Choosing the right wedding photographer can be an overwhelming task, as there are many options available in Ecuador. To help you make the best decision, here are 10 useful tips for choosing your wedding photographer:
Do your research and compare: Research online or ask for recommendations from friends or family. Compare the portfolios, styles, prices, and packages offered by different wedding photographers. When reviewing prices, don’t be swayed by who gives you the most extras like prints, enlargements, etc. I understand it’s beautiful to have that enlarged photo of the best day of your life, but what if the photographer doesn’t meet your expectations? Perhaps the enlargement won’t bring the same emotion, it’s better to have your photographer deliver incredible photos that you can later use, rather than having enlargements, albums, glasses, etc. of photos that aren’t epic for you.
Define your style: Decide what style of photography you like and make sure the photographer you choose has experience in that style. It’s not the same to have a wedding photographer who specializes in day photos versus one who specializes in night photos. Conditions obviously change, so if your wedding is at night, ask for a portfolio of night weddings.
Check their experience: Make sure the photographer has enough experience in weddings and has worked on similar events to yours. Ask them to show you galleries or look in their portfolio if they have done weddings in your venue. This will give you peace of mind, and you’ll also see what can be done that day.
Check their references: Ask for references from previous clients and verify their work and comments. You can search on Google or Instagram.
Get to know their personality: Make sure the photographer has a personality that fits well with yours, as you will spend a lot of time together during the wedding. And I insist on this a lot, the chemistry between you and your photographer should be felt from the beginning. Remember, she will be with you in moments of vulnerability, and it’s important to feel calm and confident.
Ask for a test session: If possible, schedule a test session so you can see their style and how they work. Many times there’s the possibility of doing a Save the Date, and this should be a must! It helps a lot for you to get to know each other and see your photographer’s way of working. I’ve seen a difference between weddings that have had Save the Dates and those that haven’t, especially in the couples because it can sometimes be a bit uncomfortable for them.
Verify their availability: Make sure the photographer is available on your wedding date. Some dates are in high demand and others aren’t, it’s like chance, if photos are important to you, then your photographer should be one of the main vendors to book.
Get a contract: Make sure you have a detailed contract that specifies the services you’ll receive and the agreed-upon prices.
Trust your instincts: If, after all of the above, you still have doubts, trust your instincts and choose the wedding photographer who makes you feel the most comfortable and confident.
