Photography is usually one of the biggest wedding expenses, and for good reason.
No matter how delicious the meal, how beautiful the flowers, or how amazing the bridesmaids' hair, these will all just be memories when the wedding is over.
You need to capture the memories with photography. Finding the right photographer can seem daunting, given the expense and the number of wedding photographers in the Lower Mainland.
According to Richelle Akimow, of Richelle Akimow Photography, it all comes down to research.
"There are three areas to consider," said Akimow. "Past work and style, personality or
"fit" with you, and price/photo ownership."
Finding photographers Online tools are a great way to find a photographer, according to Akimow.
"Social media, in my opinion, is the best way to find a large cross section of photographers to interview," she said. She recommends couples go online to find photographers in the area and see their style of photography.
Don't forget to look at wedding shots from friends as they may have had a great experience and "social media allows you to ask your friends what their honest opinion is of their experience with their wedding photographer," Akimow added.
Take a look at their website or blog Matching a photographer's style to your style is the biggest priority.
"If you're looking for photo journalistic images and there appears to be a lot of posed work, then that person is not for you," Akimow said.
Looking through older work of the photographer is also recommended to ensure their style is consistent.
And narrow the list and the dreaded budget. "I would say that a couple should meet with each of their narrowed-down choices in person before ultimately hiring them," Akimow said.
Budget also plays a part in who is hired. If pricing is available on the photographer's website it will make the process easier, but email or phone calls may be needed.
"There is no sense interviewing a photographer that is financially prohibitive for your budget," Akimow added.
It's about fit When interviewing, it will become apparent if you like someone, as well as their work.
Akimow noted the only way to get gorgeous images is when the couple is able
to be relaxed, comfortable, and natural with the photographer.
"If you just don't 'click', it's probably not the right fit," she said.
An engagement session can be a good idea to get to know the photographer in a working situation and will allow you to learn to relax with them.
What is a fair price? Fair, as Akimow explained, is based entirely on what the bride and groom value.
"If the bride and groom only want a few professional images of their day... that is very different than wanting complete coverage from where the bride and groom get ready in the morning until the dance party breaks out 11 hours later."
It also depends upon whether you want every image the photographer took or just a select few.
"Not all photographers will allow the couple to own all of the images from their wedding day," Akimow said.
Knowing what you want beforehand is essential to getting an accurate price.
When you purchase images, they will come on a high resolution DVD, a flash drive, printed, or in other formats. You'll also want to find out if there are any restrictions on their use.
