We know wedding planning can be an exciting time for couples, but it may also be a bit stressful to make big decisions like choosing your venue and vendors. One of the first vendors that couples book for their big day is the photographer. But how do you go about choosing one when the internet is full of websites and reviews for a large number of professional Twin Cities wedding photographer? It can be very overwhelming, especially if you don’t know what you want when it comes to your photography package. So, here are a few main things to take note of when comparing packages:
Price
This is a big one for many couples and one of the first things they tend to look at when comparing photographers. However; it’s important to note the photographer’s years of experience and what all is included in the package. Some photographers may have the same prices, but one offers more hours or an album or other extra services in their package than another photographer. This is why just looking at price isn’t always the magic answer.
Hours Included
One of the main things to look at in the package is the number of hours your photographer will be onsite with you photographing. When your photographer creates a timeline, you want to be sure those hours will be enough for everything you want photos of throughout your day. So if you want getting ready photos all the way to the dance, you’ll probably want eight hours of coverage. You can always tell your potential photographer what all you want to be included in your coverage and they will help you determine how many hours would be best for your big day. Keep in mind though, some packages are different based on the price for the hours so don’t assume every package includes the same amount of hours.
Second Shooter
If you want a second shooter on your wedding day, you’ll have to see if it’s included in the package or how much extra it is per hour of second shooter coverage. Some couples prefer a second shooter so they can get shots of both the bride and groom during moments like the first look, walk down the aisle, and first dance. Another benefit to having a second shooter is that they can help your lead photographer capture more images in a shorter timeframe. So if you plan to not see each other until the ceremony and have a limited time window before the reception or if your getting ready location, ceremony, and reception are at all different venues and travel time will cut into portrait time, a second shooter should probably be a must-have for your photography package, or at least an add-on option. If you’re not sure you need a second shooter, talk to the lead photographer to get their opinion. If your ceremony and reception are at the same venue and you have a large guest count, you may come to the conclusion that it’d be better to just do a photo station at the reception instead of including second shooter coverage throughout the day.
Copyright
You’ll always want to ask your photographer about image copyrights. Many photographers give their clients a limited copyright release. This means your photographer is the copyright owner and can use your images for their own portfolio, website, social media, and similar purposes. However, you will have permission from your photographer to use your images how you wish such as ordering prints, albums, canvases, and other photo items through a third-party printer or posting images online. On the other hand, some photographers give their clients full image c
Digital Files
An important piece of the package is to know how many photos you should expect to receive and how you will receive them. Some photographers have a set number for how many images they provide (ie: They may say you will receive 600 photos for six hours of coverage) or other photographers will ignore a set number and say “at least 600 images for six hours of coverage”. You will often get more images this way. You should also look at how the images are received. For example, most Jeannine Marie Photography clients receive an online gallery with their final images as well as a USB drive that is mailed to them. Photographers have different ways to deliver their images so look at the packages to see if their way of delivery works with what you’d expect.
Albums
Many photographers include an album in their packages. This means after your photos are done, they will take the time to select images for your album and put together a beautiful design of your cherished memories. They will order the album for you and may even deliver it themselves or get it shipped to you. If you’d love to have an album but don’t want to take the time to create it, this is a great package addition! Every couple should have a special way to physically hold their important memories!
Canvas Print
A photography package may include a canvas print for you to be able to display one of your favorite wedding portraits in your home. Your photographer will let you pick the image you want to be blown up into a canvas size that’s listed in your package and then they will order if for you! It makes it easier for you to have a special memory from your wedding day without having to deal with the hassel of ordering a large print and knowing what image would look best blown up!
Additional Post-Production Services
After choosing the final images, many photographers select a number of photos to do special edits on such as black and white or a unique effect. This should all be included within your package, but special post-production services that may cause extra could include a sneak peek gallery to be made available a few days after the wedding, a blog with your images, or even a slideshow of your still photos.
Engagement Session
Some packages include an engagement session while others do not. If having an engagement session is important to you, see if it’s included in your package. If it is not, ask the photographer how much it would be to add this into your package! And if you are looking to do multiple outfits or locations, be sure to mention your vision to your photographer to get the most accurate prices.
Deadline
You spent all this money on beautiful photos so it’s important to know when you can expect to see them. Some photographers will have your images edited and ready within two to four weeks, other photographers may take six months. Some packages may cost more, but you’ll be getting photos back sooner.
In the end, remember most photographers are willing to adjust their packages to make it perfect for what you want. They can add things to a package or remove things to make sure you will be satisfied with your photography coverage and any pre- or post- wedding items you may need. One of the main things to keep in mind when choosing a photographer’s package is the actual photographer! It’s important to find a photographer who makes you and your fiance laugh and that your personalities click with. After all, the photographer will be with you all wedding day long, so you’ll want a photographer that you feel comfortable around.
Are you engaged and looking for an engagement photographer and wedding photographer in Minnesota? If so, contact Jeannine Marie Photography here. Jeannine Marie is serving wedding photography in Minneapolis and St. Paul. She is considered one of the best wedding photographers in Minnesota, featured in multiple publications and listed as one of Minnesota Bride’s “10 Fabulous Local Wedding Photographers.” She is an award-winning wedding photographer and has recently won 2018 ILEA Mpls/St. Paul “Best Event Photography: Wedding”, 2017 Mpls/Stp Magazine Diamond Award: People’s Choice Outstanding Wedding Photography, 2017 Borrowed and Blue Best Wedding Photographer and Most Valuable Vendor, 2017 ILEA Mpls/St. Paul “Best Creative Services – Photography – Wedding”, 2016 Minnesota ISES Star Award: Best Photography, 2015 Mpls/Stp Magazine Diamond Award: People’s Choice Outstanding Wedding Photography and Wedding of the Year, 2015 The Knot Best of Photography, 2015 WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award, and 2014 Minneapolis Happenings: Best Photography. Book your engagement session or wedding photography today!
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