5 Mistakes To Avoid When Selecting a Wedding Photographer

#1. Not Realizing How Important Your Wedding Photos Will Become.
A good photographer will not only capture the events, but also document moments will recall the thoughts and emotions you experienced on your wedding day. As the years pass on, you may have a couple reminders from that day, but even your dress will probably be stashed away in a box or closet. The reception center, the cake, the flowers, and the bridesmaid’s dresses will be gone, but your portraits will have captured the all the effort and emotions put into your day. “When faced with eminent disaster that destroys homes or the possibility of such a disaster, everyone grabs their most prized possessions, which ALWAYS includes their photographs. They don’t reach for their wedding dress, or frozen cake or even copies of their wedding invitations, they take all of their photographs, if they are lucky and if they can.” Fortunately, most will not be faced with such events, but it paints a picture of how meaningful professional portraits can be. No matter how much time passes, you wedding portraits will be treasured family heirlooms that will be passed on for generations!

#2. Hiring a photographer based on price rather then past work.
In many cases, what you see in a photographers portfolio is what you are going to get. Don’t hire a photographer because you were offered a cheaper price and promised pictures that will meet your expectations and look just like your favorite photographers. If you don’t love your photographer’s past work, you probably are not going to love your wedding photos, regardless of the price. Ask your photographer to see a complete portfolio or sample album from a recent wedding. If you are not impressed, cross them off your list!

#3. Not having a contract.
If you take anything from this list, make it this: ALWAYS have a contract! For every vendor you use: musicians, florists, venue, and everything in between. This contract should include your package details, prices, any additional fees that may be incurred, etc. Having a contract protects you from vendors who cancel at the last minute or fail to show up.

#4. Not asking about emergency arrangements.
Get the answers to these questions: What happens if your photographer is seriously ill on the day of your wedding? Who is their alternate? What does their work look like? This information will help keep you from having a panic attack on your wedding day if it does happen.

#5. Making a Decision Based on the Image CD.
Very often, brides will choose a photographer because of the “high resolution images on CD” included in the package. Nothing can replace a professionally designed wedding album! Most brides think they can replace an album with a “CD of Images” and that will reduce their cost. Instead of settling, remember that you can order an album at a later date. In the end, you will be much happier with good photographers and a fully customized wedding album. If that means spending a little more, you won’t regret it, because after all you are purchasing a work of art. At MJ Studios, we are proud to offer exclusive, high-end Artella Albums!

One last point to consider is that many times, the “CD of Images” is usually just a CD with unedited images. The quality of your wedding album should never be compromised!