Local photographer Shelly Duncan breaks down the things to know when hiring a wedding photographer for your big day.
From bridal party portraits and first-look reveals to ceremony snaps and candids on the dance floor, your wedding day is likely to be one of the most-photographed days of your life — so it’s important to choose a photographer you trust and whose work you love.
But how, exactly, are you supposed to go about doing that? Understanding just how overwhelming it can be to parse through all the options alone, Cleveland-based fine art photographer Shelly Duncan shares her top three tips for finding your perfect fit.
Identify your style
Before going straight to hiring a photographer, first figure out your desired style: Do you want a lot of posed, portraiture-style photography or more candid photos that capture the activity of the day? Be intentional and figure out a moodboard for how you want it commemorated.“There are many different styles of wedding photography, so an important first step is to figure out what style of photography you would like to have capture your day,” says Duncan.
Conduct some interviews
Your photographer is an integral part of your wedding day, charged with visually archiving your memories — so you want to make sure you have a good rapport with the person you hire. “Once you narrow it down to a couple of different photographers, get on the phone with each one for 10 minutes and have a conversation to see how you relate to them,” Duncan suggests. If budget allows, you could even do a test shoot to get a better sense of their style.
Know what you’re paying for
Every photographer offers different packages and pricing, so be sure you understand in advance exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting in return. “Some photographers include print rights, which means you’re paying a set price to see all your photos and print or post whichever ones you want,” Duncan says. “But other photographers sell prints, and you can only go through them. Just be sure you know which one you’re getting.”
