Hendrick Moy Photography
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR ENGAGEMENT! You may have already started planning your wedding; that’s why you are here. Because, as we all know, planning a wedding can be equal parts exciting and overwhelming. The period between the proposal and actually getting married is supposed to be a time of pure bliss, but it can quickly become a hassle as you try to plan every little detail to perfection.
Amidst all the hustle and bustle, one may overlook the role that your wedding photographer plays in capturing the magic of your big day. Choosing the right photographer from among the literal thousands of options in New York City can seem daunting, but we’re here to ease this important process and help you find the perfect fit.
1. Determine Your Style
Your wedding day is a celebration of your love story, and you want your photos to reflect that. The first step to finding the perfect wedding photographer is determining your preferred style. Do you envision classic, timeless photos that will stand the test of time? Or do you want something more modern and edgy that captures the essence of your unique personality? Look at different wedding photography styles and decide what appeals to you. Consider factors such as lighting, composition, and overall aesthetic. Once you have a clear view of your style, you can look for photographers who specialize in that style. And while it may be tempting, do keep in mind- things that are trendy now, will likely be looked badly upon years later. When you show your wedding album to your children and grandchildren, you’ll want them smiling lovingly, and not snickering at something now considered old-fashioned!
After all, your wedding photos are one of the only tangible ways to keep the memories of your special day, so choosing a photographer who can capture the essence of your love story and make those memories last a lifetime should be a huge priority. Let’s dive directly into the main objective of finding your perfect wedding photographer in New York City by leveraging some tips and tricks.
2. Research Potential Photographers
Once you’ve nailed down your preferred style and budget, it’s time to start researching wedding photographers near you. You can begin the search by asking friends and family for recommendations, searching online, or checking out wedding blogs and magazines. Once you have a list of potential photographers, reach out to their experience, portfolio, pricing, and contract terms. This will help you better understand whether they fit your needs well or not.
3. Stalk Their Blog and Social Media
When evaluating potential wedding photographers, look through their blogs to get a sense of their most recent style and quality of work. Look for examples of different shots, such as candid moments, posted portraits, and detail shots. This will help you understand whether the photographer’s style aligns with your preferences. PROTIP- Portfolios are a great indicator of the very BEST of their work, but specific blogs of recent weddings they’ve shot will give you a better idea of what you’ll receive for your wedding day.
4. Check Their Reviews and References
You can get a sense of a wedding photographer’s professionalism and quality of work by reading their reviews and speaking to their references. Don’t just rely on the testimonials via their website. Use third-party sites like Google Reviews, WeddingWire, the Knot, Yelp, etc. as these are as unbiased as you can get. This will enable you to make an informed decision and ensure you’re working with someone reliable and trustworthy. Remember, this is one of the folks that will more than likely be physically with you for even more time than your wedding party or family on the day-of, so you’ll want to make sure they’re great to be around!
5. Gauge Their Experience
Choosing a wedding photographer with experience shooting weddings in New York City is important. NYC is a unique and bustling city presenting its own challenges regarding photography, especially logistically. An experienced photographer will know how to navigate the city’s crowds, traffic, and changing weather/lighting conditions to capture beautiful shots. They’ll also have a good sense of the best locations for photoshoots and be able to adapt to different lighting scenarios. Definitely consider budgeting some extra travel buffer to account for the traffic and parking time if you’re not already considering Uber/Lyft to get from one location to the other. Coordinate with your photography/videography team, as they’ll likely have their own equipment to bring along as well.
6. Meet with Your Potential Photographer
Once you’ve narrowed down your potential wedding photographers, meeting with them in-person (or at the very least, video chat like Zoom or Skype) is the best way to ensure you have good chemistry. Just as another reminder, they will be with you for almost the entire day, so definitely ensure your personalities gel! During the meeting, ask them about their approach to shooting weddings, ensure they use professional equipment and have backups in case of unforeseen circumstances. This will give you a better sense of their professionalism and reliability.
7. Consider the Cost of the Collections
Finally, consider whether you want to invest in additional items like heirloom albums or parent books that some wedding photographers offer in their packages. While these items, along with services like engagement sessions can be an added expense, they also provide you with tangible items that will be treasured for years to come!
Wrapping Up
Finding the perfect wedding photographer in New York City doesn’t have to be a daunting task. By determining your preferred style and budget, researching potential photographers, evaluating their portfolios, meeting with them in person, and considering their collections/packages, you’ll be close to finding the perfect photographer for your big day. And if you want an all-in-one solution, give us a shot! We have been in the photography industry for nearly 12 years, and our perfect reviews across the board say more than we ever could. Visit our website- hendrickmoyphotography.com to see what makes us different! =)
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If you find Hendrick’s articles helpful, we invite you to LIKE our photography Facebook page. Hendrick Moy is a NY wedding photographer based in the Hudson Valley. Specializing in modern and contemporary boutique fine art wedding photography with a documentary and photojournalistic approach, He seeks to capture beautiful imagery stealthily and with a low-profile. His dedication to his craft is paralleled only by his desire to make sure his couples are comfortable and well-taken-care-of. He frequently shoots in the NY, NYC, NJ, and CT regions, and is available to travel for destination weddings worldwide. For a little more info on Hendrick’s wedding photography work, visit our FAQ page or click CONTACT above!