A wedding involves different types of arrangements, such as flowers, music, food, and PHOTOGRAPHS. However, unlike the other arrangement, which you check out beforehand (smell, hear, taste), wedding photography is something you have to trust your instincts on. That said, with wedding photography, the stakes are really high as you are entrusting another person or persons with preserving the memories of, perhaps, the most memorable day in your life.
There are three major wedding photography types; one is traditional wedding photography, second is candid wedding photography, and third is destination wedding photography.
There are many things to consider before you settle on your wedding photographer. But, don't feel overwhelmed by it all! We are here to make life easy for you. For starters, research online and check out the portfolios of different photographers. The bottom line, however, is that, in a wedding photographer, you are also looking for someone you genuinely enjoy being around.
After all, your wedding photographer will be following you around and documenting every detail of your wedding event, including a pre-wedding photoshoot, wedding photography, as well as a post-wedding photoshoot, if you prefer. So, take a look at these quick tips to set the ball rolling on your search for professional wedding photographers in India.
When Should You Book Your Wedding Photographer?
If you are ready to start planning your wedding, wedding photography should be top of your priority list as professional wedding photographers in India are in high demand. It is never too early to book a wedding photographer. In fact, the more time you spend exploring, the better quality you will be rewarded with. Once you have set your wedding date and booked the venue, that's the right time to also book the wedding photographer.
How Early Should You Book a Wedding Photographer?
Typically, planning for a great Indian wedding starts with a timeline of 12 months. Your wedding photographer should be one of the first vendors you book. Most professional photographers book popular wedding dates anywhere from 9 – 18 months in advance. Here is the complete breakdown.
- 18 months: The Indian wedding season is usually choc-a-bloc with weekend weddings. In fact, it is not uncommon for wedding photographers to cover 2 or even 3 weddings in a single weekend. If you have planned your wedding on a weekend or on a unique date (think 11/11), you better start looking for your wedding photographer 18 months in advance.
- 12 months: Typically, it is seen that Indians start their wedding preparations at least 12 months in advance. The busiest time for weddings in India is November-February. For your wedding photography, keep this timeline in mind.
- 9 months: The same goes for weddings planned on a Friday or Sunday. You can afford to wait until 9 months before the wedding to book your wedding photographer. But if it is during the busy season for your area, don't wait longer than that as it may become harder to find professional photographers who are still available on your date.
- 6 months: For weddings planned in under 6 months, the time to look for a wedding photographer is NOW! However, don't despair if you don't find one immediately. In India, there is no dearth of quality photographers who will be available on your date. The Internet and online social media are your allies in this regard. Keep looking!
How Much Do Wedding Photographers Charge?
Choosing the right photographer for your wedding also involves budgeting and cost estimations. There are many types of wedding photography (e.g. candid photography, traditional wedding, or destination wedding photography) and, therefore, there are photographers and videographers who specialize in particular types of photoshoots.
For example, if you want to hire a photographer specifically for a candid photo shoot, then the cost for this service might be higher than that of a photographer who specializes in traditional wedding photography. This is because candid photographers need more sophisticated camera equipment (e.g. multiple lenses for wide-angle and close-up photos) to accomplish their task.
- Traditional photographers: Rs.10000/- to Rs.15000/- per day shoot
- Candid wedding photographer: Rs.20000/- to Rs.40000/- per day
- Destination wedding photographer: Rs.60000/- to Rs.80000/- (for photography session of full wedding only)
- The printing cost (including editing and retouching) of a photo book is charged extra (between Rs.6000/- to Rs.11000/-). A photo book contains approximately 30 pages of photos in matte or glossy print.
Why are Wedding Photographers So Expensive?
A number of different factors combine to make quality wedding photography an expensive business. Superprof explains how and why.
Camera Gear
The best wedding photographers use the best gear. And, wedding photography is a demanding job that requires high-grade camera bodies and lenses. The camera equipment is put through punishing circumstances, such as dust and rain (outdoor pre-wedding photoshoot), get knocked about in the crowd gathered at the wedding venue, with people, things, and the scores of other cameras at a wedding and a thousand other things at a wedding event.
Cost of Business
Professional wedding photography is, after all, a business. And, the photographer has to make a living off their profession. The cost of doing business takes into account all the fixed costs that one faces while running a business. For instance, renting an office space, paying electricity bills, paying staff salaries, paying for the internet, phone, cost towards transportation, insurance, data backup, computing, and a number of other overhead costs.
Ancillary Costs
Apart from investing in good-quality camera equipment, professional photographers must also invest in the best computers, best printers, state-of-the-art backup systems, and backup power. Moreover, the photographer needs to get these equipment pieces insured, pay for an accountant or accounting software, client management software to keep everything organized, and online gallery services, among others.
Pre-Wedding Photoshoot
A pre-wedding photoshoot has become a norm these days. And, this also factors into why wedding photography is expensive. For a pre-wedding, or even a post-wedding photoshoot (in some cases), a photographer must account for travel time and expense, photographing the couple, and editing the photos. Location scouting (looking for that ideal spot for an outdoor shoot) is an additional task and involves additional expenses. Some couples even ask for a dress rehearsal photoshoot. More expenses!
How to Book a Wedding Photographer
Conducting ample background research on your wedding photographers is the first step in finding the best in the business. Once you have created a shortlist of professional photographers you want to interview, be ready with some incisive questions that will help you decide what's best. The interview process will also allow you to assess if you are comfortable with the photographer, which is a very critical aspect of wedding photography.
What to Ask Before Booking a Wedding Photographer?
Wedding photography may look the same across weddings. However, most wedding photographers come with their unique style and experience. When looking for the best wedding photographer for your dream wedding, you must find out the basics and a bit more, including their photography and work styles, curated packages, pricing, and image delivery methods. Here are a few questions you can ask a prospective wedding photographer to put your mind at ease.
How experienced are you as a professional wedding photographer?
The photographer's experience should be considered while making your final decision. However, hiring a less experienced wedding photographer may not be a disaster. For example, if they have prior experience of shooting a wedding at your wedding venue, it may work in your favour. You can also ask the photographer for testimonials from past clients.
What is your wedding photography style?
Professional wedding photographers come with their own vision, photography style, and sense of aesthetics. However, if they don't match what you and your prospective partner have in mind, they might not be the best fit for your wedding. One way to find out more about their photography style is to check out their website and social media accounts. Of course, asking them directly in your first meeting also helps.
What is your photo editing style?
Clicking the photos at your wedding is only half the work that your wedding photographer will do. The other half will be completed at their studio or photo laboratory. A wedding photographer's photo editing style affects the final products as much as their photography style. This is why you should also ask about this during the interview. For instance, you can note if their style is bright, timeless, or moody. You can also find out whether they offer additional photo editing services such as colour correction or retouching.
Is there a full wedding gallery that we can see?
A picture speaks louder than words. So, in addition to asking a prospective photographer about their experience, styles, and client testimonials, ask to see their past work. As it is wedding photography, especially an Indian wedding, which includes a number of different ceremonies, with their own unique sets of rituals, colours, and people, ask to see a complete wedding gallery. You are unlikely to find such a gallery on the photographer's Instagram or Facebook pages, or their websites. They only showcase their best works. Viewing a complete gallery will also allow you to discuss your vision with the wedding photographer.
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This blog post offers a wealth of practical and insightful wedding photography tips for both amateur and professional photographers. Covering a wide range of topics, from equipment recommendations and camera settings to composition and lighting techniques, it serves as a comprehensive guide for capturing stunning and memorable wedding photos.
I particularly appreciate the emphasis on the importance of storytelling and the role of the photographer in documenting the emotions and special moments throughout the wedding day. The inclusion of tips on working with the couple, guests, and other vendors demonstrates a holistic approach to wedding photography that goes beyond technical skills.
Furthermore, the advice on post-processing and photo delivery ensures that photographers can provide their clients with high-quality images that will be cherished for years to come. This blog post is a valuable resource for anyone looking to improve their wedding photography skills or simply gain a better understanding of the art and techniques involved. Thank you for sharing these helpful tips and insights!