At Chateau Polonez, we work with a variety of brides. Some know exactly what they want out of their special day, while others need a little guidance. When it comes to choosing the right photographer to document your wedding, this is no small task. These photos will capture a moment in time – you and your groom’s happiest day together. The pressure is most certainly on when making this decision. Brides need to find the ideal photographer who shares their vision. Since choosing the right photographer is such an important element to any wedding, the knowledgeable staff at Chateau Polonez compiled a list of top tips to help you get started.
1. Be a Detective: Before starting the interview process, it’s important to take the time to do your homework. This starts with researching different photographers in your area. Take a look at their style. Does it suit your wedding? If you’re having a traditional wedding, as fun as the edgy or bold photographer photos look, they may not suit the surroundings – this is why finding the right style of photographer is imperative. Finding the ideal style of photos for the setting and décor of your wedding is another way to narrow down photographers.
Once you have found a few you like, it’s time to assume an investigative role. Read reviews from past clients, look at their social media accounts, go through their portfolio, and see how they respond to client feedback on their social accounts. All of these elements combined will not only give you an idea of their style and track record, but also their personality. It’s important you have a gauge of whether or not you and this person will get along. If you don’t see you two meshing, move on. No bride has free time to waste on interviews. If you love everything you see, then call and see if they’re available on your wedding date. If so, it’s time for an interview.
2. Check Your Chemistry: The interview process is of the utmost importance before choosing a photographer for your wedding. Do they follow direction well? Will they take the “cheesy” picture that you asked them to? Or, will they refuse because of integrity? Before your in-person meeting, you should have a clear vision of your wedding and an idea of what kinds of photos you’re looking for. This is not only a time for the photographer to display their expertise as you go over photo ideas, but to also see how you get along.
If they’re condescending to your ideas, they won’t work. If they just sit there and nod, then you know you’re working with someone who will need a lot of direction – that’s not your responsibility and this type of person won’t work either. If they take your suggestions and offer further ideas, then you have found your photographer. The interview is also an ideal time to go over your rights. For example, there are many professionals who contractually own the rights to all of their photos. This means that they can use your wedding photos for their own promotional materials. This also means that you can’t post digital proofs or print the images with a third party, without infringing on copyright. If any of these factors make you uncomfortable or seem to be counterintuitive to the cost of photos that you don’t actually own, then you won’t want to work with these companies.
The in-person interview is a great time to go over full wedding albums with a critical eye, compare packages (along with hidden fees), and cover all of your concerns. This may require proper preparation and research beforehand, but the initial legwork can save you headaches and surprises in the long-term.
3. Confirm Production Details: Many professional photography companies have multiple photographers on staff. If you interviewed the lead photographer and loved their style, then make sure they will be the one actually taking the photos on your special day. Every bride hates last-minute surprises and having a photographer you don’t know show up can be a devastating shock.
When going over the contract, make sure this factor is covered. It’s also a good idea to have a plan B of a back-up photographer from the company who can fill-in if absolutely necessary. (Yes, this is another person you’ll have to interview and screen, but this contingency plan helps you fully check off this item on your to do list.) Before the day of the shoot, it’s also important to cover how long it will take to get your photos. Many photographers can take up to a month to retouch, resize, and edit your wedding photos. If this timeline doesn’t work for you, this needs to be included in the contract as well.
We all know that planning a wedding is a stressful endeavor. There’s a lot of research, proper planning, and details that can’t go ignored. However, finding the right photographer for your special day cannot be discounted as a detail. No matter who you choose, keep in mind that a lot rests on the shoulders of the surroundings. When planning a wedding in the Houston area, Chateau Polonez is a top Houston wedding venue and gives brides the scenery they need for memorable photos. We only host one wedding a day, meaning our grounds are open to brides – giving you plenty of room to roam and get that perfect shot in a beautiful setting. Chateau Polonez is here to help you make lasting memories.
Feel free to contact us with any questions by calling 281.655.5656 or visit us online at ChateauPolonez.com.
