When looking to hire a wedding photographer in Lake Garda, it’s important to have an idea of your preferred end result. This can help narrow down your search and make it easier to compare photographers’ portfolios.

You should also be sure to ask a photographer to send you a collection of full weddings they’ve shot from start to finish. This is more accurate way to gauge their quality.

1. Look at Their Portfolio

A wedding photographer's portfolio should help you get a feel for their style. Do they tend to shoot wide, landscape-style images of brides and grooms at the horizon? Or do they lean toward more intimate, close-up shots?

It's also important to look at the entire gallery if possible, to see if they can handle a wide variety of lighting conditions. For example, if your wedding will be held outside at dusk, it helps to know whether they can shoot in bright sunlight or low-light indoors.

It's also a good idea to ask if they have any protocols in place if (God forbid!) someone breaks an arm during family formals or if images are inexplicably wiped off a card during the reception. This will help put your mind at ease if something goes wrong on your big day. This is especially true if the photographer you choose is an independent professional rather than a member of a larger photography studio.

2. Check Out Their Pricing

As a wedding photographer, it’s important to have an understanding of how much your competitors charge. This will help you determine whether you are able to compete successfully in the marketplace and provide your clients with what they want.

As part of your research, you should look at how many services they offer in their packages and how much each service costs. For example, if a couple wants to include engagement photography, bridal boudoir and save the dates or thank you cards, you may be able to provide them with more value by clubbing these services together in one package.

You should also find out how long it takes them to deliver everything from a sneak peek (which some photographers can give you within a few days) to prints and albums. This will help you decide if their turnaround time is acceptable for you and your wedding plans. If not, you may need to find a different wedding photographer.

3. Ask for Referrals

If a photographer just shot a wedding and it was awesome, chances are that they have friends who also got married or are planning their own. Taking the time to ask them for a referral is a great way to gain new business.

When doing this, ask for a list of photographers who the couple worked with and their contact information. Then you can contact them to see if they're available on your date and what their rates are. It's best to do this via email first so you can evaluate their responses quickly and accurately.

I would also recommend asking if they offer videography services as well, since many photographers do both now and it can make the whole experience easier. Also, check in with them about how long it takes them to send out photos after the wedding. If they seem to be slow to respond, that's a red flag! This is a client service issue that should be resolved promptly.

4. Meet In Person

If you're looking for a wedding photographer to capture your big day, make sure you and your fiance find the perfect fit in person! This will help ensure that you feel comfortable with the photographer and that they understand your vision.

You can also use your meeting to ask important questions like how many instalments you need to pay, what is the refund and cancellation policy, and what happens if the weather is bad on your wedding day. This will help you avoid any surprises and ensure that the photographer is clear about their policies.

During your first meeting, ask the photographer to show you examples of a full wedding (starting from the groom getting ready and ending with the bride walking down the aisle) instead of just highlights. This way, you'll get a better idea of their process and see how they work in action. Additionally, ask them to explain the importance of prints and albums and how they can be cherished for years to come.