4 Things To Look For In A Wedding Photographer by Aliyah K Carden.
4 Things To Look For In A Wedding Photographer – From Camera Gear To Creative Style. Written by Aliyah K Carden exclusively for Atmosphere Productions.
It’s no secret that weddings are expensive, so, understandably, many couples try to cut corners. Now, you may be tempted to skip hiring a wedding photographer and ask for help from friends or family instead to save on costs.
However, there’s a big difference when you enlist the help of a professional photographer. For one, they’ll be completely dedicated to shooting your special day, so every special moment will be captured. On top of this, they’re simply trained to capture weddings in the best possible way — from knowing the most stunning angles to applying the right color treatments.
So if you want beautiful photographs to look back on, you’ll definitely want to invest in a wedding photographer. But how do you know who to pick? Below, we enumerate some key things to look for in a wedding photographer.
Rates
The cost of a photographer depends on their experience, demand, and location, so the prices can vary greatly. It can range from $1,000 to as high as $10,000. The average per region differs as well. For example, in 2020, the rate in New York ranges from $2,500 to $5,000, while prices in Connecticut are between $1,800 and $3,600.
So aside from looking at their packages, check where they’re from as well. This way, you’ll also know if you’ll have to cover their travel and other additional expenses.
Experience and Skill Level
Aside from getting to know their style, a portfolio will also showcase a photographer’s skills.
Notice the moments that are captured in their photos and see if they convey an emotion or a story. You can also get a grasp of their experience and skill level when you talk with them.
Don’t just ask how many weddings they’ve shot, but also ask if they know how to shoot in a venue similar to yours. For instance, shooting a garden wedding will have a much different photography setup than shooting indoors. Again, communication is key here.
Quality of Photos and Gear
Equipment plays a critical role in the quality of your images, and there are some limitations when using lower-end or older cameras.
As such, you may want to ensure your photographer uses professional photography gear. Professional wedding photographers typically use DSLRs like the Nikon D850 and the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV. But many also use mirrorless cameras, such as the Panasonic Lumix DC-G95.
These kinds of cameras aren’t entry-level since they have premium features — such as the ability to shoot in low-light environments and impressive AF tracking.
It goes without saying, of course, that gear isn’t everything. At the end of the day, it’s still their skill and ability to maximize their equipment that matters.
Creative Style
Not all photographers have the same style, so keep that in mind when picking who you should hire as this will affect the kind of atmosphere and post-production your photos will have.
Photographers can have a blend of wedding photography styles — from soft, romantic effects to a more candid, photo-journalistic touch. Some photographers may be flexible in their style, but others may not be as comfortable.
As such, make sure to communicate with your photographer exactly what you want in your wedding photos. Beforehand, you should also check out their portfolio to get a feel for what they specialize in.
Finally
Having the right photographer reduces your chances of stress, as you won’t have to worry about missing any special moments on camera. All in all, plan it well and take note of these other wedding mishaps that we previously wrote about, that you’ll want to avoid.
Written by Aliyah K Carden exclusively for Atmosphere Productions
Photo Credit: Natilyn Hicks on Unsplash
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Finally, Atmosphere Productions LLC is available anywhere in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and throughout the New England area.
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