Looking for a wedding photographer
Getting a wedding photographer on a budget, you probably don’t get married very often, so finding a wedding photographer isn’t something you do a lot. Sometimes they can all seem pretty much the same. But that’s definitely not true!
Unfortunately, when you’re on a budget, you can’t afford to get it wrong. You only get one shot at it. (And that’s true whether it’s a regular Aussie couple budget or a James Packer wedding budget.)
I’ve seen some shocking results from cheap photographers and it breaks my heart. However, this doesn’t mean you need to fork out a fortune for a photographer. You just need to do your homework.
There are so many Brisbane wedding photographers – as many as in New York! – so you’re bound to find a great one that suits your budget if you don’t get emotional and tick some important boxes.
Is your wedding photographer legit?
Like a lot of artistic industries, there’s no real regulation for professional photographers. They are not licensed or have to meet certain legislation requirements. Anyone can put out a shingle and call themselves a wedding photographer.
So what you’re looking for are red flags. When you see them, don’t ignore them. Use your instincts and don’t be afraid to walk away.
Here are some positive signs that your wedding photographer is legit.
They have rave reviews
Thankfully, these days we can check out someone’s digital footprint before we hire them for a job. So take full advantage of this and read their Google reviews.
Look for any trends in people’s comments. Don’t ignore them or you might be the next one writing a negative review.
And look for rave reviews – not just a handful, but a lot!
(Not to toot my own horn or anything, but see my Google reviews for an example of what to look for!)
They have a website and portfolio
A website is just a must these days, especially if you provide visual services like wedding photography.
If a wedding photographer doesn’t have a beautiful website, how good could they really be? Be aware if they only have a Facebook page – it’s not the same as a website. Cut-price photographers use Facebook pages to cheaply advertise themselves without having to pay to host a website. Red flag!
They have wedding experience
Wedding photography is an art and it’s a privilege to be let into one of the most important days of someone’s life.
If you’re considering a more generic photographer who does ‘weddings, parties, anything’, be very careful. (Especially if they’re a friend – or worse, a friend of a friend – who takes photos as a hobby and offers to do it cheaply.)
They have insurance
Having insurance is the sign of a professional. They should have liability insurance at a minimum.
They have a contract
A verbal agreement and a handshake isn’t enough. You don’t want them cancelling on the day because they are hungover or get a better offer.
If a photographer doesn’t have a written agreement for you to read and both sign, they’re probably not professional enough.
They have a plan B
As much as we want wedding days to go perfectly, sometimes things happen. Equipment lets you down or something gets broken.
A professional photographer expects these things and always has a plan B. And sometimes a plan C! Ask them how they mitigate hiccups on the day.
And if they say ‘What could possibly go wrong?’, get out of there!
You click with them
This is important. It’s a long day and your photographer needs to invest in it with you. They need to understand you as a couple and your vision.
Don’t hire a wedding photographer without meeting them for a coffee at least. They’re part of your wedding team, so interview them and make sure you click.
If you would like to know more or discuss your own upcoming wedding, feel free to contact me.
