When you begin your research for the perfect wedding photographer you will likely get overwhelmed very quickly. There are MANY different choices out there and no standard to use to compare your options. There may not be an obvious reason why one photographer only offers 1 package while another offers 5 packages. There may not be an obvious reason why one photographer is available all day while another only offers limited hours. There may not be an obvious reason why one photographer costs 3 times more than another. So how in the world are you supposed to be able to make a decision?
Believe it or not a photographer does a lot more than just take pictures on your wedding day. A dedicated wedding photographer will help you from the beginning. First, you have to decide what photos are most important to tell the story of your wedding day. Are you most interested in artistic images with your spouse, family, and wedding party or do you prefer the more candid moments that happen naturally, or some combination of both? Then, it is the photographer’s job to educate you on the timeframe they need to get the job done. Because photography can take up a significant part of your time on your wedding day it is important that your communication is crystal clear. Your photographer should be close by for a majority of the day in order to capture every emotion so choosing a photographer that can be inconspicuous and mingle well with your friends and family is important.
My love for wedding photography began when I was planning my own wedding. I love capturing the unique aspects of every wedding. I like telling the story that makes your wedding different and special for you. I like getting photos of all your wedding guests so you can remember who was there to celebrate your love with you. I like capturing moments that you might have missed because it is a busy day full of life and love and there is no way you get to be there for everything. I like creating one of a kind art you can hang in your new home and walk by everyday and remember the love that you share together.
I have been working in the wedding industry since 2003. Many styles and trends have changed over the years but the value of your memories will always increase as time passes. This is why you don’t want to risk hiring an inexperienced wedding photographer. When going to consults I suggest you ask these questions to start your conversations and see if you can find the perfect fit for you.
Photographer:
• Do you specialize in wedding photography?
• How long will it take to get our photos back?
• What backup systems do you have in place for equipment failure?
• Can we suggest photos/poses that we like?
A full-time wedding photographer will be able to dedicate the time and have the proper education and equipment to make sure they can accommodate all your needs on your wedding day. Flexibility is necessary as a wedding professional. I have been a full-time wedding photographer since 2007. I have photographed over 200 weddings and love custom-designing storybook wedding albums. You can find more information about me at www.danaburress.com.
WHAT TO DO NEXT:
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• CLICK HERE to go back to the first part of the Unveiled Series: Budgeting for a Fairy-Tale Wedding with Sharon Rumsey.
• CLICK HERE to discover why PhotoSculptor is the right photographer for your wedding.