Picture: Mariah Krafft 

Photographers play an important part in wedding day celebrations. They ensure that you have something tangible to remember your special day by in the years to come. Whether you look back fondly or with disappointment can largely come down to the photographer you choose. If you’re planning your dream wedding, don’t make these common mistakes when hiring your wedding photographer. 

Ignoring Credentials

You want your wedding photos to be perfect. A happy bride and groom and a stunning location undoubtedly help, but so do photographer qualifications. The more training a photographer has, the more high-quality your photos might be. 

Pay attention to mention of any in-person or online photography courses on their websites. Many of the best photographers list their experience, qualifications, and information about what makes them qualified to produce the best wedding photography. This information might offer peace of mind that you’re making the right hiring decisions. 

Prioritizing Price

Weddings can be expensive. As a result, most couples look for ways to save money. However, it’s important not to make price your first consideration when choosing the best wedding photographer. Price can sometimes be indicative of their skill level, and while it will factor into your decision, it doesn’t have to be all you consider. Balance price with quality, experience, and reputation to ensure you’re choosing the right person for the job. 

Not Asking for Recommendations

Word of mouth is a powerful form of advertising. In fact, 88% of people would trust the recommendations of their friends and family over other advertising. With that in mind, don’t be afraid to talk to people who have used wedding photographers before to see who they recommend. Ask what they did and didn’t like about them and if they’d change anything about their experience. It might not be long until you have a list of options to choose from. 

Not Researching Their Reputation

Any wedding photographer can have a beautiful website with stunning photos from past events. That doesn’t mean they will be the right photographer for your needs. Reputation can count for a lot in the photography industry. As a result, it can be worth finding out as much as possible about a photographer before hiring them. 

Read testimonials from past happy customers and check out online reviews on third-party websites. If you see any negative reviews, consider whether previous customers’ comments would be relevant to your situation. 

Not Checking Previous Work

You can take a wedding photographer’s word for it that they’re a skilled, creative photographer who can capture your special day beautifully. However, it helps if you know what they’re capable of. If you don’t review past work before hiring a photographer, there’s always a risk of disappointment. 

Most photographers provide a gallery of their past work on their websites or social media platforms for you to browse through. If you have specific photos in mind, send examples to your preferred photographer to see if they can offer what you’re looking for. 

Wedding days won’t always go off without a hitch, but planning can undoubtedly reduce the risk of problems. Being aware of the most common wedding photographer hiring mistakes might increase your chances of hiring the right one for your needs.