When envisioning their lifetime together, many couples dream of showing their wedding album to their children and grandchildren. Local photographer Sidney Donaldson offers advice on selecting the right photographer to make memories for generations to treasure.
Donaldson stresses that couples should do a substantial amount of research on several photographers before making their choice. There are two key things to consider when choosing a photographer; the first is style (dark and moody, light and airy, photojournalistic, etc…). Couples should find a photographer who shoots in the style they want to achieve. “It’s not a good idea to ask a dark/moody photographer to shoot the wedding light/airy just because you like their work,” he notes. “It won’t benefit either party and the pictures may come out subpar.”
The second key factor to consider is chemistry. A couple will work with their photographer for months, having several meetings and laying out plans for the big day. They will want to have a good relationship, so it’s important that personalities don’t clash. For example, if a couple is laid back and their photographer is not, it could create unnecessary tension that takes away from the enjoyment of the day.
Finding a photographer with that perfect blend of style and chemistry can take a considerable amount of time, so Donaldson advises couples to start their research as early possible. “Start looking at photographers the day after you pick a wedding date,” he says. In Louisiana, the most popular wedding months are October-December, and photographers are often booked up to a year in advance. Couples planning to marry during those months should be especially attentive to their search!
Part of that research is asking to see a copy of the contract before booking. “Each photographer has a unique contract. This is very important to look over before putting a deposit down. Some have nonrefundable deposits even if you book a year in advance. Some stipulate that they own the rights to the images and not the bride and groom,” Donaldson observes.
While all contracts are unique, couples can expect them to contain at least three items. First, it will state a meal must be provided. Photographers can work a single wedding for 10 hours, and they need a break to eat. Second, the contract will outline a backup plan should the photographer have to cancel at the last minute. Third, it should provide a timeline of when the couple should receive their images. On average, a couple can get a sneak peek within a week. The fully-edited album can take one to five months, depending on the photographer’s workload.
Though the process can be time-consuming, Donaldson confidently remarks that it will be worth it in the end: “Don’t settle. Don’t go with someone just because you may be tired of searching.” Whether a couple marries in a backyard or in a castle, in the hands of the right photographer their wedding album will be a stunning family heirloom.
