Your wedding day is one of the most insane, emotional, and beautiful days of your LIFE and capturing every moment of it is so important! Choosing the right photographer for your wedding in Houston can be overwhelming, but with the right approach and a little prep work, you can make the right decision for you and your boo. In this article, we will guide you through the I dos and I don'ts of hiring a Houston wedding photographer to ensure you get the coolest experience possible.
I DO's
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Research, research, research. The number of photographers, each with their own unique style, pricing, and personalities, can be a little overwhelming, but putting in a little extra time for this particular vendor is a biggie. Check out their about me page, portfolios, and social media pages to see if their work aligns with your vision for your wedding day. Check your wedding venue vendor list, references from your coordinator, and social media to find the best photographers in Houston!
DO MEET IN PERSON
Meeting with your potential photographer in person is crucial. You want to get a sense of their personality and whether or not you feel comfortable working with them. During the consultation, chat about your vision for your wedding day, what the most important types of photographs are to you, and any special requests you may have. A reputable Houston wedding photographer will take the time to understand your needs and go above and beyond to deliver exactly what you want! I love meeting new couples in person or over zoom and getting to know your story. Let’s set up a time to meet and chat wedding stuff!
DO CHECK REVIEWS OR REFERENCES
When you've narrowed down your list of potential Houston wedding photographers, don’t be afraid to ask them for references from previous clients. Reading reviews from past clients on Google or The Knot are biggies. Were they professional, reliable, and easy to work with? You can learn a lot from reviews from past couples so take the time to check those out. You can find reviews from our past clients on my website, Google, and The Knot. I’ve been fortunate enough to have the most incredible couples ever!!
DO DISCUSS YOUR WEDDING TIMELINE
Make sure you discuss the timeline with your photographer. They should arrive early enough on the day of the wedding to capture getting ready photos and stay late enough to capture the last dance. We typically arrive 3 hours before the ceremony starts so that we have time to knock out details, getting ready shots, and as many wedding party photos as possible. That way we can get you to your party as soon as possible after capturing all of the photographs you want!
DO ASK ABOUT BACKUPS
Feel free to ask the wedding photographer about their backup photography equipment. Do they have backup cameras and lenses in case something malfunctions? Does their camera record the same photo to two memory cards instead of one? Sometimes those babies can malfunction or corrupt. Business insurance is also something every professional photographer should have. Your venue deposit and guests will be protected from any unfortunate incidental caused by your photographer. Accidents happen!
DO SIGN A CONTRACT
A contract protects both you and the photographer from tons of scenarios. Make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the contract before signing anything. The contract should include the date and time of the wedding in Houston, the number of hours the photographer will be shooting, the price, and what is included in the package.
I DON'Ts
DON'T HIRE FRIENDS OR FAMILY
While it may be tempting to hire a friend or family member who owns a camera, this is usually not a good idea. They may not have the necessary experience or equipment to capture your wedding day properly. Plus, if something goes wrong, it can create tension in your relationship. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten a call from a couple asking for a reshoot when a family friend didn’t deliver on the quality they wanted. It’s unfortunately common but can be easily avoided!
DON'T CHOOSE A CHEAP PHOTOGRAPHER IN HOUSTON
Price is a factor to consider when hiring someone to photograph your wedding, but it should not be the only factor. You want to make sure you're hiring a photographer who will capture your big day perfectly, not just the cheapest option. Remember, you get what you pay for and this investment is so worth it! Check out my pricing and availability.
DON'T FORGET TO ASK ABOUT EDITING
Editing is an important part of the wedding photography process. Ask the photographer about their editing process. Do they edit the photos they give you? Will they provide both color and black and white photos? How long does it take to get photos from an engagement shoot or wedding day back? Make sure you know what to expect when it comes to the final product. My engagement session edits typically take about 2 weeks and my weddings take about 8 weeks and include week-of teasers ;)
DON'T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE
The best wedding photographers in Houston often book up quickly, so it's important to start your search early. Ideally, you should start looking for a photographer at least six months before your wedding day but keep in mind that it’s never too soon! I’ve had couples book me almost 2 years in advance, and other couples book me two months in advance.
DON'T IGNORE YOUR INSTINCTS
Your instincts are an important factor when hiring a wedding photographer in the Houston area. If something feels off, it's important to trust your gut. You want to feel confident that the photographer you choose will capture your wedding day perfectly and be a pleasure to work with. Don’t feel pressured to book with someone you don’t trust 100%! This is a big decision are there are always more photographers out there in the giant city of Houston.
Conclusion
Hiring a wedding photographer in Houston is an important decision that needs careful consideration. Do your research, meet in person, ask for references, discuss the timeline, ask about their equipment, and sign a contract. Don't hire a friend or family member, choose a photographer solely based on price, forget to discuss editing, wait until the last minute, or ignore your instincts.
By following these dos and don'ts, you'll be well on your way to finding the perfect wedding photographer who will capture every precious moment of your special day. Remember to take your time, trust your instincts, and choose a photographer who understands your vision for your wedding day. Houston is a massive city with an overwhelming amount of photographers, so take your time on this one.