Whether you are planning a wedding, a birthday party, a corporate conference, or any other special occasion, you want to capture the best moments and memories of your event. That's why hiring a professional photographer is one of the most important decisions you will make as they are responsible for chronicling the memories. But how do you choose the right photographer for your event? How do you find someone who can deliver high-quality images that match your vision, style, and budget? How do you avoid common pitfalls and mistakes that could ruin your experience? In this blog post, I will share four tips for choosing the right event photographer that will help you make an informed and confident decision.

1. Know your budget:

Before you start looking for a photographer, you need to have a clear idea of how much you can afford to spend on photography services. Photography prices can vary widely depending on the type of event, the location, the duration, the number of photos, the editing process, and the deliverables. Some photographers charge by the hour, while others offer fixed packages that include a certain number of photos, prints, albums, or digital files. Some photographers also charge extra fees for travel expenses, equipment rental, overtime, or additional services. To avoid surprises and hidden costs, you should always ask for a detailed quote that breaks down all the charges and what they cover. You should also compare different quotes from different photographers to find the best value for your money.

Local Facebook groups are a great place to start for people on a budget since budding photographers will often post discounts on their services in exchange for testimonials and portfolio building. I do not recommend relying on guests and family to photograph your event, however, and if you’re interested in why, please read my previous blog post, Why Hire a Professional Photographer. In short, you’ll find you get what you pay for and people who want the best quality should do their research and find a photographer that suits your style, provides testimonials, and offers guarantees on price, time, and quality.

2. Decide on your photographic style:

Now that I mention style, you’ll find that different photographers have different ways of capturing and editing images, which can affect the mood, tone, and feel of your event photos.

Some common photographic styles are:

Traditional: This style involves posed and formal shots of the event participants, such as portraits, group photos, or staged scenes. The photographer usually directs and guides the subjects on how to pose and where to look. The editing is usually minimal and natural.

Photojournalistic: This style involves candid and spontaneous shots of the event as it unfolds, such as emotions, reactions, interactions, or details. The photographer usually blends in with the crowd and captures moments without interfering or directing. The editing is usually creative and artistic. A growing trend in this style is film photography, which is making a resurgence as people find appeal in it’s simplicity and nostalgia. Stay tuned for a whole blog post on this subject in the near future.

Editorial: This style involves dramatic and glamorous shots of the event that resemble magazine or fashion photography. The photographer usually uses advanced lighting techniques, props, backgrounds, or angles to create stunning and eye-catching images. The editing is usually heavy and stylized, thus requiring extensive training and experience. This is the style I like to provide as it gives me the widest spectrum for expression.

To decide on your photographic style, you should think about what kind of story you want to tell with your event photos. Do you want them to be formal and classic? Do you want them to be candid and realistic? Or do you want them to be flashy and impressive? There is no right answer here and it’s important for you to browse around and determine what delivers the most appealing emotion in you.

3. Ask for references

One of the best ways to find a reputable photographer is to ask for references from previous clients who have hired them for similar events. References can give you honest feedback on the photographer's professionalism, reliability, communication skills, personality, and quality of work. Failure to provide legitimate testimonials should set off a red flag as this could spell disaster at your event. Check online reviews on websites like Yelp or Google Reviews as these sources are easily accessible. However, be aware that some reviews may be biased or fake, so don't rely solely on them. It’s not inappropriate to ask the photographer for contact information of some of their recent clients and reach out to them personally. You can ask them questions like:

- How was your experience working with the photographer?

- Were they punctual, courteous, and respectful?

- Did they follow your instructions and expectations?

- Did they deliver the photos on time and in good quality?

- Were there any issues or problems during or after the event?

- Would you recommend them to others?

4. Ask your venue for a referral

Another way to find a good photographer is to ask your venue contact if they have any photographers they could recommend. Most venues have a list of preferred vendors they are willing to share with their clients. This is what we call in the industry a “vendor list” and it is a coveted spot among photographers because it is not easily acquired nor revoked.

The advantage of hiring a photographer who has worked at your venue before is that they are familiar with the layout, lighting conditions, rules, and regulations of the place. They also have a good relationship with the venue staff and can coordinate with them smoothly. However, don't feel obligated to hire a photographer from your venue's list if you don't like their style or price. You should always do your own research and compare different options before making a final decision. I’m sure the photographer in your area will thank you for the inquiry, since breaking into this field is so competitive.

If you found this post helpful, or if you think I’ve missed something, please leave a comment and share your thoughts!