Choosing Your Wedding Photo and Video Team
Your wedding day is one of the most significant and memorable events in your life. Capturing those precious moments through photography and videography is essential to preserving the memories for years to come. Here’s a guide on how to choose the perfect wedding photographer and videographer to ensure your special day is immortalized beautifully.
1. Determine Your Style
Before you start searching, decide on the style of photography and videography you prefer. Do you like candid, documentary-style shots, or do you prefer more traditional, posed photos? Understanding your style will help you narrow down your choices to professionals who specialize in that particular aesthetic. Be sure to ask your potential team about this, too.
Tom and I personally do a mix of both. We might style you for traditional shots (for grandma’s mantle) but then play games in between or ask you silly questions about each other. This loosens you up to get real genuine reactions and smiles. We never want you to feel uncomfortable in front of the camera. We try to make it as easy as possible and coach you through where we want you to put your hands.
2. Do Your Research
Start by researching photographers and videographers in your area. Look at their portfolios and read reviews from previous clients. Websites, social media pages, and wedding blogs are great resources to find reputable professionals. Pay attention to the consistency and quality of their work.
Be sure to check out their blog for some previous weddings. If they don’t have access to full galleries of their work, ask for them! Instagram and websites are great platforms to see someones best work but don’t always show the full picture. Be sure to get an example of what you might expect to receive after the wedding is over.
3. Set a Budget
Wedding photography and videography can be a significant investment, so it’s crucial to set a budget early on. Prices can vary widely based on experience, location, and package inclusions. Determine what you’re comfortable spending and look for professionals who fit within that range. Remember, you often get what you pay for in terms of quality and service.
We can’t tell you how many times a couple has booked us for one service and gotten someone significantly cheaper to do video. Unfortunately, we can’t guarantee that your experience with us will be the same since we’re not used to working with that person. We might have a shorter window to do photos if you videographer needs more time to capture video portraits, etc. That’s all fine and nothing we haven’t worked with before, but just be aware of how things can change for everyone due to one vendor! If you’re working with us and our service is out of your budget – ask us about an associate shooter (they might be a cheaper option for you!)
4. Schedule Interviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your list, schedule interviews with potential photographers and videographers. Meeting in person or virtually allows you to gauge their professionalism, personality, and passion for their work. Ask about their experience, equipment, and backup plans in case of emergencies.
We always tell our couples, really make sure you like someone’s personality because they’ll be with you all day on your most important day! Their tone can change the way you feel all day. Be sure to ask them how they run the day and see if you can find reviews that mention this as well.
5. Review Full Galleries and Videos
Like we mentioned earlier, while portfolios showcase a professional’s best work, it’s essential to see full wedding galleries and videos to understand their consistency and style throughout an entire event. This will give you a more accurate representation of what to expect on your wedding day.
6. Check References
Ask for references from past clients to get a sense of their experience working with the photographer or videographer. Inquire about their reliability, punctuality, and how well they captured the essence of the wedding day. Positive references can provide peace of mind and confidence in your decision.
Check out some of our past reviews on our google profile and the knot profile!
7. Consider Packages and Inclusions
Photographers and videographers often offer different packages with varying levels of coverage and additional services. Consider what is included in each package, such as engagement shoots, albums, additional photographers or videographers, and editing services. Choose a package that aligns with your needs and preferences.
We provide some pre made packages that help you envision what we typically see on a wedding day. Our goal is to help guide you to what you personally need on the day of, as every wedding is as unique as you are! You can check out more package information by inquiring with us!
8. Trust Your Gut
Finally, trust your instincts. Choose professionals who make you feel comfortable and confident. They will be spending a significant amount of time with you on your wedding day, so it’s essential to feel at ease with them.
By following these steps, you can find the perfect wedding photographer and videographer to capture the timeless love and joy of your special day. With the right professionals, you’ll have beautiful memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Want to chat and see if we’d be a good fit for your wedding day? Contact us today!
