No one should be shaming couples for price shopping, and no one should be shaming photographers for being on the lower end of the pricing ladder. We were all once lower-priced photographers at the start of our careers.
The only thing is, as a couple considering lower-priced photographers, there are a couple of things that can really cause some heartache and leave lasting regrets about your choice of photographer.
We’ve all read more than a couple of stories about brides who were scammed by the photographer who took their deposits and never showed up for their wedding. Or the photographer who couldn’t or didn’t deliver the quality, quantity, or service they promised.
So, if your budget has you looking at lower-priced photographers, how do you avoid those catastrophes? What do you look for?
Here are some tips that might help, starting with the most often overlooked.
Proof of Insurance
You might be thinking, “Why would a photographer need insurance?”
To be honest, I’ve never used my liability insurance, and I’ve never heard of my peers needing to either. But you have insurance for the unexpected and you hope you never have to use it. Having liability insurance is the sign of someone at least intending to be a professional now, and long term.
But also consider this: a lot of venues ask your vendors to provide proof of liability insurance in the form of a Certificate of Insurance sent directly from their agent. Without it, they won’t be allowed to work at that venue. Imagine finding that out just weeks or days before your wedding.
Will They Execute a Contract
If anyone wants to be your wedding photographer, even a friend or relative, but doesn’t want to execute a contract between the two of you…RUN!
A contract clarifies expectations so that no one assumes anything. It, like insurance, protects both parties in a worst-case scenario.
Contracts also specify things that a scammer or a poor photographer will not want to commit to, like payment schedules, delivery times, reasons warranting a refund, a minimum number of photos to expect, and a responsibility to provide a replacement photographer should they not be able to be there for any reason.
Non-Wedding Portfolio
If you are willing to take a chance on someone who has barely or no wedding portfolio, then ask to look at their other work examples. That way you can look at their shooting and editing style to see if it fits your vision. Meet them in person to look over it together if you can.
But also consider this: if they lack experience, they may not know the most critical photos to get that day or the logistics of a wedding day timeline. In this case, you will want to provide them with a “must have” shot list, or work with them on one, and communicate with them on the timeline.
Pressure to Deposit Your Money
Be wary of someone who wants to rush you into a decision sooner than you are comfortable.
If you feel leery of a photographer pressuring you to put your deposit down “NOW,” then step back and see how they rate in all the considerations discussed here. And no matter what, do not put down any deposits before a contract is signed. Also get a receipt, electronic or in person.
Their Customer Service Approach
After style and price, a big part of choosing a wedding photographer, no matter what budget, is the comfort and fit. And this includes making you comfortable with whatever reason makes them lower priced.
Ask yourself if they are working to eliminate any concerns you have or if they are dismissing them. Someone who is new in this business is investing in their career at this early stage. They know their reputation will make their future. If trust and customer service seems as important to them as the artistry, you may have found that “diamond in the rough.”
Their Communication
If there is anyone who hates wedding day surprises more than you, it’s your photographer. A good photographer will be very communicative.
I do a little more; I call all my couples every couple of months along the way to their wedding. And I tell my couples that I always want to be accessible to them and will reply to their texts and emails within 48 hours.
The flip side of that is a photographer who is too in over their head to communicate well. Or, worse, the scammer—they may never initiate contact with you, or they may take days to answer emails, calls, or texts, and they will have every excuse in the world for their lack of communication.
A good photographer is going to appreciate good communication from you. It makes them feel more like a partner in your wedding and less like just another vendor. A not-so-good photographer or scam artist is going to be bothered by it.
The only problem is, even a scam artist is going to eagerly communicate before getting your deposit. And, if you don’t learn about their poor communication until after you’ve paid a deposit, or worse just shortly before your wedding day, it will be too late to save that money.
Redundancy
Beginning photographers may not have the resources to have redundant systems, and because this is one of the most expensive parts of being a photographer, it is often a big reason why they are lower priced.
Redundancy includes having a backup camera on the wedding day in case their primary camera crashes. Redundancy means having cameras that record on two memory cards simultaneously in case one card fails. It also includes saving additional copies of your photos on separate, physical hard drives and/or on the cloud, and backup plans if they can’t be at your wedding.
Ask about these things to understand how much risk you are taking with hiring them.
Under The Radar
Here are some of the things that scam artists and less-than-scrutable “photographers” will do, or ask you to do:
· They won’t use a contract to avoid a paper trail.
· They may ask for or only accept payments in cash or on a cash app.
· They may have only a social media presence and no website.
· They don’t have a way to record or provide you with a receipt for your payments.
· They don’t pass the vibe test. Trust your instinct.
The Friend or Relative
You may know someone who is interested in becoming a wedding photographer but needs that first big break to get their portfolio started. Or maybe they want to offer you wedding photography as their wedding gift to you.
Since you know them, you are probably already aware of their skill level and experience, but you want to trust them. You’re willing to save money and they mean well.
Just consider that it is not just your wedding photos you are risking. It’s also the relationship. If the worst happens, will you both be able to get past it?
And if you decide to accept the risks? Still execute a contract, still work together on a shot list and a timeline, and still communicate often and promptly between each other in the weeks and months leading up to your wedding day. It will help everyone involved enjoy the day that much more.
The Win/Win Situation
It’s okay to hire a lower priced photographer and it’s okay to be a lower priced photographer.
When I was a beginning wedding photographer I knew I had the skill set and gear, but I also knew that couples wouldn’t consider me unless I could prove it to them. And like all photographers, I used price to get their attention and agree to that first meeting.
I knew that the most important thing I had to do in that initial meeting was to earn their faith and trust in my skills, artistry, and integrity. I wanted to eliminate all their concerns and earn the opportunity to work with them. Even after 500+ weddings, I still do that today.
So, if you are looking for a lower-priced photographer, find one who is candid, communicative, demonstrably skilled but maybe a little inexperienced, and who uses trustworthy business practices, like contracts and transparent payment processes. If you find that photographer, you can both end up winners.
And no matter who you hire…I hope you have the best wedding day, EVER!
Looking for experienced + affordable? Check my range of packages here.