When hiring a wedding photographer in Paris, it's important to find one who captures MOMENTS - not just photos. They should be able to give polite, assertive direction (from your 90-year old grandpa in the wheelchair, to your 3-year old cousin who forgot to take her medicine) and still create gorgeous art that makes your heart sing.
1. Look at Their Portfolio
Obviously, you’ll want to check out the photographer’s portfolio. This will give you a feel for their style and level of consistency. Look for photos with a lot of personality and some that are a little unexpected.
Also, make sure to ask if you can see a full wedding gallery. This will help you get a feel for how they handle standard wedding moments like photos with Grandma or the cake cutting.
It’s important to remember that this is a big decision for your big day and you should be comfortable with the photographer you hire. You’ll be working closely with them and will need to trust them to take you through the day smoothly. Make sure you like the person and that you hit it off a bit in an initial meeting or phone call.
2. Ask About Their Experience
A photographer’s experience is a key factor in making your decision. It will ensure that they have the skills necessary to handle any surprises that might come up on your day.
Ask how many weddings they’ve photographed, and ask to see a collection of full weddings from start to finish. This will give you a more accurate picture of their work than seeing just a few highlights on their website.
Additionally, you may want to find out how often they work at celebrations that are similar in size and style to your own. This will give you a better idea of how they’ll work in your venue’s lighting.
You should also ask about their fees and payment options. This will help you determine if they are in your budget before you sign a contract.
3. Ask About Their Fees
Many photographers have various costs associated with running their business that are passed onto their clients. This can include equipment, software, licensing fees and marketing strategies.
It's important to ask how they determine their prices and if they offer packages or a la carte pricing. Generally, a package will have the most value for a client at a lower price point.
If you're looking for video footage of your wedding, find out if they offer that as well. A videographer may also be able to provide a highlight film or feature film of your day that you can share with friends and family. If they don't offer those services, it may be worth finding a different vendor to work with. They may know a colleague who does and could recommend them to you.
4. Check Their Reviews
After you've spent time finding photographers whose aesthetic jives with yours, ask about their availability on your wedding day and their photography rates. If they are available and their rates are within your budget, it's time to start setting up initial meetings.
Some photographers include photo prints in their packages, while others offer a password-protected online gallery where you can purchase prints separately. They may also offer a wedding album.
Remember that a photographer's price tag includes not only their skill and experience, but also the overhead costs associated with running a business, like marketing, website hosting fees, business insurance and equipment maintenance. They might also have additional expenses for things such as assistants and lighting. These additional costs are typically reflected in their wedding packages.
5. Schedule a Consultation
If you are hiring a wedding photographer for your special day, you want to make sure that you are working with someone who will understand the importance of your event and will be able to handle unforeseen issues that may arise. Having a professional that can remain calm and organized on the day of your wedding will make it much less stressful for you.
The best way to determine if you are comfortable with the photographer is to set up a consultation with them. This can be done over email, phone, or Zoom call and is a great way to get to know them a bit better. It is also an opportunity to ask them any questions that you might have. They will most likely be able to address your questions and give you an idea of what their work style is like.
