Tips For Choosing The Right Photographer For Your Wedding Budget

Hello, my name is Monique Sady of Photography by Monique in the Reno/Lake Tahoe, CA area and I am today’s guest blogger.

While I never recommend going with the “cheapest” photographer, there are ways to extend your dollar when choosing a professional photographer with the experience to deliver outstanding images of one of the most important days in your life together.

In my business, I strongly believe in presenting a couple with a product, as well as the wedding day service.  I want my clients to be able to hold a set of photographs and/or a fine art coffee table album in their hands, which really showcases the artistry of my work and gives them a family heirloom that can be enjoyed by generations to come.  Try to budget for a photographer that will provide at least one of these products with their packages.  It will be well worth it instead of getting only a cd of images that you may never get around to using for reprints or your own do-it-yourself album.

If you really are the do it yourself type of person, make sure to hire a photographer who provides you with a cd of the high resolution finished images with a release form allowing you to make your own reprints.  Give yourself a deadline for getting reprints made or making your own album (usually no more than a year after your wedding date).

Make sure that any additional costs are spelled out in the contract such as travel fees, credit card processing fees, etc.

If your wedding is during the off season, don’t be afraid to ask if the photographer offers any discounts or promotions. Sometimes they don’t advertise these specials but if they don’t have as many weddings booked for a certain month, they may be willing to work with you by adding an extra hour (or 2!) or giving you a reprint or album credit with your base package price.

Finding a spectacular photographer for your wedding should be one of your top priorities. Choose a photographer who shares your vision for your wedding day photography.  Set up a meeting with them to make sure your personalities mesh.  Look at examples of their work, not just the “best of the best” on their website. Ask to see albums or online galleries representing entire weddings.  You may have to do this with several photographers and then narrow it down, or you may just know that you have found the perfect match after one meeting. Good luck with your planning and have a great wedding!

Monique Sady is the owner of Photography by Monique based in the Reno/Lake Tahoe area of Northern NV/Northern CA.  She and her husband Scott use their career backgrounds as professional photojournalists who have worked for newspapers, magazines, the Associated Press and the Winter Olympics to document the story of each unique wedding as it unfolds.  They are available for travel anywhere in the world.  They can be reached at 775.762.8828 or monique@photographybymonique.com.  View some of their work below.