Mistakes to Avoid When Booking an Event Photographer. Image: Khoi Studio.
1. Don’t book at the last minute:
Professional photographers, especially highly regarded ones, are often booked weeks or months in advance. Waiting until the last minute will significantly limit your options and may force you to choose a photographer who doesn’t fit your style or budget.
Professional photographers, especially highly regarded ones, are often booked weeks or months in advance. Waiting until the last minute will significantly limit your options and may force you to choose a photographer who doesn’t fit your style or budget.
2. Don’t just focus on price:
While budget is an important factor, going for the cheapest option often leads to disappointment. A professional’s price reflects their experience, equipment, and quality of work. Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and prioritize quality over low price.
While budget is an important factor, going for the cheapest option often leads to disappointment. A professional’s price reflects their experience, equipment, and quality of work. Look at their portfolio, read reviews, and prioritize quality over low price.
3. Don’t skip the contract (for big events):
Always have a signed contract that outlines the scope of work. The contract should include dates and times, the photographer’s responsibilities, the number of deliverables (photos, videos), editing style, payment terms, and cancellation policy. A contract will protect both you and the photographer from misunderstandings.
4. Don’t have vague expectations:
Be clear about exactly what you need to get! Do you need a highlight reel? Do you want a specific number of shots to be taken and edited? Provide a list of key moments or people you want photographed… Vague instructions can lead to a final product that doesn’t meet your expectations.
Be clear about exactly what you need to get! Do you need a highlight reel? Do you want a specific number of shots to be taken and edited? Provide a list of key moments or people you want photographed… Vague instructions can lead to a final product that doesn’t meet your expectations.
5. Don’t over-manage the photographer:
On the day of the event, trust the photographer you’ve hired. While a clear shot list is helpful, constantly directing the photographer can disrupt their thinking and prevent them from capturing natural, authentic moments.
On the day of the event, trust the photographer you’ve hired. While a clear shot list is helpful, constantly directing the photographer can disrupt their thinking and prevent them from capturing natural, authentic moments.
6. Don’t forget to communicate:
Provide the photographer with an event schedule, contact information for the day, and any other important information. Good communication before and during the event is essential for a great outcome.
In conclusion, hiring an event photographer is not just about choosing a price, but also about investing in your memories and stories.
By avoiding the common mistakes mentioned above, you will create the best conditions for the photographer to be able to perform to the best of his ability, bringing the highest quality work.
Hopefully, with this guide, you will be more confident in choosing the right partner and getting great photos and videos to make every event of yours unforgettable.