The number one thing that you will want to consider before anything else is the photographer’s availability.  If they aren’t available on your event date, you won’t be able to work with them.  I would recommend booking at least six months in advance, but for well sought after photographers, you may need to book a year to two years out.  If for some reason your dream photographer isn’t available, ask them for recommendations of colleagues that have a similar style to them.

It’s important to consider the price and what is included.  Some photographers have a cheaper upfront price, but you have to pay to print each of your photos, or pay to get the digital files.  Other photographers may have an expensive upfront price, but it includes all of your digital images, and an album.  Just make sure that you are really comparing apples to apples, and figuring out exactly what you get with each package.

Make sure to ask your photographer about the digital files and copyright information that come with your package.  If you have all of the copyright rights to your photos, you are free to use them as you wish (i.e. publish them to social media, blogs, etc.).  I always make sure that I have these rights, as well as the digital files, so that I am permitted to print my own photos for use at my house or wherever else I would like to use them.

The last, but perhaps most important thing to consider is the style of the photographer.  Do you want your photos to be light and airy?  Black and white only?  Bright and colorful?  It’s smart to do your research on your photographer so that you can see what their style is, and see if it fits in with your vision for your event.  Look at their website, blog, and social media sites to see what types of photos they are most proud of.

Can you think of anything else that is important to consider when choosing a photographer?  Any photographers out there that can offer any insight into the other side of this process?  Please let me know in the comments!

Party on!