how to find the perfect photographer

{Photo credit: Leigh Miller}

Finding a photographer can be a challenging task—you need to find one that fits your personality, usually lives in your city or is available to travel to you, is within your budget and is available on your date. Photographers typically start booking more than a year out, so don’t hesitate to start looking once you’ve started planning. You might be tempted to find a photographer on listings from big websites (which sometimes charge money to list with), but don’t forget to poke around wedding blogs, ask your friends, look at local publication sites and ask the wedding experts in your area. They can match your style to a photographer. Below are some topics you might have a few questions on, hopefully this will give you some helpful planning advice when approaching photography.

{Photo credit: Angelica Glass}

Film vs. Digital: It's About the Look

A majority of photographers today use digital and brides and grooms are enjoying access to high resolution images. Typically, film photographers scan their photographs into high resolution images, so the choice is more style than function.

Film examples:
Liz Banfield
Jose Villa
Elizabeth Messina
Jonathan Canlas
A Byran Photography
Rober Sukrachand
Lisa Lefkowitz

{Photo credit: Jose Villa}

Digital examples:

Leigh Miller
Kate Headley
Tec Petaja
Jessica Johnston
Angelica Glass
Sean Flanigan
Whitebox Weddings
Luna Photo

{Photo credit: Kate Headley}

Some photographers shoot both...check out photographer Carrie Patterson’s film vs. digital comparison

Packages & Costs

Photographer's rates are based on a number of factors, as is your budget for photography. In the mid-Atlantic/DC area, budgeting $1000 is unrealistic for a well-seasoned photographer; you don’t want to leave your wedding memories to someone without proper equipment and experience. Consider budgeting $3000-$7000. Rates are based on their package contents, their experience and artistic quality. A basic package typically contains digital images and proofs. The higher packages typically contain a high quality album, an engagement session, a second photographer and other goodies.

{Photo credit: Jonathan Canlas}

Photographers typically spend much of the day before the wedding preparing, the entire wedding day with you shooting away and then about countless hours editing, sorting, preparing and delivering your images. Your photographer's time and expertise is valuable, and not to mention the professional equipment they use to document your day. {Tip} Many photographers list a ‘starting at’ rate on their website, use that to get started.

Booking

Your contract will cover package details, timelines, copyright {usually held by the photographer} and the deposit, which is due upon signing and is typically non-refundable.

{Photo credit: Jessica Johnston}

The Engagement Session

This is a great time to get to know your photographer and get some creative photos of you without your wedding attire. It’s completely optional, but very fun. Consider trying your make up for the shoot too.

Albums

There are tons of different options these days for albums. From coffee table {digitally printed} books to traditional flush mounted {prints pressed to paper}. Albums typically tend to be expensive because they are custom made - not a mass produced book. It’s smart to book a package with the album to reduce the cost of paying for it separately later.

{Photo credits: A Bryan Photography}

The Images

Photographer's packages vary, but many photographers provide high resolution images to their clients {this is often reflected in the rates, as photographers know you will probably make prints yourselves}. Some photographers also offer lower resolution images to print to smaller sizes, like 4x6. Every photographer has a different 'policy' about their images, so be sure to discuss this with them in advance. {Tip: Don't forget to ask how long it takes to get your images back!}