Choosing your Jasper Wedding Photographer

So, you’ve said yes and now come the big decisions. Venue, guests, food, decorations, and most importantly; the photographer. When it comes to picking the right photographer there is a lot more involved than just looking at previous pictures they’ve taken and swiping right. Your photographer(s) will be around for your entire day, you will lean on them to ensure that you are looking fantastic and to keep the timing of the day as well. Wedding photographers play an unsung role in the organization and often in our case have saved the day in some way or another. This guide will lead you through some of the more important things that should be considered when choosing a photographer for your wedding in Jasper National Park and beyond!

1. What is important to you that needs to be captured?

With so many things happening you will want to figure out exactly what parts of your day you want to be captured professionally. Most photographers will offer different packages based on the hours required so its easy to plan out. When you look at your day from the very beginning to the very end try and identify which areas you want to be covered. Some suggestions are:

• Bride and bridal party getting ready

• Groom and groomsmen getting ready

• Venue location shots

• Detailed decor shots – like your table settings, floral arrangements, seating chart

• Bridal party transport to the venue

• First look

• Wedding ceremony

• Bride and groom portraits

• Bridal party portraits

• Family portraits

• Pre-dinner drinks

• Speeches

• Reception Traditions

• Dancing

Just remember that if you have a big list of shots you want captured, your photographer could need to organize a second shooter (luckily with us a second shooter is included in most packages). A second shooter is essential if you want shots of yourself walking down the aisle, along with a photo of your partner’s face when they see you for the first time –a difficult task to capture these at the same time. Standard practice dictates that the more coverage you need and the more details you request, the more hours you will need included in your package.

2. Book an engagement session with them

Wedding photography is probably the most important investment, so if you are still unsure of a particular wedding photographer then check them out with an engagement shoot first. You will receive amazing engagement photos to share with your family and friends, to post online and use in your wedding invites/décor. It’s also the best way to see how you all work and flow together as the session gives you the opportunity to get to know one other and form a connection before the wedding. If you’re a little camera shy and feel nervous or awkward in front of the lens, you can also use your engagement shoot to build up your confidence in your photographers and yourself. Lastly, it’s a great way to explore in person the spot that you will be getting married in and which areas would be great for photos in the future.

3. Talk to them live!

So many wedding photographers nowadays simply communicate through emails or texts; reach out and communicate with your potential photographers on the phone or preferably through a video conferencing app like ZOOM. This gives you an intimate and detailed session to communicate your needs as a client as well as get a chance to really get to know your photographers and their personalities, which is a perfect way to feel less like stranger the first time you stand in front of their camera! Look for photographers who want to talk to you live as soon as possible, these are the people who are committed to understanding what you want for your day the most. After that you can email and text all you want but now you know exactly who you are chatting with!

4. Have your questions prepared beforehand

You want to come into any conversation with your photographer with some pertinent questions ready to go (if you will be talking to me as your photographer, don’t worry, we will talk about these things during your planning call). If this is your first wedding (might not be!) then you can use this handy list below to see if your photographer is a pro or a weekend hobbyist:

• Are you available on my wedding date and how far in advance should I book with you?

• What kind of deposit is required to secure the booking?

• What kind of packages do you have available? What would you recommend based on my

  requirements?

• How would you describe your photography style?

• How do you like to work on the day – discreet, or very present?

• Will you have an assistant or second shooter?

• How long have you been photographing weddings?

• What is your general turnaround time for receiving the photos after the wedding? How will they

  be sent?

• Do you offer photo albums, and is this an additional cost?

• Have you shot any weddings similar to ours in terms of style and guest numbers?

• Do you have all of the necessary insurances and licensing required?

• What information do you need from us before the big day?

• Do you have any testimonials from past clients?

  * As an addendum to this list: Licensed photographers in Jasper National Park are required to have

liability insurance; a parks and or municipal business license, as well as WCB coverage. If your photographer is

coming from outside the park, they will need to purchase an additional photography license in

order to work in the park; please ensure they have this license or you and your vendor could face

heavy fines. When you choose a local photographer it saves you money with any associated travel costs that an out of town photographer may charge and you will not need to pay extra for the licensing/insurance that the photographer requires.

5. Find local photographers

Your best photos will be captured by the people who know the area the best; it is important to find local photographers who fit your photo style. Not all photographers shoot the same; some are more traditional with rigid posing for images and a high-end magazine-esque final product and some shoot in a more documentary style which aims to capture a natural and relaxed image. In any case the right photographer for you more than likely is practicing in the area you are planning to get married in; so, support them and show them how much you value their work and their expertise of the area. Trust them to find you the most amazing spots to wow you.

We hope this information is helpful for you wherever you may be getting married, however, If you are planning on tying the knot in Jasper National Park we would love to be considered as the photographers you choose to help capture your special day. For more information on wedding day services feel free to say hello and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!