Choosing the photographer for your big day at Willow Oaks!
How to choose your wedding photographer at Willow Oaks? Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you will possibly make during the planning process. Our venue is a photographer's dream with many unique settings for your backdrop. From the mountains to the lake side and everything in between. Because they’ll be capturing memories you'll cherish forever, please take your time. Here’s a guide to help you make the best choice:
1. What’s Your Style
Traditional: Posed, classic shots.
Photojournalistic: Candid, storytelling images.
Fine Art: Artistic, often with creative angles and lighting.
Editorial: Fashion-inspired, dramatic compositions.
Look at various styles and decide what resonates with you as a couple. Editing styles also play a part in this decision.
2. Set a Budget
Wedding photography can be your largest expense outside of the cost of your venue. However, higher prices often reflect more experience and better equipment, but that's not always true. Some up and coming photographers have often spent years being a second shooter to some of the best photographers in the area.
3. Research Photographers
Start with Recommendations: Friends, family, and wedding planners are wonderful resources.
Look Online: Browse Instagram, Pinterest, and wedding websites to find photographers whose style matches your vision.
Check Reviews: Read their reviews and testimonials.
4. Review Portfolios
Diverse Portfolio: Make sure the photographer can handle different lighting conditions and settings. We always recommend that a new photographer to Willow Oaks come for a visit prior to your big day. Our property is extensive with many photo opportunities.
Full Wedding Albums: Always ask to see their complete wedding albums, not just highlight reels, to assess their consistency.
5. Meet the Photographer
In-Person or Virtually: A face-to-face meeting (or video call) helps to ensure you have a good rapport with them.
Discuss Your Vision: Talk about your wedding vision, your style preferences, and any must-have shots. Discuss time line as well.
Ask Questions: Inquire about their experience, equipment, backup plans, and how they handle challenges.
6. Consider Personality
The rapport you have with your photographer is so important. They will be with you throughout the day, so it’s important that you get along well. They should be professional but also easygoing and able to make you feel comfortable.
7. Evaluate Packages and Extras
What’s Included: Understand what’s included in the package—number of hours, number of photographers, edited images, albums, etc.
Additional Costs: Ask about travel fees, second shooter, overtime, and other potential costs.
Delivery Time: Get an estimate of how long it will take to receive your photos.
8. Read the Contract Carefully
Rights and Usage: Make sure you understand who owns the rights to the photos and how they can be used.
Backup Plans: Ensure there’s a contingency plan in case of emergencies.
Payment Schedule: Be clear on deposit requirements, payment timelines, and cancellation policies.
9. Trust Your Instincts
After considering all the practical aspects, trust your gut feeling. If you feel comfortable and confident in a photographer's abilities and personality, they’re likely the right choice.
10. Book Early
Popular photographers can be booked up a year or more in advance, so once you’ve made your decision, secure your date as soon as possible.
Selecting a wedding photographer is a combination of researching, budgeting, and finding someone whose style and personality align with your vision for the day.
Some of our favorite photographers:
Thank you so much for stopping by our blog, we hope you found this information helpful. We want to use our blog to increase awareness and support for locally owned wedding venues. Locally owned wedding venues tend to provide a higher level of expertise, service and dedication. They also have far less turnover than corporate owned or investor owned venues. As you plan your wedding we hope you will consider a locally owned wedding venue like ours.
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What a great blog topic! Wedding photographers make all the difference in quality and mood of your photos! www.cornerstoneranchevents.com