6 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Finding a life partner is a long journey and not everyone is lucky enough to find their perfect match. Walking down the aisle and finally saying your lifetime vows as you tie the knot is one of the most awaited moments of each person’s life. No wonder why a wedding is considered as one of the most important events that should be planned and documented in the best possible way.

Planning a wedding will take so much time, effort and money. From the outfits, the food, the lights & sound, the venue, the flowers & aesthetics, the guests, and many others… everything will require your energy, time and budget in order to set all things properly.

Aside from the things that are mentioned above, there is one more important thing that you should not overlook; the wedding photographs.

Yes, all other things are also important, but after the wedding, they will all be gone and you can’t take them home. Not recognizing the importance of your wedding photographs will be the biggest mistake that you will make in your wedding. If you think about it, your wedding will only happen for a day and you cannot retake moments with poorly taken shots. Also memories will not be as accurate and will fade over time, and the only thing that will remain for years and will be witnessed by future generations is your photos. So to make sure that you’ll be taking home beautiful and timeless wedding photos, here are some common mistakes to avoid when hiring a wedding photographer.

Mistake #1 – Getting overwhelmed by the product inclusions

Do not be overwhelmed by the product inclusions of a wedding photography package. It might sound nice to have photo frames and custom made photo albums but don’t let it get in the way of seeing what is the most important; the photos. If you have to choose between a photographer who has mediocre shots with lots of product inclusions and the one who has a stunning portfolio, always go with the one who can offer better images. You can buy or order those other products later but you cannot have a second take in your wedding.

Mistake #2 – Thinking that price and quality are similar things

Wedding photography packages in Singapore as well as some other countries have different range of pricing. What you pay is what you get, but higher cost does not also equal to high quality. Higher price might speak confidence from the photographer but it does not automatically mean that he/she can offer you the best photography service in the market. They might have the most expensive equipment but some might probably lack the required skill of a professional. So don’t be too confident with this factor. Always remember to check their past works to see if their style suits your taste, and ask some feedback from their previous clients not only regarding with their photos but their professionalism and timeliness as well.

Mistake #3 – Following the trend

If you haven’t noticed, trends do change every now and then. If you think about those photo filters used from years ago, you will see that they are not as pleasing as they were before. Avoid this mistake by trying to stick to a timeless or classic style that will last for a long time.

Mistake #4 – Poor communication

Poor communication can result to big disasters. Avoid those photographer who cannot be reached immediately and those who don’t ask lots of questions. Look for someone who cares so much about your wedding images more than following some of those pre-constructed wedding photography packages. They should also be open about their pricing structures, extra fees and payment options, but also return the favor by clearly telling them your budget. Tell them enough information about your expectations like photography style and some other specifics. Telling them to do whatever they want because you have trust in them is a nice gesture but I’m telling you it’s not helpful. Never leave until everything is clear and settled.

Mistake #5 – Booking the photographer too soon

Information can spread quickly nowadays. So if you already screened your options thoroughly and finally decide who you want to hire as your wedding photographer, book them immediately. People have access to good information. And if the photographer that you’ve chosen has quite a good name or reputation, chances are, they might already have a long list of clients’ schedules. So don’t wait to soon and expect that they’ll be available anytime.

Mistake #6 – Not signing legal agreement

Do not rely on some verbal agreement. Always secure the things that you have agreed on with a legal document. Clarify the copyrights and usage rights of both their wedding and pre-wedding photography packages here in Singapore. Make sure that both parties understand all the writings before signing the document.