Fantastic photographer advice
December 9, 2024
A photographer is one of your key wedding vendors and can also be a significant cost. How do you go about finding one who is a good fit for you?
Get ready to do some legwork! Look at a lot of photos. Not just wedding magazines or stylized shoots with models. Look at real weddings until you start to see what type of imagery you are drawn to. Is it more candid or formal? Moody or bright?
Here are the next steps.
Decide what you want out of your wedding photos:
Are you only looking for 10-15 great edited shots? Are you planning a moment-by-moment wedding album? Prints? Are you considering an engagement shoot? Videography? Sky-high shots from a drone? What are you hoping the end result will be?
Set your budget:
Find out what the prices are like. Do a quick survey of wedding photographers in your area and see if they have package prices listed on their website.
Then determine what you can afford. Are you willing to give up something else in order to put more money into photos?
What parts of the day are most important to you for professional photos? Maybe a couple hours of coverage during the ceremony and right afterward will be enough and you will have friends take reception photos. Or maybe you also want professional photos of getting ready and the reception.
Shot list:
Consider your shot list before you book. This is a list of all the photos you would like to have (for example: couple with partner’s parents, couple with all the parents, full wedding party, each partner with their honour attendant, a big friends pic, couple with grandparents, etc.) There are lots of sample shots lists online to give you ideas. Once you have a list, a photographer will be able to provide an estimate of how long it will take to shoot all those groupings.
Research:
Contact some photographers whose work you love to check their rates and availability. This step may shorten your list. Of those left, ask to see some wedding galleries, rather than just the highlight shots on their website.
One tip is to check the social media posts where your venue is tagged and see which photographers are familiar with your venue and what sort of shots they took there.
Interview:
Make sure to speak to your chosen photographer before booking. You want to make sure that your personalities click since you will be spending a big part of your day with them. You also want them to get a sense of who you are.
Review the contract:
Have a look at the paperwork. What deliverables are included? How much for extras? Is there back-up? Refund policy?
Timeline:
Work out the basic timeline of your day including: getting ready shots, first look, ceremony venue (entrance, ceremony, document signing, kiss, exit), photo locations (back-up location in case of poor weather), reception venue (first dance , cake cutting, etc). Your photographer will be able to let you know if you have incorporated enough time for photos.
Be careful out there:
Wedding photography is a competitive business. Some people steal images from other photographers and pass them off as their own to get gigs. Do your best to interact with both the photographer and other couples who have booked the photographer (perhaps on social media) before committing. Or ask your planner, venue, other vendors, friends, and family for recommendations.
The Ottawa Wedding Chapel’s Top Picks
Choosing the right photographer can make all the difference in capturing the beauty and emotion of your wedding day. Here are some talented photographers who have experience at our venue:
1. Jessica Reardon Photography
Style: Intimate and heartfelt storytelling. Jessica specializes in capturing candid moments and genuine connections, often featuring rustic outdoor settings with natural lighting for a warm, personal touch.
Explore Jessica’s work
2. Hello Lovely Ottawa
Style: Bright, timeless, and joy-filled. This team creates clean, modern images with natural colors, focusing on vibrant celebrations and the unique personalities of each couple.
Discover Hello Lovely Ottawa
3. Lexine Photographie
Style: Romantic and refined. Lexine blends dreamy tones with documentary-style storytelling, using light and natural backdrops to create intimate and evocative wedding images.
See Lexine’s photography
4. Joey Rudd Photography
Style: Creative and emotive storytelling. Joey is known for capturing “perfectly imperfect” moments with artistic techniques like double exposures and dynamic compositions. His style emphasizes authentic emotion and unique perspectives, making every image deeply personal and memorable.
Explore Joey’s portfolio
Each of these photographers brings a unique perspective and expertise to capturing your special day. Consider their styles to find the perfect match for your vision!