Finding the right wedding photographer in Orlando, Florida

How to hire a wedding photographer and what to look for

Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the most frustrating steps in planning a wedding for several reasons. First, because the wedding industry is one of the largest industries in the photography field, most photographers are primarily wedding photographers and they are always booked in advanced. Second, there are so many styles of wedding photography that makes it difficult to know what exactly the bride wants. Third, and the biggest challenge is trusting and knowing your photographer. Every tangible detail of the wedding is usually gone by the end of the wedding day, but the only physical memory that stays forever is a wedding album or a beautiful print on the wall. The photographer is the main element in the wedding that captures and saves all memories of the big day. That’s why it is very important to know and bound with a photographer. Finding a professional and favorable photographer is time-consuming and requires to follow several steps. Here are 10 steps for hiring a professional wedding photographer.

Wedding Photography | Orlando, FL — Step 1: Planning

Wedding Photography | Orlando, Miami, Tampa, Jacksonville, St.Augustine, FL

When planning a wedding, there are three most important elements that must be considered. The budget, the venue, and the photographer, which the last two are part of the budget. To book a good venue and photographer, the bride should plan to search for a venue and photographer at least one year in advanced. In some cases, the venue is available on the desired date, but the photographer is not, or the other way. That is why it is important to plan one year ahead. Sometimes the couple underestimates their wedding expenses, or later they find the photographer or venue’s price is over their budget. Therefore, advanced and proper planning will allow you to get married at the venue you want and hire the desired photographer you want.

Before looking for a photographer, couples should do their homework and find a wedding photography style they like. There are many styles of wedding photography such as, traditional wedding photography, photojournalistic wedding photography, cinematic wedding photography, portrait wedding photography, natural or candid wedding photography, fine art wedding photography, fashion wedding photography, black and white wedding photography, and vintage wedding photography. Knowing your style will help you better to look for the right photographer. Every bride and every photographer have a different taste and style. Just because a photographer has hundreds of five star reviews doesn’t mean that you will be satisfied with his/her work. This all depends on individual taste and preference.

There are few recommended methods in finding your photographer. At this stage you have probably found your venue. It is a good idea to search through the “google image” narrowing your search down to the venue, and then compare the photos of all photographers in that venue. Once you find your favorite photo, find who the photographer is. Another way is to just narrow down your search by photography style such as, “Fashion Wedding Photography | Orlando, FL”, or “Cinematic Wedding Photography | Orlando, FL”. You can also do this in “google image”. The third option is just to browse through the internet and visit every photographer’s portfolio and choose the appropriate photographer. This method is very time consuming and it could be frustrating. Once done with your research, choose the top five photographers and email them to get their price guide. Keep in mind that most photographers will negotiate their price, customize their package to fit your budget, or are running a promotion. So, don’t be intimidated by the first look at the wedding photography packages. Based on your budget, contact and interview the top three photographer that fit your style and budget.

Once you find your favorite photographer, schedule a consultation. Again, don’t let the price scare you away. At least plan for 1-2 hours for the consultation. You and the photographer will have many questions from one another. This is also a good chance to assess your photographer. Look for the photographer’s outfit, how he/she carries himself/herself, how organize he/she is, is he/she good at giving directions, is he/she easy to communicate and work with, do your personalities match, and so on. The photographer’s first impression is very important and will have a huge impact on the you. At the consultation, it is recommended to see some of the photographer’s prints for quality check.

Once you find a photographer that agrees with your style, budge, and personality, it is time for another casual meeting. This meeting could be over a lunch or coffee, which mostly the photographer will take care of the bill. At this meeting, get to know the photographer better over casual conversations. Also try to negotiate the price. If the photographer connects with you, and you are both enjoying the conversation and having a good time, more than likely the photographer will consider discounts.

At this point you have the right photographer, and you know the photographer will consider discount. It is time for the third meeting to go over the packages. This step can be done through a skype conversation as well but is recommended to meet at the photographer’s office to physically touch and feel the wedding albums and prints to choose the right ones.

Fortunately, the digital age makes this step smooth and easy. At this step, the bride and groom will sign a contract and the photographer officially will save the date for the client upon receiving the signed contract and a 20% non-refundable deposit or full payment. Note that the payment must be fully paid before the wedding date. Once the contract is signed and the deposit is paid, the photographer will close that date for any other sessions.

It is very highly recommended for the couple or the bride to have a pre-session with the photographer, so the bride will be fully confident in her photographer, and she will not have to worry about her photos on the wedding day. The goal is to make the wedding day as stress-free as possible for the bride and groom, so they can enjoy their wedding day. Usually, a wedding package comes with a bridal shoot, bridal boudoir, couple session, engagement session, or a couple boudoir session. It is very important to have a session with your photographer prior to the wedding.

As it is getting close to the wedding day, the photographer must visit the venue so the photographer can plan as well. There are many aspects that the photographer should know and plan for. Preferably, the bride and groom should be with the photographer to inform the photographer of the latest updates and plans. Visiting the venue with the client will give the photographer a better understanding of what to expect. In some cases, the photographer would voluntarily come to the rehearsal dinner to get a better feeling of what the schedule will look like.

Speaking to the photographer on the morning of the wedding day will assure that everything is going according to the plan. Don’t be surprised, but sometimes photographers can forget about the wedding or just simply misplaced the date in their calendar. Although this step might sound silly and unprofessional, but it is very important to talk to your photographer early morning of the wedding day. Usually the brides are nervous on this day and the photographer will be able to comfort the bride and reduce her stress.