Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award-2021

by efrank77 | May 4, 2023 | UNCATEGORIZED, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Social Booth Explained

I bet you know exactly what a Photo Booth is, right? I mean you haven’t been living under a rock, have you? Everyone know what a Photo Booth is. But not everyone knows what a Social Booth is. And that’s what we’re here to tell you about!

The Basics

Let’s start with the basics here so you don’t get confused about what a Social Booth is. It’s a Photo Booth…but…on steroids..AND…if you can even imagine it…it costs less! You get a real photo booth capturing the real fun at your event for the fraction of the cost. Now, you might be wondering why we’d (or any company really) would offer you a better version of a Photo Booth Rental that’s less money.

Social Booth Cost

If you’ve read our other blogs you know we just keep it real here. So, we’re going to be honest with you. We can offer the Social Booth for less because it costs us less! Why? No paper, no ink, no printer. Well, what is the point of a photo booth without prints? A LOT!! All you need is a WIFI signal and our booth will actually TEXT your guests a copy of their visit. And that’s where the name comes from. You’re being social with your visit by sharing it with others. Text away, share on Facebook, Instagram, or send it to granny in an email. Be social with it.

How’s It Work?

So, basically a Social Booth works the same as a regular Photo Booth rental up until the time the prints normally come out. Instead of hooking up to a printer, the booth attendant will hook up to your venues WIFI connection. Then, at the end of their visit your guests will be asked to enter their telephone number into the booth, which will text them from an internet phone number that’s programmed into the booth. They’ll get a cute little image showing off their photo booth posing skills. It comes as a 4X6 postcard style graphic with anywhere from 1-3 images in it. (Wanna see what it looks like? I put a recent rentals image below.)

How Can I Customize The Experience?

The Classic Social Booth Rental comes with the booth, a backdrop, and props. You pick your choice of 6 Themes that we have available. Each theme has matching backdrop, prop set, greeting screen, and digital template that goes along with it. We automatically customize the digital template to put your info in it. So, for example we can edit the graphic to say “Happy Birthday John!!” or “Anchors Away to Megan” or whatever else your event is about.

But for some people they want more….and there are a few upgrades that you can add on or you can order our Premium Social Booth with all the fixings. We can offer things like a GIF upgrade so instead of a 4X6 postcard your guests get a square graphic frame with an actual loop GIF of their visit in it. Or you can add on a Digital Download of all your event files so you get a copy too! Our premium upgrade comes with completely customized graphics so we’ll design something just for you. We can match school colors, insert special graphics, change fonts, or even use an existing photo in the design!

How Do I Book a Social Booth????

Booking a Social Booth for your next celebration is super easy. All you have to do is either gives us a call or click through to our contact button and drop us your info. Our office manager, Eve, will reach back out ASAP to ask some simple questions and get a quote out to you.

BOOK YOUR SOCIAL BOOTH NOW

Ready to talk about a Social Booth for your next event. It’s perfect for Graduation Parties, Retirement Parties, School Dances, Birthdays, Bridal Showers, and more!!!

Social Booth Rental Sale!!!

Right now…from March 2023-August 2023 we’re offering our Social Booth at a super low introductory fee. You can rent a booth for your event starting at $350.00. I bet you thought you couldn’t afford the fun. The current average rental rate for a traditional booth is around $800.00. But what will you get for $350.00? Glad you asked!

Classic Social Booth Experience

3 hours of unlimited visits
Choice of 6 Themed Experiences
Backdrop & Props
1 Friendly Attendant to help out
Open Air Style Booth

What do you need to book it? First, you need to verify that your venue has a WIFI signal for the booth to connect to. Next, you need to contact us to make sure your date is available. Then, it’s half down to reserve the booth for your celebration. The other half is due when the team sends you a proof of the digital template to approve. That happens about 2 weeks before your event date.

Lastly, let’s talk real quick about the upgrades available so you know before we talk:

Digital Download of all files for you, the host
GIF upgrade with a loop video of the visit
Premium service with a custom design
Green Screen Backdrop
On location slide show for guests to see
Slide show of all images after the event.

I think it’s super important to note that these prices are average and can be tallied from amateur/beginner rates all the way through the pros. The cost for a professional wedding photographer in Erie is currently closer to $4,000+.

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Let's Talk About Your Celebration

Ready to jump in and talk to us about hiring a social booth for your next party? Come on!!! We’re waiting to chat!

What is a Social Booth?

by efrank77 | February 23, 2023 | UNCATEGORIZED, PHOTO BOOTH, Photo Booth Planning & Tips | 0 Comments

Social Booth Explained I bet you know exactly what a Photo Booth is, right? I mean you haven't been living under a rock, have you? Everyone know what a Photo Booth is. But not everyone knows what a...

Photo Booth for Graduation Party

by eriewed | June 7, 2021 | PHOTO BOOTH, Photo Booth Planning & Tips | 0 Comments

Photo Booth For Graduation Renting a Photo Booth for Graduation is the best way to capture the fun and memories with your friends and family. Your Graduation is one of the biggest celebrations of...

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by eriewed | January 16, 2020 | PHOTO BOOTH | 0 Comments

What goes into a blog post? Helpful, industry-specific content that: 1) gives readers a useful takeaway, and 2) shows you're an industry expert. Use your...

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Erie Photography is a world-renowned production studio that offers a wide variety of photo and video services. We are proud to be the biggest photography studio in our region, and we can help you with your next project. We have been operating in Erie PA or 12+ years, and we have a lot of experience in Photography & Videography Services We offer a wide variety of services, including photo shooting and video production. Check out our other Services for more information!

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12 “Getting Ready” Wedding Photos Every Bride Must Take

by eriewed | Dec 29, 2022 | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, Wedding Photos

12 “Getting Ready” Wedding Photos Every Bride Must Take

Congratulations on your wedding day! We know you’re juggling many responsibilities and coordinating with caterers and vendors to ensure everything comes out perfectly. We’re honored that you are considering Erie Photography on your special day. Our professional wedding photographers will be there to help you find the best spots for photos at your wedding venue, along with a variety of excellent and flattering poses for your wedding album. Here are our votes for 12 getting ready wedding photos every bride must take.

Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award-2021 8

Dress Off!

Your wedding photographer will be sure to take plenty of photos of you in your wedding dress, but sometimes, your pose might not showcase the patterns correctly. If you love your dress, consider asking your wedding photographer to take a few quick pictures of your dress hanging up on its own or of you holding it before you put it on (especially if your dress is only rented, not bought). A standalone photo of your wedding dress can save your eyes some strain if you ever want to page back through the wedding album to recall some details about your dress.

Accessories Too

Have you got accessories for your wrists or hair? Consider having your Photographer arranging them on your dresser or a tray and take a picture of them, too. These cute but simple photos detailing exactly what jewelry you wore on your special day might end up being some of your favorites.

Hairdressing

Doing your hair will take some time, but the results are always beautiful. Be sure to snap several photos of your hair being pulled, brushed, curled, or braided for a fabulous photo shoot that helps you feel just as relaxed and beautiful as you are! Hairdressing photos are always some of our favorite getting ready wedding photos.

Show off the Bridesmaids Getting Ready Too

Your wedding day may be all about you, but don’t forget to acknowledge the great friends who are behind you all the way! You aren’t the only one getting ready to dress up for a special day. Do your bridesmaids have coordinated “getting ready” outfits such as bathrobes or even pajamas? Don’t let those cute memories get forgotten in the busyness of the day! With advance planning, you can prepare fun props for all your bridesmaids to hold, such as coffee cups or some bridesmaids gifts you’ve picked out just for them.

Flower Power

Your bouquet is prepared just for you, and while your flowers may wilt, your photos of them are forever. Before the day’s heat can start to dry your bouquet up, take advantage of the morning to pose with your bouquet, standing and sitting for a variety of bride getting ready photos.

Puppy Pride

If you’re taking bridal photos and haven’t gone far from home, then ask your photographer in advance if it’s possible to take a few pictures with your beloved family pet. While you may not want to hold your furry friend while wearing a white wedding dress, capturing a shot of your perfect pooch looking fondly at you while you get ready for the day can make for a memory you’ll treasure forever.

Candid Shots

You can’t plan the perfect candid shot, and that’s part of the fun. But while you and your bridesmaids are hanging out together, ask your photographer to keep an eye out for good moments to take bridesmaids getting ready photos.

All in a Row

Once all of your bridesmaids are wearing their dresses, take plenty of photos of everyone lined up in a row. There are many ways to pose together, including:

The first moment your bridesmaids see you walk out in your dress
Bridesmaids arranged behind and in front of the bride
Bridesmaids hugging the bride
Bridesmaids helping the bride with the back of her dress, her shoes, or her accessories
Lying together in the grass or on a clean floor
Facing away from the camera, perhaps with arms behind each other’s backs (This is a great way to show off your wedding hairstyle!)
Jumping for joy

You’re sure to find some true favorites in this collection of bridesmaids getting ready photos!

Flower Girls

Thank your flower girls with photos that they’ll look back on fondly, perhaps even on their wedding days! A personal shot with each one of them will perfectly capture their cheerful innocence and will make an adorable photo for years to come.

With a Family Member

Your mom, dad, and siblings will be right there with you to enjoy this special day, and they’ll be ready to make just as many memories of this day as you are. Ask your photographer to take getting ready wedding photos with each of your parents and siblings individually, too (plus some family shots all together once you’re all dressed and prepared for the big day).

Mix Casual and Formal

Even if your wedding feels like a very serious occasion, don’t be afraid to take some shots of you looking loose and relaxed while you get ready for the day. Laugh, smile, and love the experience, whether you are taking photos of yourself getting ready on your own or with your best friends.

The reverse is true, too. If you’re having a blast on your wedding day, it may be difficult to reign your energy in. Give it a try anyway for a photoshoot of formal getting ready wedding photos. Once the rush of energy and nerves that you feel on your wedding day has passed, you will surely be glad to look back through your wedding album and find a mix of both casual and formal photos taken on your special day.

Putting on the Veil

The time to walk down the aisle is near. In these final moments, before you face your groom (whether tearful or somber), this is a getting ready wedding photo that you won’t want your photographer to miss.

Can’t wait for the big day to arrive? We can’t either! Erie Photography is full of professional wedding photographers who will be certain to make you feel comfortable even if you are juggling a million things to do. Sit back, relax, and smile wide. We’ll take care of the rest. Contact us today at (814) 246-2148 with any questions or special photo requests you may have.

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Capturing Your Unique Wedding Portraits

Erie Wedding Photography is a full-service photography studio that offers the best in wedding photography and videography services.

We are a professional Erie wedding photographer with over 10 years of experience.

Our goal is to provide you with beautiful, high-quality images that capture your special day in the best way possible.

5 Amazing Tips for a Wedding on the Lake

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5 Incredible MUST Haves for Your Wedding Video

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How Much Do Engagement Photos Cost?

by efrank77 | Nov 20, 2022 | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, Engagement Photos

How Much Do Engagement Photos Cost?

Engagement photos are a great way to capture the love and excitement of an engagement. They can create an amazing memory for you and your partner, and help set the stage for your wedding preparations. Many couples wonder how much it will professional engagement photos cost. This article will provide an overview of what to expect when it comes to costs associated with engagement photos, helping you make the best decision for your budget.

Average Engagement Photos Cost Can Vary

Planning a wedding is an exciting experience, but it can be stressful when trying to figure out how much things are going to cost. One of the main decisions couples will make when planning their wedding is what engagement photos cost.

Engagement photos are a great way for couples to remember their engagement and share them with family and friends. Prices for engagement photo sessions vary based on where you live, your photographer’s experience level, and how many hours you book. On average, most couples should expect to pay anywhere from $200 – $1,000 for professional engagement photos. This includes the session fee as well as digital images or prints purchased after the session has concluded. Additional services such as hair and makeup styling may also add extra cost.

Keep scrolling to find out the typical cost in Erie, Pa.

Wondering what’s so fantastic about an Enagement Session? Find out Why You NEED Engagement Photos!

Why The Huge Difference in Engagement Photos Cost?

So, $200-$1,000 is a really big gap in price and it makes budgetting for what you want difficult. The first thing is to understand why there’s such a vast engagemennt photos cost range. What would make one photographer charge only $200 but another charge $1,000.

The answer is simple…and it’s not simple. Photographers (for the most part) think of themselves as artists and they invest in themselves and their artwork. Those that charge $200 may be beginners without as much experience who are growing their talent and skill. So, they understand their value may not be as high as another person with more experience. On the other end, the $1,000 photographer recogizes that you are not only paying for a 2 hour session with them. You are paying for the years of experience they’ve gained. In those years they’ve mastered lighting, posing, and editing to create, well, a work of art for you! They toiled over that experience and they feel that’s what they’re worth.

Sometimes the Engagement Photos Cost is….FREE

Wait, what? You just told me to expect to pay $200-$1,000 for my engagement photos cost! How can they possibly be free?!?! Hold on! I’ll tell you!!

Many Wedding Photographers understand why taking engagement pictures is so important. No, it’s not just to make more money off their couples. It’s because it’s a time for you to build a relationship with your photographer BEFORE your wedding day so you’re confident in their ability and comfortable around them already. Your wedding photographer will spend 8-12 hours on your wedding day getting all close and personal with you. They want to be comfortable with you and vice-versa. They know that those smiles will be genuine if you feel like you’re pals before the camera comes out on your big day.

So, because of that many wedding photographers include a complimentary engagement photo shoot in their wedding packages. All you have to do is ask what their policies are.

Yeah…but..How Much will Engagement Photos Cost?

Okay that’s all fine and dandy, but how much do engagment photos cost then? Well, here in Erie, Pa you can expect the typical cost to be closer to $400. That’s for a session if you’re not booking your wedding with the same photographer.

When you’re choosing an engagement photographer near you, you should also ask them what’s included in those photos. You probably think you’ll get all your photos afterwards as digital files. The convenience of having a cell phone with a built in camera has changed our expectations. But that isn’t the reality with a true professional engagement or wedding photographer. They understand that most people don’t ever use or enjoy their engagement pictures if they just hand over a USB with a bunch of digitals. So, some will book their engagement sessions in a boutique format where the session fee only covers their work shooting and editing. You’ll buy anything you want from them a la carte aftwerwards. But the norm is that you’ll get a package that includes some of your photos, but not all. And the delivery varies by photographer. You may get digitals, you may get a box of 4X6 prints. Some deliver only one or two prints in popular sizes like 10X13 or 8X10. It’s up to you to be clever and ask those questions before you hire.

Wondering how to pick the best photographer for you? Check out Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer Before Hiring.

How to Budget For Engagement Photos Cost

How will you budget for your engagement photos cost? Well, the fees you pay for your engagement pictures should be included in your overall wedding budget. Our Wedding Planner at Erie Wedding & Event Services suggests setting aside about 1% of your total wedding budget for an engagement photoshoot. If you need help getting started she even has a “Mini-Planning” experience that will get you a total budget break-down AND referrals to the most trusted pros in the Erie area!

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Ready to Talk About Your Engagement Photo Shoot?

We can’t wait to share your joy with you and capture the magic of your engagement story. Our pros specialize in traditional and contemporary couples posing with a warm and inviting style. Let us help you tell your story!

Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award-2021

by efrank77 | May 4, 2023 | UNCATEGORIZED, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | 0 Comments

12 “Getting Ready” Wedding Photos Every Bride Must Take

by eriewed | December 29, 2022 | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, Wedding Photos | 0 Comments

12 "Getting Ready" Wedding Photos Every Bride Must Take Congratulations on your wedding day! We know you’re juggling many responsibilities and coordinating with caterers and vendors to ensure...

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Booths

Book Erie Photo & Video Services to Capture YOUR Unique Story.

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How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?

by efrank77 | Nov 20, 2022 | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, Wedding Photos

Wedding Photographer Cost Explained

How much does a wedding photographer cost? That’s usually the first question that comes up when someone begins searching for their wedding photographer. But, in reality, it should be one of the later things considered. Still, we want you to be in the know so let’s dig in.

Your Wedding is one of the biggest celebrations of your life. And regardless of where you stand on things like floral arrangements or late-night reception snacks, you need the best photographer to capture your moments, because your Wedding Photos are the one solid thing you walk away from your wedding with. After months of planning, your wedding day will fly by in an instant. So, that’s why your photographer is one of the most important wedding day vendors you can invest in. They capture every moment that makes up your wedding day so that twenty, thirty, or even fifty years down the road your photos will remind you of the magic on that day.

The Budget Rule

Most couples follow the standard Wedding Budgeting Rules that say how much a Wedding Photographer Cost will be. Traditionally, the budget says you should spend 10% of your overall wedding budget on Photography. Anywhere from 10-20% is average. But who follows the rules anymore? If Wedding Photography is high on the list you should be willing to pay more than just 10% of your budget. There are places in your budget to wiggle. For instance, maybe a large extravagant floral centerpiece isn’t an essential part of your wedding decor. You can lower the cost of your floral budget and put those extra funds to work for the Wedding Photographer of your dreams. Another sweet tip is to go with a Sweetheart Cake versus a traditional tiered Wedding Cake.

See more about how to break down your wedding budget here: How Much to Spend on Wedding Photography.

Need more help budgetting? Talk to a real wedding planner at Erie Wedding & Event Services

Average Wedding Photographer Cost

I know you want a quick answer to the question How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost?”, but the reality is there is no quick answer.

A Wedding Photographer can cost anywhere from $500-$30,000 or more! That’s a really big gap and I’ll explain why. There are a ton of different factors that play into how much a wedding photographer charges. So, where you need to focus most is on the value of your investment to get what you really want. There is a rule with anything in life that I love. You can have it cheap, fast, and good. But not at the same time. You get 2 out of 3. If you want it cheap and fast it ain’t gonna be good. If you want it cheap and good it ain’t gonna be fast. And lastly, if you want it fast and good it ain’t gonna be cheap.

Here are some factors that can influence the cost of wedding photography:

Lifestyle

There are many types of Wedding Photographers with the biggest distinction being between a full time professional and a part time hobby enthusiast. A pro invests more time and money into photography because it’s more than a passion, it’s a career. A hobbyist will charge less because they invest less into their craft.

Location

We have to be honest with ourselves here. A Wedding Photographer in NYC is going to cost far more than one in rural Kansas. The cost of living and doing business in your local area (or the area you’re getting married in) is going to greatly affect the cost of your Wedding Photography.

Experience

It just makes sense that an experienced Wedding Photographer cost is going to be more than a beginner. An experienced photographer offers you the advantage of having been there, done that and seen it all. They can cope with the flow of your wedding day without missing a beat. In addition, they understand exactly how to relate to you and your wedding party to make everyone feel comfortable. Not to mention, they have had years to develop a ‘relationship’ with their equipment. They know it like the back of their hand. There’s no guessing which lens to use for the best shot or what angle they should shoot from in the lighting.

What They Offer

Every photographer is unique. I’ve read about highly experienced Wedding Photographer cost in large urban locations of $5,000 or more for Wedding Day coverage but don’t include any actual photo delivery. The newlyweds are responsible for paying for any prints, canvases, or wedding albums they want from their day. Some photographers offer full day coverage (12 hours) and others charge by the hour. If you want to know what they offer it’s best to ask and make sure this is the perfect photographer for you.

So, Why Does a Wedding Photographer Cost What They Do?

I know we haven’t quite answered the question “How much does a wedding photographer cost?”, but I promise we’re getting to it!

Your Wedding Day is a once in lifetime experience and if you’re like most brides you want to perfectly preserve those moments to relive later. So, it’s a good idea to understand what your investment is going towards. Every Wedding Photographer is different, but generally your Wedding Day breaks down into:

1-3 Hours of Initial Emailing, Phone Calls, and Consults
2-3 Hours of Engagement Session with travel and shoot time
1-5 Hours of Editing Engagement Photos
4-10 Hours of Timeline Prep, pre-wedding planning, site visits, and consults
10-20 Hours of Wedding Day work with equipment prep, packing, setup, shoot coverage, tear down, travel back and forth
10-25 Hours of Wedding Day Editing
1-4 Hours of after Wedding Day consulting and design work on any albums or other items purchased.

In addition to the 60+ hours of time spent on each Wedding is the investment into delicate and expensive cameras, lenses, lighting, and software for editing.

Finally, we come to the answer to the question How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost? Let’s break down a little closer to our local area to give you an idea of what you should expect to pay for an experienced Wedding Photographer in the Erie, PA area.

We did a little digging online to see what the going average rate is for Wedding Photography in Erie Pa. According to sources such as The Knot and WeddingWire couples in the Erie area paid an average of $2,500.00 for Wedding Photography in 2021. An amazing online Wedding Calculator Tool called The Wedding Cost Report estimated that you can expect to spend around $3,100 in 2023. We estimated including an Engagement Session. The break down was:

Engagement Photography: $400.00

Wedding Photography: $2700.00

Remember that many Photographers include an Engagement Session in their Wedding Photography Packages when you’re looking over your budget and planning on how much you should set aside. Also, you’ll need to take into consideration a few other things besides cost when choosing the ideal Wedding Photographer for you. In fact, cost should be last on your list of importance.

*Wedding Photographer Cost may not include delivery of prints, albums, and/or digitals. It’s really important to ask those questions! Find out What to Ask a Wedding Photographer Before Hiring!

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Let's Talk About Your Wedding Day

Ready to jump in and talk to a wedding photographer about what they do and how they will capture your day? We’re waiting to chat about your love story!

Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award-2021

by efrank77 | May 4, 2023 | UNCATEGORIZED, WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY | 0 Comments

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Weddings

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Portraits

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Booths

Book Erie Photo & Video Services to Capture YOUR Unique Story.

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How to Find the Best Wedding Photographer

by efrank77 | Nov 20, 2022 | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, Wedding Photos

Finding the BEST Wedding Photographer

With so many things to do before the wedding, you might be worried you’ll rush through the planning process and make a few mistakes along the way. Hey, it happens, but you want to be extra careful when choosing a photographer. At the end of the way, the pictures are all you’ll have left to remember it.

Finding the best wedding photographer takes time.

We’ve put together this guide to show you have to hire a photographer that matches your style and budget. Make sure you keep reading below for some helpful tips!

1. Don’t Put It Off

When it comes to planning a wedding, finding the best wedding photographer might not be at the top of your priority list. But don’t get so distracted booking the venue or buying your dress that you put off hiring a wedding photographer until it’s too late.

If you wait too long, you’ll have trouble finding a quality photographer that’s available on your wedding date.

It’s a good idea to start looking for a photographer a year in advance. This will give you time to “shop around” and find someone you like. Do your best to have your photographer booked at least nine months before your wedding.

The last thing you want is to end up without a professional photographer on your special day. After all, you can’t just give your uncle a camera and expect to get good pictures.

Wondering Why You Should Hire a Professional Wedding Photographer?

2. Pick a Style

A photographer does so much more than capture the memories of your wedding day. The pictures they take should portray the feelings of love, happiness, and excitement that went along with it. In order to feel the emotion in the photos, you need to pick a photographer that encompasses your style.

For example, do you like beautiful, candid shots, or are you looking for more classic, portrait-type pictures? Spend some time looking at wedding pictures on websites like our Pinterest account to get some ideas. There are also huge differences in how photographers edit. Some are Bright & Airy, some are Dark & Moody, while most tend to provide Classic Photos that look natural and capture the day.

If you have a hard time pinpointing the exact style you like, that’s okay. You can search for photographers with similar styles so you get what you love.

Need a little more help? Check out our Guide to Wedding Photography Styles.

3. Make a List of Potential Photographer Choices

You shouldn’t just pick the first photographer you come across online. Instead, do some research and put together a list of your top three to five favorites.

Spend some time looking through their websites, visiting their social media pages, and reading reviews on third party sites like Google. Check out this blog to figure out which review sites are best: What Wedding Planning Sites Can You Trust? This will help you learn more about them and give you a better idea of how they conduct their business.

Stay away from anyone that has a lot of negative reviews or doesn’t respond well to negative reviews. Things like blaming other people or worse, the client, can be a red flag. Your wedding only happens once, and you don’t want to run the risk of hiring a bad photographer.

What exactly does the Best Wedding Photographer do for you? Find out: Ultimate Guide to Wedding Photography

4. Schedule Interviews

Now that you have a list of photographers you like, set up an interview with each one. You should do this in person if possible, but if that doesn’t work out, give them a phone call. You can use this time to introduce yourself and tell the photographer about your partner, your wedding day, and what you’re looking for. Don’t be afraid to ask plenty of questions. It’s better to ask than to run into miscommunications or problems later.

You should also ask to see albums of their past work. If you’re talking to them over the phone, see if they can send you their portfolio over an email instead. It’s also a good idea to find out if they will bring any backup equipment to the wedding with them. This way, if something goes wrong, they will still be able to catch beautiful photos of your special day.

Keep in mind, cost shouldn’t be your main concern. Price reflects quality. It’s better to invest more money in a reputable photographer than to get blurry, unflattering pictures.

Some of the questions you shouldn’t forget include:

“Are you available for my wedding date?”
“Will you photograph any other weddings that week/weekend?”
“Will you have an assistant?”
“How many weddings have you photographed?”
“Have you worked at our venue before?/Will you visit the venue in advance?”
“What is your photography style?”
“How much do you charge?/What packages do you have?”
“Can I customize your photography package?”
“How long will it take to get my photos after the wedding?”
“Can I order the photos directly from you?”

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5. Consider Their Personality

The best wedding photographer will be with you at all times on the more important day of your life. Because of this, you’ll want the photographer to be someone you get along with well. Otherwise, your wedding can quickly turn into an unpleasant experience.

Trust your gut.

If your instincts are telling you a photographer isn’t the one, take your business somewhere else. Don’t hire anyone until you find a photographer you enjoy being around. In fact, scheduling an Engagement Session with your photographer will help you decide if they gel well with you. Find out more here: 5 Reasons to Have an Engagement Session

You can also ask friends and family who have already gone through a wedding for their experience with certain photographers as well as check out online forums. Avoid red flags. And really think about who you are. If you are super shy and get uncomfortable with someone really outgoing they aren’t the best fit for you. On the other hand, maybe you need someone outgoing to pull you out of your shell.

6. Set up a Test Shoot

When searching for the Best Wedding Photographer this is the MOST crucial step…and it’s why we’re kind of mentioning it twice. This is a good way to work with the photographer in person so you know if they have good chemistry with you and your partner. It can also show you if the photographer has everything you’re looking for, such as posing skills. Once you get the photos back, you can see if you like them and if they’re good enough for your wedding.

If you still haven’t done an engagement shoot, this is a good way to do it. Even if the photos don’t come out well, you’ll have time to redo the shoot with a different photographer.

Your wedding photoshoot will leave you with some of the most important pictures of your life, which is why it’s so important to find the best wedding photographers in your area.

Now Your Ready to Talk to REAL Wedding Photographers

Picking a time to chat with us is so easy! Just drop us a line by filling in the contact form and we’ll get back to you ASAP to talk about your wedding experience.

Wedding Wire Couples Choice Award-2021

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Winter Engagement Photos Guide

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The Complete Guide Winter Engagement Photos When most people think of an engagement photoshoot, they think of sunny days with bright colors, fields of flowers, and happy couples beaming with joy....

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Winter Engagement Photos Guide

by efrank77 | Nov 19, 2022 | WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY, Engagement Photos

The Complete Guide Winter Engagement Photos

When most people think of an engagement photoshoot, they think of sunny days with bright colors, fields of flowers, and happy couples beaming with joy. While those photos can still be taken during the winter months, the colder weather offers its own unique set of possibilities. If you’re planning on having winter engagement photos, here are a few tips to help make the most of it.

Where to Take Winter Engagement Photos

When you think about winter engagement photos, what comes to mind? Maybe visions of a cozy cabin nestled in a snowy forest, or a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through a wintry wonderland. If you’re looking to take your winter engagement photos to the next level, consider one of these ideas!

The very first place that comes to my mind for winter engagement photos is Peek’n Peak Resort. This is an obvious choice because it’s a popular ski lodge with lots of fun winter activities to check out. We’ve found the snow covered (and unused) golf course is a fantastic place to take some snuggled up photos.

Another great option is your Wedding Venue! You heard me right. We met up with one couple during a blizzard in February on the grounds of their venue, Mound Grove, to capture winter engagement photos for their fall wedding. Side note: Get permission from the venue for this.

Props & Activities for Winter Engagement Photos

As we mentioned Peek’n Peak before you may already know where we’re heading with this. Planning ahead with your photographer, get to some winter activities! If you’re a skier, get on some skis and head down the slopes together. It’s a winter engagement photos session…no wait…it’s a fun date! If you’re not much of a skier you could build a snowman, make snow angels, or head inside for a cup of piping hot cocoa. Maybe warm up in front of a blazing fire for some romantic photos for your collection.

One of our favorite winter engagement photo sessions was for one of our own photographers. We met at Peek’n Peak while it was decorated for Christmas and he serenaded her on the piano. Afterwards, we took a walk across the golf course near the pond. It was a very fun day. (That’s the cute couple above…actually.)

Winter Engagement Pictures Outfit Ideas

It really should go without saying that if you’re taking photos in Erie…in the winter…that you know better to dress warm. A winter coat, a cute hat, mittens, and a scarf are appropriate. We just did a winter wedding out in the snow and while the bride took her coat off for the photos she was smartly wearing big winter boots under her gown. No one could tell because the snow hid them.

For ladies make sure your makeup is crisp and clean and choose a hairstyle that won’t get ruined by a hat or the snow. You may want to stay away from white or neutrals if you’re taking outdoor photos so you don’t blend into the snow. I mean, unless you want to pretend you’re an arctic bunny.

Gentleman, keep the same things in mind. Choose to style your hair in a way that you won’t be upset by hats or snow and stay away from whites and light neutral colors. This is the perfect time of year to break out those rich, vivid colors!

Need a little more help with outfits? Read up: Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas

Use the Warmth of Golden Hour

Images are given a glow when taken during the golden hour, the hour just before sunset. It also instantly warms up the colors reflected on the snow. It’s hard to take warm photos in the winter scenery because everything is crisp and white with blue skies, but that brief time of day when the sun’s golden rays bounce across the landscape are just so magical.

If you need inspiration for your winter engagement photos you can check out some of our favorites on our Erie Photography Pinterest account. And while you’re at it…follow us. We share other fun tips for your photo sessions. Get inspired!

In conclusion, taking engagement photos during the winter can be a fun and unique experience. By following these tips, you can make sure that your photos turn out great. So get outside and enjoy the snow while capturing some beautiful memories!

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Excited for Winter Engagement Photos Now?

We’re all bundled up and waiting to go! Let’s do this. We’ll create some magic together for your Winter Engagement Session! We know all the sweet spots.