Don’t Make Mistakes When Choosing Your Wedding Photographer


Choosing the perfect wedding photographer is a big decision when you are planning your wedding. They are the ones who take pictures of all the special moments on your big day, so it’s super important to pick the right person. Here are some important mistakes to avoid when you are picking your wedding photographer:

Quinta da Suratesta, Venue | Beja, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Not Researching Enough

Picking a wedding photographer is super important. But sometimes, people rush and don’t do enough homework. That’s a big mistake!

Your wedding photos are forever memories, so you want them to be just right. If you don’t research enough, you might end up with a photographer who doesn’t get your style or vibe.

To avoid this, take your time looking at different photographer’s work. Check out their pictures, read what others say about them, and have a chat with them. It’s worth the effort to find someone who will make your special day even more magical with their photos.

Santuário de Nossa Senhora de Cabo Espichel, Church | Sesimbra, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Focusing Solely On Price

Yes, money matters, but your wedding photos are super important. While it’s natural to want to stay within your budget, focusing solely on price can lead to mistakes that you might regret later.

Cheaper photographers might not have good equipment or skills, so you might get photos that aren’t very good. Experienced photographers cost more because they know what they are doing while cheaper ones might not have much experience. Also, some cheap photographers could add extra fees later on, like for prints or albums. So, you might end up paying more than you thought.

So, don’t just go for the cheapest option. Think about quality, style, experience and what’s included in their package, when choosing your photographer. It’s worth it in the long run.

Quinta das Riscas, Venue | Montijo, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Ignoring Style Compatibility

To make sure you don’t make this mistake when you are choosing a wedding photographer, it’s important to think about more than just their pretty pictures.

Every photographer has their own way of taking pictures. Some like to do posed shots where everyone smiles at the camera, while others prefer to snap more natural, candid moments as they happen. If you don’t think about whether their style matches what you want or not, it could end up being a big problem.

To avoid this, it’s a good idea to check out lots of different photographers and see examples of their work. It’s also helpful to talk to them and make sure they get what you want. Otherwise, you might not have the memories you were hoping for.

Sesimbra Natura Park, Venue | Sesimbra, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Not Meeting In Person Or Virtually

Choosing who will take pictures at your wedding is a big deal. But what if you can’t meet them in person or talk to them on video? That might seem like a problem.

Meeting or chatting helps you see if you get along with them. You will spend a lot of time with your photographer on your big day, so feeling comfortable around them is important. You can also ask questions about their experience and how they work. Talk about your wedding plans and make sure they understand what you want.

In the end, it’s worth taking the time to meet your photographer because it helps you build trust and make sure you are making the right choice.

Aroeira, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Not Clarifying Expectations

Don’t assume that your photographer knows exactly what you want. Communication is key. So, tell them your expectations, preferences, and any specific shots you have in mind. Also, discuss the timeline of the day, special moments you want to be captured, and any must-have group photos with family and friends.

Making these things clear upfront can save you from feeling let down later.

Quinta da Suratesta, Venue | Beja, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Overlooking Experience And Expertise

When you are choosing a wedding photographer, don’t just focus on finding someone good with a camera. Skipping over their experience and skills can lead to disappointment.

Experience is not just about knowing how to work the camera, but also handling the fast pace and tricky situations that pop up during a wedding. Expertise means that a great photographer is not only technically skilled but also they have got an eye for detail and knows how to compose a shot perfectly. Plus, they are ready for anything, whether it’s a sudden rainstorm or a delay in the schedule.

So, don’t rush this decision and put experience and expertise at the top of your list. It might be tempting to go for a cheaper option, but quality should always come first.

Vale de Milhaços, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Not Checking Contracts And Policies

Before you agree to anything, make sure you read and understand all the details in the photographer’s contract. Look at things like what they will do for you, how much it will cost, what you will get, what happens if you need to cancel, and who owns the pictures. If anything doesn’t make sense, ask questions until you are clear. Don’t sign until you are totally okay with it all.

So, take the time to go through all the paperwork. It’s not fun, but it’s worth it to avoid problems later.

Trash the Dress | Lisbon, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Waiting Too Long To Book

Waiting too long to book a wedding photographer is a big mistake. Good photographers often get booked months or even years ahead, especially during busy wedding sessions. If you wait too long, you might have to settle for someone who isn’t your first choice. However, booking early gives you time to talk to your photographer and ensure they understand what you want.

So, don’t put off booking your wedding photographer. Do it as soon as you can to avoid disappointment!

Sesimbra Natura Park, Venue | Sesimbra, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Neglecting To Discuss Backup Plans

When you are choosing a wedding photographer, it’s important to talk about backup plans in case something goes wrong. For example, if the photographer gets sick or their camera stops working, they must have a backup plan ready. This might include having spare equipment or another photographer who can step in. It’s really important because you don’t want any surprises on your big day that could ruin your photos.

So, before you hire a photographer, make sure you ask about their backup plans. It’s a simple thing that can make a big difference.

Quinta do David, Venue | Palmela, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Not Trusting Your Instincts

Trusting your feelings is really important when picking a wedding photographer. Sometimes, you might have a weird feeling about someone even if their photos look great. That feeling shouldn’t be ignored! It’s like your inner alarm telling you something might not be right. But if you listen to your gut and choose someone you feel good about, it can make your wedding day much happier and the photos more special.

So, it’s worth listening to your instincts to find the right person to capture those precious moments.

Vale de Milhaços, Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

In short, by avoiding these common mistakes and taking the time to research, communicate, and trust your feelings, you will find the perfect wedding photographer to take beautiful pictures of your wedding day.

If you enjoyed the content and would like to see more of my work, don’t forget to explore my portfolio. I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Click here to dive into my portfolio now. Your support means the world to me!

Pedro Cruz

Wedding photographer and videographer from Lisbon, Portugal. Here is Pedro Cruz's short bio.

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