If you're ready to hire a wedding photographer in Tuscany, it's important to do your homework. Look beyond photography trends and view full galleries of real weddings to get a feel for the style of work.
You'll be spending the day with your photographer, so it's vital to find someone that you vibe with. Ask friends and family for recommendations and set up meetings with potential candidates.
Find a Style You Like
Your wedding photographer will be taking photos you’ll cherish for a lifetime, so it’s important to choose someone who has a style you like. A good place to start is by asking for recommendations from friends or family members who got married recently and loved their photographers. You can also check out their portfolios online and see what their work looks like.
When looking at a potential photographer’s portfolio, be sure to look through full wedding pictures that they have shot from start to finish. This will give you a better sense of their overall approach and whether or not it’s a good fit for you.
There are two major types of photography styles: reportage and traditional. Reportage or photojournalistic photography is less posed and will capture more candid photos of your guests. While traditional photography is more posed and will include group shots of everyone at the wedding. It’s okay if you can’t decide on one style, but it is important to find someone who has experience with both.
Make a List of Questions
When hiring a wedding photographer, it's important to make a list of questions and to ask each pro you're considering. This will help you get a better understanding of their work and style, as well as what to expect for your day.
Forsberg says that asking a photographer how they got into photography is another great way to get a feel for their passion for the art. This question can reveal whether or not a professional's heart is truly in the business of weddings, and it can also give you insight into what their perspective on love and marriage is like.
It's also a good idea to ask photographers how they handle editing their images and what their retouching philosophy is. Some pros prefer to keep edits minimal while others take a more dramatic approach. You'll also want to find out if they charge for travel and if overtime hours are included in their packages.
Make a List of Photographers
Once you’ve narrowed down a handful of photographers who seem to have aesthetics that jive with yours, you can begin to contact them to see if they are available for your wedding date and what their photography rates are. This is the perfect opportunity to get a feel for how they work with their clients and how well they communicate, which is so important in ensuring that your wedding day goes according to plan!
When you’re emailing photographers, don’t ask them to capture standard wedding events (getting ready, walking down the aisle, kiss, first dance, cutting the cake). Your photographer is there to tell YOUR unique story and reflect who YOU are as a couple.
Instead, send your photographer a shot list that includes things you’re absolutely dying to have captured – like intimate portraits, candids, and details. This allows them to stay focused on the things that are most important to you while balancing your requests with their creative perspective.
Schedule a Meeting
While it may seem obvious, it is important for brides and grooms to meet with a photographer before they book. This is the best way to get a feel for the photographer and ensure that they are the right fit for their wedding day.
It is also an opportunity for the couple to ask questions and see if they gel with the photographer. They can show the photographer their portfolio and ask questions that they may have forgotten to ask through email.
It is a good idea to discuss family dynamics with the photographer, as well as any other details that are crucial for the day. For example, it is a good idea to share with the photographer if the groom's parents are divorced or if the grandmother is quite frail. This will help the photographer avoid any awkward situations on the day. It will also let them know if it is necessary to bring an assistant or second shooter.
