How to choose a wedding photographer and what to look for

How to choose “your” wedding photographer?

They say that when a girl first meets a handsome guy, she comes up with the name of their future children and grandchildren. Every joke has a bit of truth! Everyone knows that women are more prone to planning than their life partners. For example, they plan their wedding... starting from kindergarten. This means that when the long-awaited offer finally arrives, there is no room for error. Everything must go perfectly!

In the fall of 2021, Prophotos.ru, with the support of Sony, launched the portal of the best wedding photographers WeddingPro. Photographers with more than 3 years of experience and more than 15 wedding shoots are invited to participate. Portal participants are provided with special conditions for testing and subsequent purchase of photographic equipment, PR on Prophotos.ru and on social networks, and live orders.

All moments are equally important: what dress to choose, how many guests to invite, and even what color napkins will be on the table? Need I say how important the choice of a wedding photographer is? Which side should you approach this question from if all you know about photographers is “well, this one, what’s his name, oh, I’m so bad with names.” It's not scary, everything can be sorted out. The main thing is to understand yourself, what photos do you like, how do you see your wedding album? And so that there is time for this.

Most weddings take place in spring and summer, this is the high season. For the summer, filming begins to be booked in January. And this must be taken into account; it may turn out that the photographer you like is busy on your wedding day. Communicating with photographers and brides, we have identified general rules for choosing “your” wedding photographer. Dedicated to all confused brides.

What is modern wedding photography? If you type “wedding photographer Moscow” into a search engine, an unprepared person can go crazy. Wedding photography is a highly competitive field. Before diving into the abyss of commercial offers, we suggest you first get up to speed.

Questions to ask the photographer before the wedding: don’t miss out on important things!

It is important not only to choose a super photographer, referring to reviews and recommendations, but also to communicate with the selected specialist, ask exciting questions and receive the most detailed answers to them. There should be no misunderstanding between the newlyweds and the photographer, because this moment can seriously ruin the mood on the wedding day or negatively affect the result.

Questions to ask your wedding photographer:

Is the date you have chosen available?
Cost of services. Moreover, we advise you to find out such points as whether the work of an assistant is provided for, how much time the photographer devotes to shooting, whether it is possible to extend the working time and how much it will cost the couple;
Shooting style: reportage, staged, genre, etc. As a rule, experienced photographers choose a certain style for themselves, in which they perform their work at the proper level. Newlyweds should clarify this point in advance, because the views of the performer and the customer do not always coincide;
Equipment. Find out what equipment the photo master works with, and also find out if there is additional equipment in case of force majeure;
Deadlines. Don’t forget to check how much time the specialist will need to prepare and process the images. Be prepared to hear a deadline of a month or two, especially if you choose a popular photographer in the spring-summer period;
In what form will you receive the finished result? Modern experts offer couples several options for obtaining wedding photographs: on disks, flash cards or via the Internet.
Printed photos. Many photographers offer to print wedding photos. Find out the cost of this service and how many pictures the master can present on paper. Photo books are an excellent alternative to standard printed photographs. They have a number of advantages over standard photo albums. In addition, photographers often offer their clients discounts on photo book production;
Ideas for a wedding photo shoot. Typically, couples don't know what they really want during a wedding photo shoot. Therefore, it is very important to choose a photographer who will tell you how and where it is better to shoot, offer young people interesting and not boring ideas and unexpected places;
Agreement. The signed contract is a guarantee to both the newlyweds and the photographer that all conditions will be met in a timely manner. Don’t be lazy and read each point so that later controversial situations do not arise due to your haste and inattention. The contract must indicate the cost of services, the advance payment made, terms, conditions for additional expenses, force majeure and conditions for termination of the contract;
Portfolio. Feel free to ask for a full portfolio of the photographer's work. And not pictures from different weddings (here you will definitely be offered only the best of the best), but a series of photographs from one celebration.

When going to a meeting with a specialist, svadbagolik.ru recommends that you write down all the questions you plan to ask the photographer about the wedding and love story shooting. This way you will certainly not miss anything important!

Of course, you can get answers by phone or correspondence on social networks, but personal communication will allow you and the photographer to better understand each other. And already at the wedding photo shoot, it will be easier for the newlyweds to open up to a familiar specialist rather than to a complete stranger.

My photographer, who is he?

Exactly wedding! It is best to entrust wedding photography to a photographer who specializes in wedding photography and has photographed more than one ceremony. This is due to the specifics of the work. A cool wedding planner is a one-man orchestra: he is a portrait painter, a deft reporter, knows how to work with light, a psychologist, and many more! And you turned, for example, to a studio photography guru or - even worse - to a landscape painter. There is a chance that they will not have time to capture important moments and, moreover, they do not know how to behave in the registry office, where to stand, when to be more attentive.

He is my compatriot! If you live in Russia, then even if you have an unlimited budget, it is not advisable to turn to Western masters. Think beyond yourself. You will have guests, most likely, you will still call Aunt Natasha from Ryazan. The last time she dealt with a photographer was when she took pictures with a new passport. People very often begin to feel tight, shy and behave awkwardly. The “local” photographer has repeatedly encountered this problem. He will be able to find a common language with everyone!

You've looked at gigabytes of photos, finally, you've roughly decided which photos catch your eye, and you know that you're looking for a Russian wedding photographer with a wealth of experience. It's time to move on to the next stage.

How to find a wedding photographer on the Internet? It is worth paying attention to thematic resources and forums dedicated to wedding photography. Most professionals have a page on such resources. True, choosing the optimal combination of price and quality for yourself can be quite difficult. There are some really good photographers on the front pages, but be prepared for the fact that they are expensive! You went deep into your search, you like a lot. But to quickly cut off the unnecessary, ask yourself one question every time you look at photos! Do you want to become the hero of these photographs? The photographer always puts his best shots in his portfolio, showing what he is interested in shooting and what he is good at. Are you calm and modest, under no circumstances would you want to sit on your fiance’s neck and wave your wedding bouquet? And in the portfolio all the photographs are about unbridled fun and madness. This is not the photographer for you! There is nothing worse than squeezing out tense emotions.

Ways to find a photographer

On social networks

This is the most popular way to find a photographer. You can review a large number of works without leaving your home, immediately contact the photographer, clarify prices and shooting conditions, and arrange a meeting.

We advise you to look not only at individual photographs that contractors post in their groups or on Instagram, but also entire series from weddings on their personal websites in order to evaluate what the photographer pays attention to and how he photographs important moments for you. And you shouldn’t rely solely on the Internet; in any case, arrange a “second round of selection” in person.

Through friends

If your friends or acquaintances have already used the services of a photographer, you can take their advice. On the one hand, this is a very convenient and safe option - you will be advised by truly proven professionals who you can rely on, but on the other hand, you should pay close attention to the recommendations - after all, everyone has different tastes.

The photographer’s style of work, the cost of his services may not suit you, or simply during a personal meeting you will understand that this is “not your” person. Therefore, we advise you to approach such a choice very carefully and in any case carefully study the photographer’s work.

other methods

• Directories of wedding professionals. We recommend starting your search with the Weddywood catalog - here you can find the best professionals in their field, see examples of their work and contact the specialists that interest you.
• Specialized websites dedicated to wedding photography.
• Real stories of our brides: this way you will immediately find specialists working in the style that interests you.
• Wedding exhibitions, breakfasts for brides and other offline events in your city.
• Printed publications.

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Photo by: Igor Kovchegin Photography | Connection of times: stylized wedding with an Italian accent

Summary

You act as a real employer. First look at the portfolio: - Do you like it? Let's stay and watch further! Pay attention to who the photographer is photographing, are they real couples? Maybe they're just models. This way you can understand how much experience the photographer has, whether he has been in business, whether he has photographed real weddings.

Project any portfolio onto your reality. You should not rely on photo sessions done in the Maldives if you plan to take photographs, say, in Moscow. Look for a photographer who knows how to effectively fit the bride and groom into the city landscape.

It's worth reading the photographer's biography. There, as a rule, you will find information about his education, the equipment he uses and all kinds of awards. Another stage has been completed. Now select 5-7 photographers you like. It's time to chat.

How many photos does a wedding photographer give?

It is simply impossible to answer this question with a single figure. The duration of photography is important here, because the number of photographs that can be taken in 2 hours and in 10 is fundamentally different. Generally speaking, you will receive 500-1000 photographs recorded on digital media (most likely in JPEG format) and approximately 30-50 retouched photos with deep processing.

And one more point that we would like to touch on is the sources. They often become a stumbling block in communication between the photographer and the newlyweds. And all because the bride and groom do not fully understand the word “source”. Most people think that these are the same beautiful photos that they see in the album and which the specialist blatantly “squeezed” due to his unpleasant nature. In fact, everything is somewhat different.

Photo sources can be compared to photographic film negatives. These are very “heavy” files in RAW or NEF format, which require special programs and certain specialized knowledge to work with. Essentially, this is “raw” material that needs to be processed. Now let's think about whether the photographer is interested in having the intermediate result of his work visible? Or, even worse, did your own, hastily processed photographs, which were originally taken “exclusively for the family archive,” become replete with social networks or forums? So you can be left with a damaged reputation and without a single client. Therefore, at first glance, a banal reluctance to give away photos turns out to be completely justified by logic and ordinary professional ethics.

But, despite this, it is quite possible to obtain the treasured sources. True, they are paid separately from the photo session and in the amount that the specialist wishes. Thus, he waives all rights to his work and personal interest. Situations like this don’t happen often, but they do happen. This happens by prior agreement, within the framework of a cooperation agreement.

Communication

We call “our” photographer. The first thing you should find out is whether the photographer is available on the day you are planning your wedding. After that we will find out the approximate price. Surely, you have in mind the amount you are going to spend on a photographer. If you approximately fit into the allotted budget, then such a photographer is worth meeting.

Why is a contract needed?

For your own peace of mind and compliance with all agreements. The agreement provides good discipline and helps resolve financial issues. With it, you will eliminate situations such as “I didn’t hear” or “I didn’t understand,” and also clearly state the cost of services and the amount of prepayment. In addition, the contract specifies the number of photographs, the timing of their production, the responsibilities of the parties and passport data. Here you can clarify the question of the sources: are they transferred to the couple or remain with the photographer.

If you record all verbal agreements on paper, there will be a greater chance that no one will confuse or forget anything. As a rule, specialists have their own contract, but if desired, you can adjust it to your own opinion.

Let's make an appointment

A telephone conversation is definitely not enough - you are not ordering pizza! It is necessary to meet with the photographer. What if you just don't like him? This should be the person you like the most, you invite him to your wedding, you trust him with your family history: this is a very intimate moment. Never meet in a hurry! Find time to discuss everything in a calm atmosphere. It is advisable that the meeting take place during the day, in daylight, in a room where there is enough light. Ask the photographer to bring photographs to the meeting. You can ask to watch the entire shooting of one wedding or just the key moments. Tell the photographer those that you consider important for your wedding. You should not agree on more than five meetings. They should take place as soon as possible from each other. This will give you a chance to more accurately compare your impressions.

How much do wedding photographer services cost, or what does the price depend on?

Everything related to wedding preparations cannot, a priori, be cheap. Of course, if it’s not important for your couple to receive quality services on their wedding day, then you can save on a lot. But if you want every touch to be truly memorable and worthwhile, there’s no need to talk about savings.

When starting a search for a photography specialist for their wedding, the newlyweds first of all have the question of how much a wedding photographer costs, and only then the level of skill. After all, the services of an experienced specialist cannot be called cheap.

What determines the cost of a photographer’s services:

Demand. The specialist has been working on his reputation for a long time, setting certain limits in his treatment of newlyweds and improving his qualifications. A name that becomes famous in certain circles cannot cost a penny. After all, the specialist has put a lot of effort and spent a lot of time to achieve popularity and demand;
Equipment. The higher the quality of professional equipment, the higher the cost of services. Moreover, not everyone understands that a real professional uses not only a camera in his work, but also a number of necessary attributes for flawless photos. At a minimum, a set of optics and a flash;
Printing photos. As a rule, the provision of printed photographs is included in the cost of services. But this point should be discussed in advance, or better yet, fixed in writing. Photographers can simply offer a printout of the best photographs (quantity - specify in advance) or a wedding photo book with an individual design;
Processing of finished photographs. It is difficult to imagine beautiful wedding photographs without at least minimal processing. How much a wedding photographer costs depends on the technique and complexity of the processing, as well as the number of “polished” photographs. However, it is important to make sure that the proposed photo processing option will really suit your couple. After all, some photographers like to oversaturate their pictures with additional effects, moving away from realism.

Choosing a wedding photographer is not as difficult as it might seem at first glance. When listening to recommendations from friends, be sure to make your own assessment of the specialist’s talent and experience, based on the portfolio and personal communication.

A person who “breathes” his work is always immediately visible. He will become your best friend on your wedding day, will tell you how to take photos correctly and will pleasantly surprise you with fresh ideas in a traditional wedding photo shoot.

Prices

You won't be able to find out exactly how much it will cost to photograph your wedding over the phone. This will become known only after a personal meeting, when the photographer understands what you want - what the scope of work is! Everyone thinks differently. Some people prefer hourly wages, others make package offers. If you order a photographer in advance, you can often get a discount, shoot at the price of last season, or some other nice bonuses will be offered. You can also get a discount on shooting if you order a love-story before the wedding. This is a test of the pen. You will feel like a model, get used to the photographer and his style of work, he will understand you better. In addition, no one will bother you, you won’t have to rush anywhere, like at a wedding. As a result, you will get wonderful photographs that you will be happy to put in your wedding album.

What should a wedding photographer be like?

First of all, look for “your” person! Mutual sympathy and personal contact are criteria that brides often underestimate. How is the choice made in most cases? At first glance, the quality of the pictures is suitable, the price is satisfactory, but what else do you need? Hurray, “it’s in the bag”! But think carefully: the photographer will be next to you all day, which is also so exciting and important. The success of the photo shoot will depend on how much you can relax in his presence and feel absolute comfort.

Alas, we often see newlyweds awkwardly putting smiles on their faces and trying to pose correctly for the wedding album. But it’s difficult to smile at the camera if the person on the other side of the lens is not conducive to emotional contact.

Always try to establish an emotional connection with the photographer. If it doesn’t work out, run away from him - this specialist is “not yours”!

Another important nuance that is practically not written about: you need to look for a specialist not only “for yourself,” but also “for the wedding,” or rather, for the chosen format. If you are planning a fun, youthful celebration in an informal setting, does it make sense to invite a glamorous professional who photographs expensive events in luxury restaurants? Of course, he will conscientiously capture your wedding and you will get a number of good photos. But will he be able to convey the mood? The work of such professionals is mainly tailored to the surroundings: interiors, cars, outfits and other pretentious “gloss”.

Therefore, when studying your portfolio, pay attention to those weddings that are close to your ideas. This makes it much easier to hit the target and not be disappointed in the choice and the result obtained.

Result

Think about what you would like to receive? After the wedding, the photographer can give you a disk or flash drive with the footage, or you can order a photo book. If you want a disc with photos: find out how many frames the photographer ultimately gives away. It is very important to remember that the main thing is not quantity, but quality. Therefore, do not be upset or alarmed if the photographer is not ready to give away all the photographs that were taken at your wedding. A photographer values his reputation; it is not profitable for him to give away absolutely everything. There is always someone who posts these photos on the Internet: it doesn’t matter that the shot is bad, but I turned out well here. This ruins the photographer's reputation. By the way, it doesn’t do you any credit either. And it doesn't have any value at all. Remember how you once came to visit friends, and they sat you down to watch a home video of “how we went to Egypt.” An hour and a half film that is uninteresting even to those who made it. Admit it, you were terribly bored. Don’t force your friends to watch an endless number of albums on social networks - “Our wedding. Part 6". Professionals do not always retouch all the frames that they then send. And this needs to be discussed in advance. Perhaps the photographer will only take ten of the best photos from the entire shoot. And here again the main thing is quality. But you can print these ten photos in large size.

How much does a wedding photographer cost?

I would like to note right away: a good photographer is rarely “cheap”. And there are at least three reasons for this:

1 Professional photographic equipment is a very expensive tool. If you don’t believe me, look at the prices of ordinary “DSLRs”. Add lenses, filters, lighting devices and keep in mind that all this does not last forever. Periodic updating of equipment is an integral part of the work process.

2 When the wedding ends, the photographer's work continues. He will have to look through the entire series of photos taken, remove defects, process them, and retouch them. All this takes time, which, logically, should be paid for.

3 A photographer is a person who will preserve your memories! High-quality photographs, years later, will help you again and again immerse yourself in the atmosphere of an exciting holiday.

One option for getting a great photographer who costs more than your budget allows is to hire him part-time. Usually this is shooting a mural and walking. And in the restaurant you already take pictures with your phones and your cameras (surely someone will have one). This is a completely reasonable option.

In general, wedding photography is something you shouldn’t skimp on. It’s better to take a look at our Discounts section, select the “Photographers” Category - perhaps there will be a professional waiting for you there who is available on your date.

If you want a photo book

The photographer should know before the wedding that you want to receive a photo book as a result. Then he will take photographs specifically for this format: then a difficult task awaits him - to compose it into a single work. Photos should be in the same style and tell a story. Ask to bring ready-made books to the meeting, look, touch, understand - is this what you want?

Portfolio

A photographer’s portfolio is a must-have, but what should you pay attention to?

There should be a LOT of photographs. Firstly, you will understand how many couples this photographer has photographed, and accordingly, whether he has much experience in this field. Secondly, you will feel if you are bored looking through his works. Thirdly, if all 20 photos from one wedding are static or simple, and the photographer posted them as the best, then you should think that you will not achieve more from him.
Photos must be DIFFERENT. There should be different angles, places, seasons - this will confirm the master’s extensive experience and his ability to take high-quality and worthwhile photographs in any conditions. Look for sections in the portfolio such as “portrait”, “landscape”, “studio”, “reportage” - your photographer should be developed in all directions.
You have to LIKE the photos. When viewing your portfolio, we advise you to mark on a piece of paper “+” the photos you like and “-” the boring photos. After calculating all the pros and cons, you will easily understand which decision to lean towards.

Another important point - ask the photographer to show you a complete series of photographs from one wedding - so you will understand what you will get in the end. After all, even the most mediocre photographer can choose the best 10 photos, and the rest will not be at all what you expect. Therefore, do not be lazy and watch one, or better yet, several episodes to make sure that you get the result that you imagine.
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Photo: Roman Kofanov

Photo rights

You can ask the photographer not to include your wedding in his portfolio or post it on the Internet, but be prepared that the price of such a shoot may increase.

We hope that our advice has helped you in some way. Here's the story. Good luck in finding “your” master!

Where to find a wedding photographer?

Of course, on YesYes ! We represent all the wedding market professionals. Each photographer undergoes moderation for the authorship of photographs in the Portfolio. We offer you 3 ways to choose a suitable candidate:

1 Catalog - short portfolios and entire wedding stories from photographers in your city, current prices for services, as well as real reviews from brides.

2 Wedding application (Tender) - your announcement of the search for a specialist for a specific date, your requirements and preferences, as well as the amount that you are willing to give to “your” specialist.

3 Promotions section - announcements from real professionals who are ready to provide Discounts on free days, or give a nice bonus to newlyweds in the form of a Photo Book as a gift.

Plus, all Approved Transactions on YesYes are included in the monthly Giveaway! The work of a photographer is not cheap these days, so a 50% discount on payment for his services will come in handy. Thus, you can “kill two birds with one stone” - find a good specialist and receive a financial bonus! Sounds tempting, doesn't it?

We hope that our short guide to choosing the perfect wedding photographer will help you find a true wedding photography guru with ease! Let the holiday be bright, and the photos lively and emotional!