Common Mistakes Couples Make When Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Your wedding photos are the only thing (besides your spouse, hopefully) that will last you a lifetime. Yet, so many couples make critical mistakes when choosing their wedding photographer. They either go cheap, rush their decision, or pick someone based on their Instagram hype rather than real skills. And the result? Blurry, lifeless, or downright pathetic wedding photos.
So, if you don’t want to end up with a wedding album that looks like a last-minute school project, avoid these common mistakes when choosing someone for photography for weddings.
Avoid These Mistakes When It Comes to Photography for Weddings
Hiring a Friend with a “Nice” Camera
We get it. Your cousin or best friend just got a fancy DSLR and is “really” into photography. But wedding photography is not just about owning an expensive camera. It's about knowing how to use it under certain conditions. Only professionals experienced in photography for weddings know how to deal with bad lighting, sudden panic attacks of the bride, and children photobombing every shot.
A wedding is not the time for a beginner to practice. If your friend messes up, there are no do-overs. Hire someone who knows what they are doing.
Not Researching the Photographer’s Style
Every wedding photographer has their own style of photography. Some can take requests and adapt and some like to stick to their style. So, if you do not take the time to understand a photographer’s style, you might end up with wedding photos that don’t match your Pinterest board.
How to avoid this mistake?
- Look through their full portfolio and not just their Instagram page.
- Ask if they specialize in the type of shots you want for yourself.
- Make sure their editing style is consistent with your requirements.
Choosing Based on Price Alone
Yes, weddings are expensive and photography is a big investment. But let’s be real—good photographers charge what they do for a reason. If you go for the cheapest option, you are likely getting someone inexperienced, unreliable, or someone who is just not good at their job.
And if you think wedding photography is expensive, wait until you see how much it costs to fix bad photos (if they are even fixable). Think of photography for weddings as an investment and not as an expense. You’ll be looking at these photos for decades. Make sure they’re worth it.
Not Meeting the Photographer in Person
You don’t just need a photographer—you need someone you click with right away. This person will be following you around all day, capturing emotional and raw moments. And if they make you uncomfortable, it is bound to show in your photos.
How to fix this?
- Meet them for a coffee or set up a video call.
- See how they communicate. Are they friendly? Do they understand your vision?
- Ask about their experience with weddings similar to yours.
Your photographer should feel like a trusted friend and not a stranger pointing a camera in your face.
Skipping the Pre-Wedding Shoot
Pre-wedding shoots are not just about getting cute photos for your Instagram grid. Think of them as a test run. They help you get comfortable in front of the camera and give you a chance to see how your photographer works.
The best part is that if you end up hating the pre-wedding photos, you still have time to switch photographers before the big day.
Not Asking About Backup Plans
What happens if your photographer gets sick? What if their camera malfunctions? What if it rains? Professionals in the industry still deliver the best photography for weddings as they have backup plans for everything.
To be on the safe side, you can ask them these questions:
- Do you have any backup equipment?
- What happens if you can’t make it on the day?
- How do you handle unexpected weather changes?
If their answers seem vague and unprepared, there is no point wasting your hard-earned money on them.
Ignoring the Contract Details
These days, verbal agreements mean nothing. If your photographer is not willing to sign a contract outlining the services, pricing, and deadline, walk away. A contract protects both you and the photographer. The last thing you want is to be ghosted after the wedding with no photos in hand.
Booking Too Late
The best wedding photographers book out days—sometimes months, in advance. If you wait until the last minute, you’ll be left with whoever is available (not necessarily the best). Make sure to book your photographer as soon as you set your date. Because the earlier, the better.
Not Giving the Photographer a Shot List
Make a list of must-have shots including family portraits, detail shots of the dress, and any specific moments you want captured. Without a shot list, you might end up missing crucial photos. With that said, give your photographer the creative freedom to make your picture your own.
Final Thoughts
Everyone wants their wedding photos to turn out amazing, it is the reflection of your big day. But if you fall into any of these traps, you could end up with pictures that make you cringe instead of smile. When looking for the best photography for weddings, focus on skill, reliability, and personality rather than just the price. Meet your photographer, review their work, and ensure they match your vision
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