Guide To Hiring an Orlando Wedding Photographer
Wondering how to find the best Orlando wedding photographer? There are so many styles and options to choose from in the mid-Florida area – lifestyle, traditional, fine art and more – that you might feel a little lost, but this post should help you hone in your style and needs. Let’s get started!
Research as Many Different Portfolios as You Can
When you start your search, you may not yet know what style you prefer. Therefore, the first step is to expose yourself to as many portfolios and photographers as possible. Naturally, if you fall in love with someone at the beginning, go for it! But until you find the right photographer, who specializes in the style you’re looking for, keep searching. It’s worth it.
Set a Budget Before You Reach Out to Orlando Photographers
According to Brides, wedding photographers can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000, but the average is usually between $3,000 and $5,000, typically higher in a metro area. A good package will include:
Travel of reasonable distances, usually a few hours
A full day of coverage (8-10 hours, say)
Candid shots and formal photos
Photo retouching
Depending on the photographer, they may also offer extras such as an engagement session. If it’s not part of the package, they’ll often add it on for a reduced rate if you book your wedding with them. That said, price is not the most important factor. You will have these photos for life, so base your decision on style and personality instead.
Create a List of Potential Photographers in the Orlando Area
After examining all your options, create a list of candidates. Now that you’ve seen the many styles on offer, you should also summarize what you love and are looking for: style, time of day, tone and color of photos, etc. This will make for a much more productive interview.
Once you’re armed and ready, read reviews to get a sense of the person, and then start calling! Begin with your favorites and work your way down. That way, you can stop as soon as you land on someone who fits. Ideally, you should talk to at least three photographers to get an idea of what to ask for from the one you go with.
Ask Careful Questions and Take Your Time
There’s a lot to consider before you drop that much money, which will represent a significant portion of your wedding costs. For instance:
Who will assist them, and what does that entail?
When can you expect your photos back?
How will you pay, what’s the breakdown and at what times do you need to deliver payment?
Sign the Contract
Everything good? Time to sign on the dotted line! Book your Orlando photographer well ahead of time, otherwise that slot will fill up. Especially in an area like Florida, when wedding season goes year-round, you don’t want to miss your opportunity and have to go with a second-rate replacement.
Questions? Get in touch with us today!
New here? My name is Zac Wolf. I’m a New England and Orlando wedding photographer capturing your love through joyful, vibrant, and honest wedding, elopement, and engagement photography. I use my blog to share tons of vibrant engagement, elopement, and wedding photo ideas for inspiration, along with honest tips for wedding planning coming from a wedding photographer with over a decade of experience in the wonderful world of weddings. It also gives you a chance to see what it would be like to work with me as your wedding photographer. I would love to work with you one day! Contact me here.
About Zac Wolf Photography: New England and Orlando Wedding Photographer
Hi, I’m Zac, a New England and Orlando wedding photographer capturing your love through joyful, vibrant, and honest wedding photography. I make magic with your photos––regardless of the venue, the weather, or how you feel in front of the camera––I know how to make your photos look how you feel.
With me as your wedding photographer, you can enjoy the present moment of your special day and count on me to capture everything you’ll want to remember in the years to come. My 10+ years of experience as an engagement, elopement, and wedding photographer in Central Florida, New England, and across the country means I know how to make the process go as smoothly and easily as possible for you.
I can’t wait to capture your love. Let’s work together.