Finding Your Special Boston Wedding Photographer

Now that you have a good idea of possible backdrops for your engagement and wedding photo sessions in and around Boston, we’ll guide you to finding the perfect photographer for your wedding.

A recent Google search revealed that Boston has hundreds of professional photographers with a 4.5-star or above rating. That makes finding the right wedding photographer a bit daunting to say the least. So where do you start? Who do you ask? Where do you find the time to look at all of their online portfolios? Well, we’re here to guide you through the process so it’s easier and you’re better prepared to find the best photographer for your wedding and stay within your budget.

California-based photographer and writer Stephanie Kaloi provides a high-level overview of the process of selecting your wedding photographer:

1. Have an idea of what style you want
2. Know your venue or location for each shoot (see our guide here) and have your dates confirmed to make sure the photographer is available
3. Figure out your budget before you inquire
4. Meet your photographer in person
5. Have your questions ready and the time to go through them with your photographer
6. Try to get real reviews by interviewing past clients; don’t simply go by website testimonials

Another thing to consider about photographers is their personality and professional performance. Even a talented, skilled and experienced wedding photographer can be a poor communicator, lag on delivery of final images or won’t manage time well. Take this into consideration as well as the quality and style of the photographer’s work. You can learn more about these performance characteristics and what it will be like to work with them by simply asking your photographer straight out and also by interviewing their previous clients.

Many soon-to-be wed couples have friends and/or relatives that have recently gotten married or who may know a great wedding photographer through their connection—this is the most likely place to start your search. But just because a friend or relative had a great experience with a photographer does not mean that their professional will be perfect for your wedding. It’s a great place to start, but make sure you do your own research.

Work on finding your photographer as early as possible and soon after you book your venue to confirm they are available on your wedding date. Ask your venue if they have a preferred vendor list and who they would recommend as a photographer at your wedding’s location. It takes a bit of coordination to get the larger components of your wedding day set, but once you cross the big items off of your list (venues, transportation, catering, reception music, photographer), you can relax a bit and enjoy the rest of your wedding planning.

Start your search online and create a list of high count (many reviewers) 4-star or higher rated photographers. That will narrow your initial selection to the best of the best. Be sure to consider where they are based, as that may impact their fees to travel to and from your venue(s) unless it’s included (see “Questions to Ask Your Photographer” below) in their pricing.

Give yourself ample time to look through each photographer’s complete portfolio. Get a true sense of what moves you, what gives you ideas and what makes you smile. Share your favorites with your partner and the people you want included in the selection process.

After you’ve narrowed the list down, contact each of your favorite photographers and ask them if they are available on your dates before meeting them in person. Why waste their time or yours if they aren’t even available on your wedding day! And if they are not available, ask them to refer another photographer or two to you—their referral may already be on your list.

Finally, meet potential photographers in person, ask your questions, negotiate your packages and discuss the style and approach you want captured.

Photography is highly subjective. Many experts say that when selecting your wedding photographer you should pick the one with the style you like best. In simpler terms, pick the photographer who has the portfolio that speaks to you. What do their images reflect? What emotions do they convey to you? How are the bride and groom positioned, captured and showcased? How creative are the shots?

Spend time reviewing a photographer’s entire portfolio, not just their wedding photography. You may find that a photographer who also shoots athletes may have a treatment that you can talk about potentially applying to your photos. Your photographer is bringing a wealth of talent and expertise to your event. However, your wedding shoot is a collaborative process. A good photographer will capture the most unique, stylized photo memories by combining their style with yours.

Here are some good questions to ask when you meet with your photographer. The answers to these will help you understand more about doing business with them and what to expect.

• What type of packages do they offer?
• Are they familiar with or have they shot at your venue(s) before? And if so, could they provide a sample of the wedding(s) they’ve photographed there?
• Have they worked with or are they familiar with any of the vendors you’re using for your wedding such as the caterer, transportation, lodging, musician, event planner, etc.?
• Are they a natural light photographer only or will they provide lighting?
• Are they okay with wedding guests taking photographs during the wedding as well?
• Are they willing to negotiate if you combine engagement photos with wedding and reception photos in a larger package?
• What is specifically included in each of their packages and can you customize a package to better suit your needs and budget?
• What type of editing and processing do they complete after the shoot to create the final photos and is it part of the package pricing?
• Can they accommodate any special aspect of your wedding timing or venue, such as if it’s at a venue where there may be weather issues or a public atmosphere that may be uncontrollable?
• Will they let you view an entire edited wedding they’ve done for a prior client, not just the final selected pictures?
• Do they need early access and set up time before the events?
• Will you be responsible for providing a meal (or two) during or after the events?
• What is their attitude and approach to wedding photography?
• How do they manage difficult subjects or uncomfortable situations? Can they provide an example?
• Do they have a support team or other vendors they use on their wedding shoots and are their costs included in the package price?
• How long after the shoot will the unedited photos be available for viewing and then how long after photos are selected will the album or final digital images be ready?
• Are there any copyright claims that the photographer makes on the photos?
• For printed photos, do they offer any album packages? Will you have permission to print photos yourself?
• Most photographers want to use your photos in their portfolio and on social media. If you don’t give permission to use them promotionally, will you be charged more?
• What liability insurance do they have in place and can they provide a Certificate of Insurance?
• Do they have a valid business license and are registered with the state?
• What types of contracts and agreements do they use?
• Do they require a deposit before the shoot, and if so, how much?
• What is their cancellation policy?
• How will they be publishing and transferring the final digital photos to you?
• What is their policy regarding providing you the unprocessed, unedited photos?
• What do they feel are their strengths? Their weaknesses?
• Do they cover their own travel and any potential lodging or is that a fee you pay?
  

According to UK-based natural light photographer Anete Lusina, professional photographers often struggle to find the balance between the style of work they are genuinely passionate about and work that “pays the bills.” She recommends that photographers shoot personal projects to improve their professional portfolio.

When Anete began her photography business, she had concerns about showing wedding photography prospects her personal work in case it clashed with their style or preferences and she’d lose the potential business. However, the more she worked and built her personal portfolio, the more she realized that it was her personal style and identity that actually sold her work.

What’s important to note here is that when you are browsing potential wedding photographer portfolios, you want to look at their entire volume of work—not just the wedding or engagements shots. You may find a lot of the same “themes” and styling in wedding portfolios, and after a while you can grow tired of seeing the same “floating veil” or “groomsmen’s shoes” photos over and over.

Whether you embrace the traditional shots or you are looking for something totally out of the ordinary, you want your wedding photography to be uniquely captured and to look special. By choosing a photographer who has done what Anete has and create a combined approach of personal style and traditional wedding photography, you can infuse their style with your vision and create something truly magical.

Since photography is typically the third highest wedding-related expense, it’s important to know what you’re getting and to make sure that every aspect of your package is listed as individual line-items that you can clearly understand. Be aware of the possible cost overruns or added fees for items such as overtime, assistants, high-resolution images, engagement sessions etc. Most photographers will work with you on the price because they know that couples are spending quite a bit on their big day and photography is just one of many expenses.

Don’t start out by asking a photographer their price. Instead, find out first if the photographer you’re interviewing is someone you really want to work with. If you love what they do and they have a style and personality you really click with, tell them. Let them know you would love to work with them, and ask how you can make it happen within your budget. Many photographers that you “gel” with will feel the same and are willing to negotiate or find a creative solution through a custom package that is perfect for your needs.

Let your prospective photographer see your excitement about working with them. Try to avoid using a less costly photographer’s price as leverage. This could put off a potentially perfect-fit photographer. Remember that your photographer is a partner and representative of what you want captured on your wedding day and you should work together collaboratively to arrive at a price and package that works for everyone.

Here are a few creative ideas to add to your photographer’s shot list. Chloe Olewitz on Format.com suggests the following 20 tips to spice up your shots:

1. Make use of negative space. A large wall, side of a building or open field with blue sky.
2. Pair photos in a diptych. A diptych is two images next to one another typically in a hinged frame. This can be two action photos taken within seconds of one another such as the bridal bouquet toss.
3. Use an epic setting. This could be a national landmark or in a breathtaking natural environment such as a mountainside or rock formation. Boston and the New England coastline are full of them.
4. Do “peek-a-boo” shots. Position the couple partially hidden from view by nature or other element that draws stronger focused attention to them in the shot.
5. Use light to your advantage. The light changes and shifts throughout the day. Try silhouettes, low lit settings or high contrast for an original visual effect.
6. Conceptualize the moment. This is an event to remember and marks two people in love. Find ways to tell a story with one image of moments during your wedding day and reception.
7. Play with shadows. As with using light to your advantage, you can also find creative ways to employ shadows to create even more drama.
8. Focus on the details. Get in close. Find the shots that create more texture and richness throughout your entire album.
9. Capture action shots in lively moments. Posed shots are always a tradition, however, some of the best memories you want preserved are the impromptu moments that you and your guests experience throughout the wedding and reception during lively activities.
10. Make use of texture and textile. Like focusing on the details, look for patterns in texture, nature and surroundings as well as in your adornments and clothing.
11. Get the natural elements involved. Use wind, weather and the environment to create a more vibrant setting.
12. Laugh. It’s hard not to smile at a photograph of someone caught laughing naturally. Encourage joviality in front of the lens.
13. Shoot the in-between moments. Let the unscripted and unpredictable events happen and capture them as naturally as possible. It will go a long way to telling a richer story of your wedding day.
14. Try time lapse effects. This works great in low-light or nighttime settings where the effects of motion create artistically blurred movement in your shots.
15. Have fun with the details. If you’re being a bit irreverent with your guests, capture those moments in deliberate poses for even more fun.
16. Unleash the group dynamics. When bridal parties get together there can be some fun and touching candid moments. Capture the personalities of groups during their celebrating together—groomsmen, bridesmaids, parents, children, even pets.
17. Play up the process. There are great shots to be captured during the preparation and planning process leading up to the ceremony. Don’t limit those shots to just getting the hair and makeup done, and bowties tied, but what about greeting the photographer, packing the suitcase for the honeymoon or grabbing a light breakfast before getting ready?
18. Create levels for unique group shots. Use props, hills, buildings and stairs to level-up your group shots for more creative settings.
19. Shift your perspective. Go low. Go high. Shoot a bird’s-eye view of the ceremony. Shoot at angles.
20. Make the most of the location. Wherever your wedding venue is, explore unconventional corners or areas that can create unique settings and backdrops.
    

When it’s all over and you’ve captured and preserved all of your favorite wedding moments, don’t forget to take care of your photographer. At your comfort level, leave them a detailed review online and provide a robust testimonial for their website. Tell them you’d be happy to be a referral for future prospective couples that come their way. This is how you decided, so help them grow their business with your positive reviews.

We hope you found these two wedding photography articles on finding your perfect settings for engagement and wedding sessions as well as selecting your perfect wedding photographer beneficial. Look for more helpful wedding preparation guides and information coming your way from Savvy Bride Boston.

Congratulations and all the best from your friends here at TransAction Corporate Shuttles.

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