There are many talented Nashville wedding photographers and this site will offer you some tips on how to choose the one that is the best fit for your big day. With only one chance to capture the magical moments of your wedding, choosing the right wedding photographer is an important decision. Your wedding day will go by in a such blur of excitement that the only accurate reminder will be your wedding album. You will have these captured memories
for the rest of your life to share with your family and friends.
How do you choose the right photographer for your wedding?
First , you will have to start by building a list of potential wedding photographers. You need to start this process as early as possible as good photographers will be booked up months or even years in advance. Contact anyone you or your friends and family might know who has been married recently and ask about their experience with their wedding photographer. Inquire at your wedding venue and bridal shops for recommendations. A search online will also give you many more options and provide you with some reviews of Nashville wedding photographers.
Styles of wedding photographers
There are many Nashville wedding photographers with different styles of and approaches to wedding photography. Do you prefer traditional, a journalistic/candid approach, or artistic or glamour shots? Maybe a combination? Sit down with your fiancé/e to and go through the photographers’ online portfolio.
Every photographer will have their own style and you will get an idea from their site if matches your expectations. The most important part of making your decision is finding a photographer who’s style you like. Don’t choose a photographer who shoots in one style and expect them to shoot in a different style.
With a short list of photographers that interest you and schedule to meet with them in person. Make a list of things to discuss in your meeting that will help you decide on who you will go with.
Checklist of questions to ask your potential wedding photographer
- First, are they available for the date?
- How many weddings have they shot?
- Is this their full time job or a hobby on the side?
- How do they describe their own style?
- How do they distinguish their photography from other photographers in Nashville?
- What are the wedding photography packages? What do they include? What are the prices? Prints, albums, disc of the images, etc..
- How long will it take to receive the photos/albums?
- What do they use for camera equipment? Is it professional quality? Do they use flashes? If so is it a flash only on the camera or flashes on tripods? Do they have a backup camera in case something goes wrong with their primary camera?
- Will they be the actual photographer or will someone else be photographing the wedding (Many companies will have more photographers working for them. If this is the case ask to see a portfolio of only shots from the photographer who will be shooting that day.)
- Do they work alone or with an assistant or second shooter?
- Do they have a basic shot list and can you modify it?
- There are many wedding venues in Nashville, TN. Have they worked at your venue before?
- Ask for a list of recent references
- Do they offer a written contract (don’t choose one who will not)
- What is the cancellation/refund policy?
- What is their liability insurance?
During the meeting you should be able to judge if they are a good match from their personality, appearance, and demeanor. You should be completely comfortable with them before booking.
How much do wedding photographers cost?
Price should not be the biggest consideration in making your choice. Hiring a professional photographer can seem expensive but how much are you spending on catering, flowers, and invitations? These are all things that are usually big costs, but how long do they last compared to your wedding album? Professional Nashville wedding photographers cost $1500 all the way up and past $10,000. Normally photography will be around 20% of your total wedding costs. When comparing prices of different photographer understand that you will more often than not get what you paid for. Anyone quoting under $1500 a wedding are most likely not going to be experienced professionals.
When checking references make sure they were similar in price, size and style of your wedding.
There are many talented Nashville wedding photographers and we hope that this site helps you make the best decision for your special day!