Wedding Photography Tip #2

Wedding Photography Tip #2 Hire Vendors You Trust and Have Confidence In

Probably the biggest part of planning a wedding is meeting with and hiring vendors. Whether it is your DJ, Cake, Dress, Venue, Photographer, etc. it can be an overwhelming task. The best way to start? Recommendations. Ask your friends and family. Once you have chosen a venue, ask them. Every vendor you meet with can also provide you with recommendations for other vendors. Typically, wedding coordinators, photographers and DJs can provide you with the best recommendations, as they are at events all day long and know other vendors well.

When you meet with a vendor, try to be as specific as you can about the things that are important to you. Look carefully at any samples the vendor shows you-- are they what you are looking for? Does the vendor seem to care about your concerns and your wishes? And finally, when you leave the meeting, do you have a gut feeling that the vendor will be able to fulfill your vision?

This is probably most important with your photographer. You need to have full confidence that your photographer is not only competent, but also that they can create the artistic vision you have in mind. Every photographer is not for every bride. Photography styles differ drastically between individuals, so it is important to look beyond price and package offerings.

When you trust your photographer, they have the ability to create masterpieces. You know they are the best and when they ask you to take a risk and try something new, you have the confidence to do it. When they tell you that the lighting at the beach at noon isn't the most flattering, that it would be better to take photos inside the beach house, or in the shade of the pier, you know they are right.

The trust extends beyond the images as well. You have to trust that the photographer will reserve your date, that they will show up, produce quality images, deliver the products and conduct themselves in a professional manner. If you doubt any of those things, then you need to continue your search for a photographer.

If you are a skeptical kind of person and your gut feeling isn't enough, don't hesitate to ask for referrals. A photographer should have no problem giving you a list of past clients that you can contact. You can also do things like contact the BBB, post on a local message board for feedback, ask other vendors about their experiences with the photographer, etc.

My biggest advice is to never sign a contract with someone you don't have full confidence in-- regardless of what the contract is for. Ask questions before the contract is signed and don't let any vendor pressure you into signing a contract with a special offer, a fear of losing a date or any other sales tactic.

When you have full confidence in the vendors that you have hired you are able to relax and enjoy your wedding!

www.LongsPhotography.com