Picture Perfect Advice from Wedding Photographers

Capturing the Moment, Creating a Memory

Picture Perfect Advice from Wedding Photographers
Greer Gattuso

Many people have memories of flipping through their parents’ and grandparents’ wedding albums, asking about the photographs and seeing the smiles on their loved ones’ faces as they reminisce about their big day. These memories make one thing clear: The person behind the camera isn’t merely photographing an event, but rather creating a way to relive special moments again and again. Couples should devote significant time to finding just the right person to entrust with such a crucial task. To help with this process, local wedding photographers offer advice sure to make the big day picture-perfect.

For Mike Lirette, the first decision a couple should make is what kind of photography they like — editorial, traditional, photojournalistic or candid? From there, couples should look at galleries and portfolios to find a photographer who specializes in that style. Ollie Alexander of Love is Rad recommends using examples of a photographer’s own work, as opposed to a Pinterest board or other photographs, when considering whether someone is the right fit. Building on this advice, Greer Gattuso notes that viewing multiple full wedding galleries is the best way to gauge a photographer’s range. She also points out that “a wedding photographer with many years of experience will have a stronger ability to handle various situations on the wedding day that may be unexpected (including weather, lighting, timeline changes, etc.), all while creating gorgeous photos.”

Picture Perfect Advice from Wedding Photographers
Lauren Carroll Photography

Casey McMurray advises a phone call or Zoom meeting to see if there is a connection: “Your photographer will be with you all day long! It’s important to actually like them!” Similarly, Alexander says “Consider someone with a calming presence that you actually wouldn’t mind hanging out with, as they will be there with you through some of your most special and intimate moments.” Building on this advice, Lauren Carroll remarks, “I know for me, once speaking with a potential client, I can tell right away if we are a good fit!” Between these getting-to-know you conversations, pre-wedding work, the wedding day itself and post-wedding editing, a photographer will work at least 40 hours on a couple’s total wedding experience, though the day itself is typically around eight hours.

The photographer’s time and expertise will be accounted for in the contract, which is an absolutely essential document. Lirette outlines what couples should anticipate in terms of budget: “Expect $4500-$8500 for the standard eight continuous hours of photo coverage and two photographers, with more experienced photographers charging higher rates.”

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Picture Perfect Advice from Wedding Photographers
Casey McMurray Photography

The contract should include not only the photographer’s rate and payment schedule, but also the date, location, hours of coverage, a timeline for receiving the completed images, the type and resolution of images to be delivered and a policy for cancellation, rescheduling, and emergencies. Additional services, such as an engagement session, or products, such as an album, may also be included. Many photographers will include a model release, a document stating that the photographer owns the rights to the images and language about posting the photos on social media and the photographer’s website.

Lirette urges couples to thoroughly read their contract before signing, as this document is intended to protect both the business and the client. Echoing this sentiment, Gattuso says, “You should clearly understand what your contract states and never hesitate to ask your photographer if you have any questions.”

All four photographers agree that the contract should be signed around a year in advance, if not earlier. Not only is New Orleans a popular destination wedding spot, but hurricane season and huge citywide events such as Mardi Gras or Jazz Fest sometimes leave couples dashing to secure a plumb date. Especially during peak wedding season — roughly September-November and March-May — photographers’ schedules will fill quickly. Couples should plan to book the photographer as soon as they have decided on a date, time and a location.

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Picture Perfect Advice from Wedding Photographers
Mike Lirette Photography

After booking, communication is the key for a good relationship between the couple and their photographer. As much as they love meeting clients for coffee and talking on the phone, all our experts agree that the most important details should be communicated in writing. Carroll explains, “Having everything written in an email chain helps us keep track of the details for the wedding day. It’s easy to forget verbal agreements and details. When I have a call or in person meeting scheduled with a client, I take notes and email them to the client after to have everything documented.” McMurray and Lirette concur that a list of moments the couple would like to capture is essential, and they also encourage clients to share information about deaths, divorces or anything else that will help the photographer understand family dynamics when doing group shots. Gattuso also likes to have a timeline for the day, complete with locations, on hand. Alexander asks that couples communicate small details to help capture those special moments, such as someone’s reaction to a surprise or a close-up of a sentimental piece of jewelry worn by the bride.

The better the communication, the more trust the couple and photographer will have in one another. McMurray tells couples, “The more you trust [the photographer], the more magical your photos will be.” This trust also ensures that couples can relax and let the photographer work, knowing that their future memories are in good hands.

Picture Perfect Advice from Wedding Photographers
Love is Rad

These memories should be as unique as the couple themselves. So, if a couple would like to nix an old tradition and do something new, Carroll enthusiastically encourages them to go for it! Echoing this advice, Alexander reminds couples that “there are no rules …Throw a talent show at your reception, get married in the street outside your house with all your friends standing around in Mardi Gras costumes, walk down the aisle in a denim gown.” Rather than trying to conform to an idea of what a wedding “should” be, couples should instead focus on creating an experience that brings them joy. The photographs — and memories — are best when the camera captures a couple’s genuine happiness.

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