Indian weddings are filled with cultural nuances, rich emotions, significant rituals, and a million priceless moments of deep meaning. So much so, that if you as much as blink, you stand the chance of missing an important part of the wedding.
This is why Indian wedding photography is a work of art fit for experienced and authentic professionals. Especially in a city like Chicago, you need the truest photographer, who is not only well-versed in the cultural aspects of an Indian wedding but also professional enough to understand your unique preferences.
At Shan Photography, that is exactly what we strive to be. As the most authentic Indian wedding photographer in Chicago, we come prepared in every way, to make your wedding an unforgettable affair, and to immortalize it through the glossy pages of a wedding album for you to relive.
Needless to say, photography demands a significant portion of your budget, as it is an uncompromisable aspect of your wedding. And allocating a specific monetary limit may be challenging, considering the myriad of other expenses.
Here are some actionable tips to help you make the most of your Indian wedding photography investment.
Set your priorities
As the first step in your photography planning process, determine your priorities; the type of narrative you wish to follow, the must-have photos according to your wedding vision, the photo types you need to craft your wedding album, etc. Consider the style of photography your photographer uses, and discuss personal preferences to customize the package to your wedding. Figure out the types of pictures you need using magazine references, celebrity references, pictures from your family and friends’ weddings, etc. Additionally, consider any additional services you will need, such as engagement shoots, post-wedding shoots, wedding album creation, etc.
Do your due diligence
Start your research to find the best Indian wedding photographers in Chicago, early enough so that you can narrow down possible options, compare styles, experience, and budget details, and find your best fit. For the best results, review the portfolios individually after finalizing your last few options, and compare the package offerings. Analyze the experience levels, and assess the worth of the services offered for the package amount. As a general rule of thumb, it is always wise to choose a photographer who offers ample customizations, so that you can tailor the services for your special day. Finally, compare the options with your budget and prioritize the team offering the most refined services aligned with your wedding vision.
Establish a realistic budget and discuss it with your photographer
This is perhaps the most crucial step in maximizing your photography services. Consider your wedding vision, and your priorities to determine a realistic dedicated to wedding photography. While discussing your vision with your photographer, be transparent about your budget constraints as well. The right professional will have flexible and customizable packages that can be tailored to fit your budget, without compromising on the quality or service levels.
Prioritize value over price
Understand that high-quality photography is an investment for your wedding; a crucial one that helps you freeze the most special moments of your life. You ideally need a mix of the best results along with a reasonable cost. To achieve that prioritize the value over going for the lowest price. Choose a photographer whose narrative and style aligns with your vision, and who offers the most customizations. Additionally, consider the professionalism and rapport, both of which influence the way you portray yourself in your wedding pictures, and in the way the results turn out.
Negotiate the value and prepare a customized plan
Detail your wedding vision, along with your priorities, needs, and preferences to your selected Indian wedding photographer in Chicago. Negotiate the value offered and tailor the services to fit your needs accurately. Ask for customizations wherever possible and ensure that the photographer executes your vision in every way.
When negotiating the price, factor in additional costs that you may have to incur as well, such as a printed album, or extra hours of coverage that you may need for your reception. Set aside a contingency portion in the budget for uncertain expenses like these as well, so that there are no disagreements in the event of uncertainty.
Maximize your package
This is an extension of the previous point. Once you have finalized the package price and value offered, it is time to tailor the package in a wholesome way to suit your wedding priorities. Choose the services that you need the most, such as a pre-wedding shoot, extended hours of coverage, night-time photography, an additional photographer, an album, etc. Spend time discussing references with your photographer to ensure that they know and understand what you need. Allocate time to get comfortable with your photographer as well, such as through a sample shoot, or an engagement shoot, so that you can be confident and feel your best when the time comes. This helps extract the most value out of the package.
Take advantage of seasonal discounts
Consider having your wedding during off-peak seasons, during the weekdays, or during times that are generally not busy. There is a good chance your photographer might provide additional discounts and exceptional deals during these times. Moreover, choosing off-seasons for your wedding will also help you get great deals from other vendors.
Review the contract details carefully to eliminate surprises
After all the details are discussed and the contract is laid out, review the specifications carefully; ensure that the charges are broken down and justified, along with the deliverables. If any part of the contract seems ambiguous, seek clarification and ensure that both parties are on the same page before proceeding with the execution. The intention is to not have any surprise feed included at the end of the wedding.
Wrapping up
Budgeting for wedding photography involves maintaining a delicate balance between choosing high-quality services, sticking to available resources, and maximizing the value derived from the investment. While it may sound challenging it is undoubtedly possible, with proper and systematic planning, and clear communication with the photographer. Partnering with the right Indian wedding photographer in Chicago, one who understands the nuances of an Indian wedding, is crucial in this regard.
We urge you to contact the Shan Photography team. We offer the best resources with ample customization options to ensure that you get to make the most out of our services and new wedding photography styles. With us, you are guaranteed to find your best match in terms of both quality and value for money. For more updates check our Instagram account.