How to Choose Your Luxury Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day is the coming together of a myriad of ideas, hopes and dreams, creating your unique visions set within the framework of your venue, your location and the time of year. Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important vendor decisions you’ll make. After your wedding day is over, the only things you’ll have left are the rings, the memories, and your cherished moments captured on camera!
Researching Styles and Approaches
It is a great time to look for a wedding photographer as there are so many brilliant and talented photographers out there, and you are really spoilt for choice. There are lots of different approaches from purely documentary to more editorial; different editing styles from romantic light and airy to a dark and moody, and lots of photographers who are somewhere in between. I recommend you give yourself some time to get lost in the world of wedding magazines, wedding blogs and social media like Instagram and Pinterest. Even if you think you know what you like, I recommend you spending a few days to explore the world of wedding photography.
You will start noticing the similarities of the images you are drown to and once you established the style you like; you can start researching the photographers of that style. You also need to consider if the venue works with the photographer’s style. For example, if the venue you have chosen is dark, you need to make sure that you find a photographer who has experience in working in low light-venues.
The Importance of Personal Connection
Choosing the right photographer for YOU is a hugely personal decision. I believe it is equally important that you feel comfortable and relaxed with your photographer as he/she will be with you most of the day, sharing some truly intimate and emotional moments. There is no one size fits all, and for some couples it will be a quiet and introverted photographer the perfect choice, and for some, a fun and flamboyant one. You just need to ‘click’ and feel comfortable with each other.
Steps For Booking A Luxury Wedding Photo Experience
- Submit Your Wedding Photography Inquiry: After submitting an inquiry on the site, you’ll receive a reply with a collections guide including wedding photography packages and pricing info.
- Select Your Wedding Photography Package: You will have the chance to pick the option that aligns best with your budget and needs. Wedding packages are all customizable, and typically range between $5500-$10,000.
- Reserve Your Wedding Date: To get your wedding date locked in the calendar, most professionals require an upfront retainer. There is a $1500 nonrefundable retainer required to book, and the rest of the payments can be made in installments.
- Schedule Your First Photo Session: I recommend booking your engagement photo session 9-12 months prior to your wedding day. Once your session is complete and your final gallery is delivered, you’ll have time to choose your favorite photos for save the dates.
- Communicate Prior To Your Wedding Day: As your big day approaches, you will receive a detailed questionnaire to start crafting a wedding photo checklist and timeline based on your answers.
Managing the Photography Timeline
The most important thing is that you communicate with your wedding photographer; they need to know the schedule of the day in advance and make sure that the timeline is realistic. For example, you need to allow 25-30 minutes for couple portraits after the ceremony and usually the same for the formal group shots. You also need to send the requested group shot list to the photographer and need to make them aware of any additional requests, special circumstances, or VIP guests.
If you have any concerns - something you don’t like, or worried about the couple photography experience - it is always best to discuss them with the wedding photographer in advance, no matter how big or small the issue may seem. The chances are that your wedding photographer has experienced similar situations and will be able to suggest solutions or ideas to try.
Assistance on the Wedding Day
The best thing is to check with your photographer what assistance they need on the day. For example, you can ask the Maid of Honour to be responsible for tidying up the room the Bride is getting ready in, and make sure that it is as clutter free as possible. You can ask a bridesmaid to make sure that she hands the dress, shoes, invitations, and rings to the photographer when they arrive.
Summary of Package Details and Investment
- Average Pricing Range: $5,500 – $10,000
- Retainer Requirement: $1,500 nonrefundable or 40% upfront retainer
- Engagement Gallery Turnaround: 2 weeks
- Travel Fees: Flat travel fee added for weddings outside of primary locations (stateside or abroad)