Booking your wedding photographer - what do I need to know?

Booking a photographer of any kind is pretty important - but when it comes to your wedding day? That is an investment you’ll want to make with plenty of deliberation! Keep reading for my top five tips and tricks on the most important things you need to consider when booking your wedding photographer.

Tip #1: Make sure you like their photography style.

OK - this is so, SO important. First, figure out what you like. Do you enjoy light and bright? Dark and moody? Something in between? Create a Pinterest moodboard, if you like, to get a better sense of what you’re into.

Now that you know what style you like, look for photographers that match. Your priority should be finding a photographer that fits your desires perfectly - that way everyone is satisfied in the end!

Big faux pas to avoid: if you’re into a certain style, let’s say super warm and moody, do not expect a photographer who doesn’t shoot that way to edit your photos like that just because you like it! This is why it’s important to be cognizant of what you like and choose someone who’s going to make you pleased with the final product.

Tip #2: Know your budget.

As I’ve already mentioned, wedding photography is an investment. So, it’s important to take a look at the average wedding pricing in your area to first get a realistic guideline for how much you may be spending. A quick google search shows that the industry standard for wedding photography pricing in Ontario is $2,500-4,500, but pricing can range from $1,000-$15,000 (did your jaw drop when you read $15,000 as well? Dang!!).

Now, once you’ve decided on a loose budget, it’s time to consider what you’ll need in your wedding package - this will include hours of coverage, travel time, prints, wedding album, etc. All of these factors will contribute to any changes in pricing.

Tip #3: Your wedding photography timeline - what’s important to you?

Building off of the last tip, let’s delve into the potential itinerary of a wedding with a mock timeline:

• 10AM - Capture getting ready photos with Bride and bridal party

• 12PM - Capture getting ready photos with Groom and groomsmen

• 2PM - Private first look with wedding couple [optional]/portraits of Bride and Groom

• 3PM - Ceremony

• 3:30PM - Group photos with family and friends

• 4PM - Cocktail hour

• 5:30PM - Dinner and speeches

• 6:30PM - Cake cutting [optional]

• 7PM - Reception

When considering your timeline and hours of coverage needed, you’ll want to consider a few things: Do I want getting ready photos? Do I want to do a first look? Do I want coverage during speeches? Do I want cake-cutting photos? Do I want the reception to be captured? It’s a lot of questions, but they need to be asked.

Think about what is most important to you in getting your day photographed. If it’s just the bare bones, great! If it’s everything, cool! Your photographer will be able to give you guidance and help you make decisions, but ultimately, you’re the only person this will matter to - so take careful consideration and advice if you need it.

Tip #4: Questions to ask when first speaking with a prospective wedding photographer.

Once your wedding photographer has responded to your inquiry, they will either set up a consult call or a meeting in person to discuss your wedding needs. Here’s a few questions I’d recommend asking:

• What are your wedding packages? Can we customize a package to fit our needs?

• How much of a deposit do you require? When is the remainder of payment due?

• What is the turnaround time for images and how will they be delivered?

• What’s your typical working style? Do you prefer to be a fly on the wall and capture candid moments, or do you like to be on the front lines and take charge in posing images?

Tip #5: Plan ahead when booking your photographer.

I recommend booking your wedding photographer as soon as your venue has been booked. On average, this will be 1-2 years out from your wedding. If you’re new to the wedding world, you may think that’s really early - but it’s very common! If your heart is set on a certain photographer, their books will most likely be busy. Secure your spot as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.

If your wedding is a little more speedy, I’d recommend inquiring with your desired wedding photographer as usual, but if they are unavailable, they’ll most likely be able to point you in the direction of a few trusted professionals they’d recommend in their place!

Last words.

Your wedding photography is going to be one of the most important things you decide on in your life. Although it will take careful consideration and meaningful investment, booking your wedding photographer should be one of the least difficult decisions. Do your research and you’ll be breezing through wedding booking like no one’s business. Hope this helps.

Interested to see how we’d fit? I’d love to set up a consult call and chat about your wedding needs! Fill out the form below and let’s get to it!