I bet you’ve read the horror stories online. You know the ones, the people who “hired” an Uncle or a friend to photograph their weddings and none of the photos came out. Or maybe you’ve heard the stories about the photographer who took money but never showed up. I’m sure these stories are meant to be cautionary tales, but most have so many holes in them they might as well be swiss cheese.
Here’s the fact: Being a wedding photographer is a huge responsibility that 99% of us do not take lightly. The investment is large (Not just thousands of dollars, but tens of thousands) and the days are long and physically draining. Truly, it’s not for the faint of heart.
The other 1% that you hear about online are the exception and not the rule. But, just like everything else in life, you have to do your due diligence and make sure you’re hiring the right person, who has the experience, reviews, and work to back them up. Oh, and as I’ve mentioned, you have to like them! You’re going to be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day!
ASK QUESTIONS. Seriously, nothing is too dumb. I guarantee someone has asked before you, and if they haven’t, then, you’ll blaze the trail for the next person who will ask the same question someday. I do weddings week in, week out and I am happy to answer any of your questions or concerns. Anything. Any photographer who is not there to answer your questions (yes, even before you book them!) is one you want to steer away from.
Feeling overwhelmed? Worried, I missed something? I hope that my clients and I have established enough of a rapport before the wedding that this wouldn’t be a problem, but if anything comes up, I want to know. If I suggest another portrait location and all you want to do is go to your cocktail hour and chill, then all you have to do is say “I’m done.” I’m 100% behind you and your wedding day should be what you want. If you don’t feel like you could do this with a photographer you are considering, then it’s time to keep looking
Now that you have all these fantastic photos, you may be wondering the best way to display them. There are so many cool ways! Don’t just let those photos linger on your hard drive. Think about things like wall portrait groupings, albums, parent albums, and more. For each of my clients, this is personal, so I like to find out what their favorite photos are and brainstorm innovative ways to display them. As a professional photographer, I have access to items that are not on the market for mere mortals!
If you’re getting married in Asheville or anywhere else in North Carolina and are looking for a photographer to document the emotion of your day. In that case, I’d love to talk to you more about your plans. My style of photography is best suited for people who are drawn to natural and honest moments and want their day documented unobtrusively. If that sounds like what you are looking for, let’s talk!
