Michigan brides, choose your wedding photographer wisely
Why are so many people getting scammed?
Although I don't have a great answer to this question, I definitely have some speculation. My first thought is usually that with a *little* research, MOST of the time, we can avoid dealing with scammers. In this blog post I'm going to tell you all about what to look for in a wedding photographer BEFORE hiring them for your wedding day!
As a side note, I am actively booking 2027 weddings, so inquire now if you are interested!
Let's talk pricing
What you are paying for a wedding photographer matters. I know that times are tough, but the hard truth is that photography is a luxury service. When we go with someone "extra cheap", we are GAMBLING with our wedding coverage. This means you are literally taking a gamble on whether or not you will receive your wedding photos back, or if they will be usable at all. If you inquire with a wedding photographer, and the pricing sounds "too good to be true", it probably is. While you might get lucky, you have to accept that you are taking a risk if you choose someone in a low price range. My pricing starts at 2,500 for 6+ hours, and that reflects my experience as well as the back up systems I have in place to protect my images. While I know that is a lot for some, this is actually on the low end of the spectrum.
A few thoughts if you can't afford 2,500+ for wedding photos:
- Cut down your coverage. You need to be realistic, "all day coverage" is not possible for 1000. Some photographers (ME) offer smaller packages with less hours in your price range.
- Look into payment plans. I personally offer "pay as you go". I only require a 25% retainer fee to book, and I am very flexible with payments afterwards.
Ask Important Questions
It's important to ask questions before you put money down on any wedding vendor. Here are a few to ask:
- What is your backup process for photos? What does your backup equipment look like?
My answer: I only use cameras with dual card slots that record to two SD cards at once. I highly recommend a second shooter for backup and additional angles. In addition, I transfer files onto an external hard drive and my computer as soon as I'm home. The original SD cards are kept in a safe spot until well after I deliver your gallery.
- What is your approach to the wedding day like?
My answer: I do a lot of communication leading up to your wedding so we have all the needed details to make your day a success. I am laid back, but also able to kick into gear when I know it's needed. I do a lot of candids on the wedding day, and try to give you moments to breathe as needed.
There are a lot more questions you can ask, but if you only ask a couple, I'd recommend these two.
