Vanessa Bryan Freelance -Wedding and Portraiture Photography- Jacksonville, Florida. For your photography needs in Jacksonville, FL

Hello Again,
In these next couple of posts I will be sharing some pretty valuable information with you– If you are remarrying, getting married, planning a wedding, or hoping for a wedding please read these articles.
These are a few articles I wrote for pictage.com and am finally getting up on my blog. Feel free to leave comments or contact me with any quesitons. Enjoy!

1. Advice from a Photographer—-

Your day has come and gone and while still fresh in your mind little details are starting to slip away, like was the dress Aunt Rita wore leopard print or tiger print? Not to worry though you have your beautiful pictures to fall back on… Right? Trust me this is not something you want to worry about later. Always remember your cake is wonderful, your venue spectacular, your dress is perfect, but without your photographer you won’t capture it all.

Wedding photography is one of the most important and under budgeted parts of your wedding. General rule of thumb you should allot 10-15% of your wedding budget to your photography- after all your memories shouldn’t be trusted to just anyone. It is not uncommon to book your wedding venue 12-18 months prior to your wedding date, and once that is done one of the next items should be the photographer. The internet has become very bride friendly- USE IT! Craigslist to Wedding Bee- you can find hundreds of photographers in your area. All pro-photographers know the importance of websites, so feel free to narrow your search down based on the results of their sites. Check out their photos, prices, qualifications, blogs- anything and everything to get a feel for them. Narrow your list down to 10 or so and call to set up meetings.

It is very important to meet your photographer! When you do meet with them take a list of important topics to be discussed that way you don’t forget in all the excitement. Pay attention to your comfort level, how you get along, and how willing they are to answer your questions. A good photographer will have a list of questions for you as well. Take notes on each photographer that way when you make your decision you can reference them – you will find out after the third or fourth everything starts to run together. Look at the albums and portfolio’s, talk about styles, discuss your wants and needs, and then talk pricing. SET YOUR BUDGET IN ADVANCE! Know what you have and where you will be willing to bend. If you love #2 but their price is $300 higher than your budget, but #5 is great too and more affordable- you then need to decide save the money and settle or tighten your belt and find the money. Follow your gut, but be willing to negotiate. A lot of times independent photographers will be willing to negotiate to get your business, where a big studio doesn’t need to. Always ask if who you meet will be the one to take your pictures…
Most photogs are willing to include or quote engagement sessions in your packages. Do this about 2-4 months prior to the wedding. It is always nice to have and you can use these pictures for customizable save the date or thank you cards!

Ask your photographers about other vendors they work with or know, you may be able to find someone you never even heard of like this and you have a pro telling you their opinion. Don’t be afraid to ask- whether it’s pricing, vendors, tips, or shots. It is your day and we will work with you. If you have a special request list bring it with you too, photogs will be able to say if they can capture everything upfront.

Do your homework and listen around. You can find anything on the internet, don’t be afraid to Google your photog or other vendors. The more planning time the less stressful you feel, never settle because you just want to be done! Set up your budget and be willing to negotiate with your photographers, and all vendors. Just keep in mind these are your memories- Good Luck!

Thanks,
Vanessa