hiring an amateur, that’s fine too. Just have a detailed discussion about your expectations and vision to avoid any disappointment.
Day of Priorities
I've heard it all: "My photographer didn’t get photos of all my guests," or "They didn’t capture my invitations, menu, shoes, and earrings!" It’s crucial to write down your priorities. Are detail shots of flowers, accessories, and tables important to you? Check photographers' work—if they frequently post detail shots on Instagram or in their galleries, they likely enjoy capturing those. If you’re more into candid shots of the people you care about (my personal favorite), look for a photographer whose portfolio is filled with those moments.
Photographers usually have a list of shots they like to capture for their gallery. If you have specific requests, let them know. I always ask if there are any special guests or items they'd like photographed. However, providing pages of shot requests can be counterproductive. I once missed special candid moments because I was busy following a long list of shots. Experienced photographers have a mental checklist of important shots and don’t need a detailed list.
Ultimately, trust is key. Find someone you can rely on because you have enough to think about when your big day arrives.
With my years of experience and dedication to capturing your unique story, I ensure your special day is documented beautifully and thoughtfully. Let’s work together to create memories that will last a lifetime. Reach out today to secure your date and start planning your perfect photography experience!
