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Your wedding photographer in Calgary is one of the most crucial professionals you'll hire to ensure your wedding day is amazing. After all, they are the ones who will capture the moments you will treasure for the rest of your life.
A wedding is a beautiful occasion that requires a lot of planning, so knowledge is power - the more you know about possible risks when choosing a photographer, the more you'll figure out what to check, guaranteeing you get the greatest images of your wedding day!
At Fly Free Photography, we want you to have the best day of your life while making sure every moment of it is captured the way it should be. As Calgary wedding photographers, we understand the importance of hiring a professional that you can trust to make the wedding of your dreams come true.
Mistakes to Avoid When Hiring A Wedding Photographer in Calgary
To make sure you are on the right track, here are some mistakes to avoid when looking for a wedding photographer in Calgary:
Mistake 1: Hiring a wedding photographer without checking their portfolio
Most of the time, people decide to hire photographers based on referrals, even if they haven't seen their portfolio. This is a big NO. It's just as important as the event itself to find the right photographer for it. Regardless of how hectic your schedule is, you should always make time to look at the work of your photographer and not just their website, please ask to see FULL day wedding galleries of past couples. You should only consider their services if you are happy with the work they have done and love their editing style. If you plan ahead, it will be easier to find the right wedding photographer for you.
Mistake 2: Not choosing a photographer that fits your personality
If you're lucky, you'll find a great photographer who has a lot of good reviews. But if you meet them and find that you don't like their personality, it doesn't matter how great their client reviews are or how gorgeous their work is. They're not a good fit. You'll be working very closely with this person, and if you don't get along, it may show in the photos. Spend the time before your wedding meeting with as many photographers as you can to choose the best one for you.
Mistake 3: Not being clear enough about the kind of pictures you want
Nothing is more frustrating than getting your wedding photos and realizing you don't have pictures of important moments like the first look, the first dance, or the first kiss. Your photographer is not a mind reader, so let them know if you have any specific shots in mind. On the flip side, if you are hiring a seasoned photographer they should have a shot list that covers the key moments of your day and will go over it with you when helping you plan your schedule.
Mistake 4: Insisting on trendy photos
Trends are exciting, but by definition, they only last for a short time. Trends like having one full-color item in an otherwise black-and-white photo or purposely taking crooked photos might be popular right now, but they don't make timeless photos of your special day. If you really want to, do a few fun, trendy photos, but try to stick to simple, classic shots that will last. Also, keep this in mind with editing styles, there are a lot of trendy editing styles that may not look good 10 years from now.
Mistake 5: Not getting a second photographer for your wedding
It's no secret that weddings can be very costly, and frugal couples are always looking for ways to cut costs. However, if there is one area where you should not limit yourself, it is photography. Consider hiring a second Calgary wedding photographer aside from your main person. This will present you with another distinct point of view during the day that you might otherwise miss. Make sure to ask your main photographer about this as most photographers have the option to include a second photographer. Most of our packages at Fly Free already include them for you.
Mistake 6: Not signing a contract
Another big mistake that people often forget or don't bother to do is sign a formal contract with the photographer. Whether the photographer is well-known, a friend, or a recommendation, make sure to sign a legal agreement.
The signing of a legal contract has absolutely nothing to do with your relationship with the photographer. It is a requirement to make the transaction legal. A signed contract can protect you against future project issues and complications. It's also important to read the agreement carefully to make sure that everything is covered, including pricing and hours.
Mistake 7: Getting a Calgary wedding photographer at the last minute
This may appear strange, but it totally happens! Not choosing your Calgary wedding photographer on time and waiting for a last-minute appointment can lead to some heartbreaking news. Keep in mind that experienced photographers are always hired first. If you do not select your photographer early on, you risk getting a novice or an inexperienced photographer, which is not advisable!
If you wait until the last minute to book to get a good deal, keep in mind that it is not a flight or a vacation booking where the last few seats are sold at a lower price. It is, in fact, the other way around! Wedding photographers' costs rise, especially during the wedding season, and the top photographers are often hired first. So, to avoid disappointment, get a photographer as soon as possible.
Mistake 8: Not having faith in your photographer
Once you’ve booked your Calgary wedding photographers, they should be able to provide recommendations that will enhance the photo and the outcomes, or they may have to discuss why something cannot be executed in the manner you want.
They have the experience, and they intend to bring it all to the shoot. Remember, if your photographer suggests anything needs to be adjusted, as silly as it might seem, trust them because they should know what they're doing. And they, like you, want the best images because their credibility as a photographer is at stake. Often times something might feel weird to do but looks better in the images.
It will improve the quality of the images you take as a result.
Mistake 9: Not getting the same photographer for all your events
This is the most typical mistake that people make. People get a local or nearby photographer for their engagement or pre-wedding shoot and a different photographer for their wedding to save some bucks. To be honest, it's not a good idea! You can't fathom how many issues you could cause by hiring separate photographers for each of your events. Selecting the same photographer allows you to work together with ease and comfort. It also lets your photographer learn more about you and your tastes, which allows them to take better images of you.
To sum it up for you:
Hiring a wedding photographer in Calgary can be challenging and expensive. Hence, it is necessary to find the best person for the job to document your special day. By avoiding these mistakes, you can save yourself from the unnecessary consequences of getting the wrong professional.
If you are looking for a wedding photographer in Calgary to capture your intimate moments with your special someone, we at Fly Free Photography can definitely help you out! If you are still on the search for your photographer we've put together a list of questions to ask the photographers you are chatting with to help you out.
Xo Krystal