One of the most important steps in the wedding planning process is choosing a wedding photographer. Preserving these memories for you to look back on for years to come can be one of the best wedding investments you can make. If you are lucky enough to be planning your wedding in Tuscaloosa, Alabama you are in for a treat. From breathtaking outdoor wedding venues like The Stables at Cypress Creek to the variety of options from both large to intimate weddings, Tuscaloosa offers the perfect backdrop for your big day. In this blog you will learn how to choose your Tuscaloosa Alabama Wedding Photographer.
What Style Matches You?
There are different styles of photography like (light and airy, dark and moody, and natural) as this pertains to the way the images were edited. Also their is a style that applies to the overall feel of the images (joyful, romantic, playful, etc). Here at Cypress Creek Productions we lean towards the light and airy with a joyful feel, and are able to offer different styles based on what the bride is looking for. Finding the perfect wedding photographer that meets your style is a great place to start your research.
Also, do you prefer a more posed look for your photographs or do you prefer a more candid natural look. A good wedding photographer will give you good directions that puts you at ease and make you feel comfortable, but not over directing to the point your photos are stiff and awkward. Make sure you ask your photographer what posing style they prefer so you make the best decision moving forward.
What Is Your Budget?
Some brides may be surprised when they find out that wedding photography can be your second biggest expense outside of your wedding venue rental fee. Don't be frightened by some of the more expensive photographers, you can find the right photographer that fits your budget as long as you know your Overall wedding budget ahead of time. Some wedding planners say that a bride can expect to spend around 15-20 % of their wedding budget on a photographer. If your overall wedding budget is around $20,000 and 15% goes toward the photographer you are looking at spending around $3,000 for a starting point.
Set Up Meetings With Your Favorite Photographers
After deciding on your top 3-5 favorite photographers send out inquiries to get to know them. Depending on their response time this is an indication if they have time to take on new clients and if they will be prompt when you hire them for your wedding day. You will be spending a lot of time with your photographer so you want to make sure your personalities go well together. Trust your instincts. After reviewing all the photographers, your gut feeling should be a great indicator of who you would be most comfortable with on your wedding day. Here at Cypress Creek Productions responding to clients promptly and not overbooking is a priority to let our clients know they are important, we value them and want to give them great customer service.
Learn The Details
This is a great time to learn about the different kind of wedding packages that are offered. Each package should list the amount of hours the photographer will be on site during your wedding day. Ask about additional cost-Do you get one or two photographers for the package, how much does it cost per hour if you need extra time with the photographer? Also, inquire about the turnaround time for your photos. Some photographers have a month or longer turnaround time while others only take 1-2 weeks. Imagine waiting months to get your images and not hearing updates on when the final edited images will be finished and delivered. Before signing the contract make sure you discuss deposit fees, refund policy, how do you receive your edited images, and does the photographer have rights to post your photos online to use for marketing purposes.
We hope you enjoyed our blog and feel more at ease about choosing your wedding photographer.
All the research and time will pay off and will add depth and richness to your wedding memories, creating a comprehensive and emotional keepsake of one of the most important days of your life. Consider your wedding photographer as the storyteller of your wedding day, bringing together beautiful intimate moments and joyful celebrations with your closet friends and family.
Congratulations on your engagement! We are so excited for the two of you! The next few weeks and months will be brimming with inward joy, date nights, researching and several important decisions that will lay the foundations for your wedding planning preparations. Here at The Stables at Cypress Creek, wedding venue in Tuscaloosa, Alabama we known planning your Alabama wedding, it's clear that every detail is crucial. From selecting the perfect dress to finding the ideal venue, each decision plays a role in the vision of your big celebration. If you are still looking for the perfect wedding venue contact us at The Stables at Cypress Creek in Tuscaloosa Alabama to schedule a tour. Remember to enjoy the wedding planning journey and to take it all in.
Special thanks to all the amazing locally owned and operated wedding venues from across the country who continue to inspire and support us daily.
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