Over the years I have seen countless news stories that all start and end the same. Stories of recently married couples who never received their wedding photos. Tales of devastated brides who can’t get in touch with their photographer and have no memories of their big day. Or the few photos they did receive are terrible quality and nothing like the portfolio they originally viewed. Phone calls aren’t returned, websites go down and they have no way to recoup that loss. Nobody ever wants to be screwed over like that but especially not when it comes to your wedding day.

These stories always break my heart. I imagine what I would have felt if I had no photos from my wedding day. What it would have been like to not have a single photo to print and to know that you spent money with no return on your investment. Because wedding photography is an investment. It’s an investment in your future self and your future family. Nothing tells a story as photography does and your story deserves to be told well.

So with that in mind, I am here to help you protect yourself from wedding scammers and ultimate disappointment. Any vendor you hire should make you feel so confident in your choice you can’t help but do a happy little ‘Carlton’ dance.

1 | When you are considering a photographer ask to see several full wedding galleries. This will give you an idea of not only their style but their consistency. Do the photos look beautiful to you? Do you like the dark reception ones just as much as the ones shot in perfect golden lighting? Is their style consistent with their online portfolio? Some people are always going to be out for a quick buck and will show photos on their website that aren’t their own. By asking to see galleries of weddings they have shot before, you’ll be able to see they have experience and see photos that they might not show on their website or social media feeds. I always show my clients full galleries because it also gives them a chance to see and explore the gallery they will also receive for themselves.

2 | Ask if they have insurance. Insurance is so important. I don’t think anyone should shoot a wedding without it. A professional will have insurance and they will also be able to prove to you that they do. Having this simple business necessity shows they take their business seriously and will take your memories seriously.

3 | Always always always ALWAYS sign a contract. That contract is there not only to protect the vendor but to protect you as well. Make sure it outlines the timeline of when you can expect the photos and what will happen if they are not delivered in that agreed-upon timeframe. Make sure you are given a copy to have. It should also outline what you are owed upon failure of delivery. Nothing can replace those once in a lifetime moments but if the worst should happen you are owed every penny back.

4 | People sometimes wonder whether they should have an engagement session or not. I always say it is a great idea. It gives us a chance to connect before the wedding and lets you feel more comfortable in front of the camera and to know what to expect. It also gives you a chance to make sure that the photos are delivered as they are promised and they are what you imagined them to be. Engagement shoots can be done over, wedding days can not.

5 | Make sure that you trust every single vendor you bring into your lives for this occasion. Chat with them beforehand, make sure you’re a good fit. Make sure they see your vision and will feel like a friend on the big day. Your photographer will spend more time with you that day than anyone else. Check some reviews from their past clients (not just ones posted on their website). Feeling comfortable and trusting your photographer not only puts your mind at ease and makes being in front of the camera easier, but it also allows for more candid and raw images, the ones you will love the most.

6 | This last one is a biggy and is difficult to talk about. Wedding photography is not a regulated profession. Anybody can pick up a camera and decide that they’re going to shoot weddings. There is no regulatory service that hands out licenses or dictates how much one should charge. It is possible to see a wide range of prices. But after shooting weddings for over 6 years I have heard way too many ‘it was too good to be true’ stories. If the price is so much lower than many other photographers you’ve checked out it might be worthwhile to ask why. Prices vary depending on many factors such as location, experience, and the kind of service you can expect. But if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.

Your wedding day only happens once and great photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime is not something I ever want to hear anyone being screwed out of. With just a bit of diligence beforehand you can have kickass photos and an amazing experience too.