What to Expect When You Hire a Wedding Photographer
Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process. After all, your wedding photos are the timeless memories you’ll cherish for years to come. As a Detroit wedding photographer, my goal is to provide you with more than just beautiful images; I want to make sure that your experience is smooth, relaxed, and as enjoyable as the wedding day itself.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the entire process of hiring me as your wedding photographer – from the moment we first connect to the delivery of your wedding photos.
1. Initial Consultation: Let’s Get to Know Each Other
When you first reach out, we’ll schedule an initial consultation. This is where we’ll chat about your vision for your wedding day, your style, and what you’re looking for in a wedding photographer. Whether you’re having a large celebration at a venue like Shinola Hotel or a more intimate ceremony at a private estate, I want to understand what’s most important to you.
During our consultation, we’ll cover things like:
- Your wedding timeline and key moments you want captured
- Any venue-specific photo opportunities (like those iconic spots at Book Tower or Shinola)
- My photography style (a mix of traditional elegance and candid moments)
We’ll also discuss my pricing and packages, and I’ll answer any questions you might have about the wedding day itself.
2. Booking and Contract: Securing Your Date
Once you decide to move forward, I’ll send over a contract to make everything official. This contract will outline all the details, including the coverage hours, pricing, and what you’ll receive (engagement sessions, second photographers, etc.). Once the contract is signed, your wedding date is secured!
At this stage, I’ll also send over an invoice for the deposit to hold your spot in my calendar.
3. Engagement Session: Getting Comfortable in Front of the Camera
For most of my packages, an engagement session is included, and it’s one of my favorite parts of the process. This is your chance to get to know me better and get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day. I’ll guide you through posing and help you relax so that when the wedding day comes, you’re feeling confident and natural in front of the lens.
We can choose a location that fits your style, whether it’s an iconic spot in Detroit or somewhere meaningful to you both. The engagement session is a great opportunity to tell your story in photos and get excited about the wedding day!
4. Wedding Day: Capturing Every Moment
On your wedding day, my goal is to blend in and capture the most beautiful, authentic moments. I’ll arrive early to get shots of the venue, details, and candid moments as your day unfolds. From your first look to your final dance, I’ll be there to document it all, ensuring that no important moment is missed.
You can expect:
- Classic portraits and family photos that will be timeless
- Candid moments that show the real emotions of the day
- Creative shots that bring out the beauty and elegance of your venue
- A relaxed and easygoing atmosphere, allowing you to focus on the love and joy of your day
Throughout the day, I’ll work closely with your planner (if you have one) to ensure the timeline stays on track, and I’ll direct group shots and family photos in a way that feels easy and stress-free.
5. Post-Wedding: Your Beautiful Photos Delivered
After the wedding, I’ll get to work editing your photos. I focus on creating images that reflect your style—timeless, elegant, and full of emotion. Editing typically takes a few weeks, but I’ll send you a sneak peek of a few images shortly after the wedding so you can start reliving the magic!
When your full gallery is ready, you’ll receive a private online gallery where you can view, download, and share your photos with family and friends. I also offer high-quality prints and albums, so you can preserve your memories in a tangible way.
6. Beyond the Photos: A Lifelong Relationship
When you hire me as your wedding photographer, you’re not just booking someone to show up on your wedding day – you’re investing in a long-term relationship. I’ll be there for you long after the wedding, whether it’s for anniversary sessions, family photos, or just to hear about how life is going. Your memories are important to me, and I’m honored to be part of your journey.
Conclusion
Hiring a wedding photographer should be a stress-free and enjoyable experience. By choosing me to capture your love story, you can rest assured that your memories will be in good hands – from the moment we meet to the final delivery of your photos. I’m here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring that your wedding photography experience is as beautiful and relaxed as your wedding day itself.
Ready to start planning your wedding photography? Let’s chat! Click here to get in touch and learn more about my services.
