5 tips for choosing your wedding photographer, by Julien Bonjour

Of course, you’ll be left with your wedding photos, your “better half”, your wedding rings, decorative elements and lots of wonderful memories. When the photographer reveals his shots, you’ll discover all those little moments you may have missed: the tear in mom’s eye, the laughter, the shared moments…

And then, in time, the memories will fade. To rekindle all those happy moments, all you have to do is look back at your wedding album. That’s why it’s so important to choose your wedding photographer carefully!

1) Define your budget and the style of photos you like

First and foremost, determine the budget you wish to allocate to this item, as rates can vary considerably. But quality comes at a price. What’s more, in addition to the time spent with you on your wedding day, don’t forget that the photographer will spend a number of hours processing your photographs before handing them over to you…

As for style, you’ll find a huge variety! Each photographer has a very personal artistic vision: dark or bright photos, pastel or punchy colors, dynamic poses or others that are all soft and delicate… To realize all the possible panel and to choose the style that suits you best, go and discover wedding photos on Pinterest, Instagram or on specialized blogs. If you like bright photos, soft colors and uncluttered backgrounds, you’ll love Julien Bonjour’s work!

2) Contact 2 or 3 photographers who your expectations and book without delay

To find THE photographer, you may need to talk to several service providers to find the one who best suits your needs. If you have a wedding planner, don’t hesitate to ask her for advice. Visit wedding blogs and photographers’ websites, too, to view their portfolios.

Don’t forget that some wedding photographers are booked more than a year in advance!

3) Compare offers

You should pay particular attention to :

  • Duration of service
  • The number of processed photos you will receive
  • The media that will be given to you at the end of the service (paper prints, box with USB key, album, etc.).
  • Whether or not there is a private gallery so that your guests can easily view and even download your wedding photos.
  • The presence or absence of a love session

4) Meet your wedding photographer

It’s essential to meet the photographer you’ve chosen! Plan an appointment or a Skype exchange, for example, if you can’t make yourself available. You’ll be able to tell him the details of your day, the timing, and discuss your wishes. For his part, he will introduce you to his way of working and his artistic vision. Ask to see complete wedding reports too, to get an overall view of her work.

A good feeling is essential! You need to feel completely at ease to trust your photographer on the big day: the quality of the photos depends on it. The more relaxed and spontaneous you are, the more successful your wedding photos will be!

5) The little extras…

Don’t hesitate to organize an engagement session (it can even be included in certain services): in a place that’s close to your heart, it will take place a few days or months before your wedding. Not only will it leave you with superb memories of your life, but it will also help you get used to the lens, a kind of training before your D-Day!

Entrust the production of your prints or albums to your photographer. Without his good advice, the colors and brightness of your photos can be altered during printing, and you could be very disappointed with the result!

[photos : Julien Bonjour Photographe]