Chloe Giancola Photography | Augusta Wedding Photographer | Athens Georgia Wedding Photographer

Planning a smaller, more intimate, or backyard wedding? Maybe you already were planning on a smaller celebration, or maybe this year things have been moved or changed and you are planning a new event on a smaller scale? I directed weddings in 2012 as I was getting Chloe Giancola Photography started, and I have photographed weddings and created timelines for them since 2013. So I thought I would share a little of the insight I have, and hope it’s helpful for you! (I do think wedding directors and day of coordination are extremely helpful and worth hiring, so that job doesn’t fall on your mom, sister, or even the photographer, and everyone can enjoy the day!)

Scroll all the way down for the 6 different links!

With any wedding, the first thing you need to determine is your budget, for the entire day. The second is prioritizing in order from there what is most important to you? Venue? Date? Dress? Photographer? Etc. Usually what comes third is the date/venue/location. Most vendors need to at least know a date and location to make sure they are available, so if you are booking a venue, that is always one of the first things secured.

For a smaller wedding, you may not need as much of everything, that just makes sense right? Not as many centerpieces, tables, chairs, food, and probably less hours of coverage for your wedding photographer too! About 90% of my weddings are 8 hours of coverage. That usually means when I show up the girls are finishing their hair and makeup and I am there until the exit!

For shorter coverages, maybe you’ll only need 4 or 6 hours. Although a few hours goes faster than you think. 4-6 hours is a good amount for shorter weddings to still capture some details, possible first look, the ceremony, formal family portraits, and candids as everyone mingles after and shares in your excitement. Most likely there is still a first dance, cake cutting, toasts, and that would wrap up the coverage time! Possibly a fake exit, if that photo is something you would want! The important thing is that it is your day, which means you can do what is most important to y’all! And the most important of course is the beginning of your marriage together.

I've gathered a few weddings and shoots from over the years to help with your planning! Scroll all the way down for the 6 different links!

What should I look for in a wedding photographer?

Research and chat with photographers, and pick one who's personality you click with, will feel comfortable around, and creates a style of photography you absolutely love! Other than your dress, that is all you have left at the end of the day.

Why do photographers have different pricing for the same amount of coverage?

Every photographer and their business they have created is unique. Most importantly you are paying for someone’s time, experience, and their talent on a specific date they are reserving for you. Also the city you are living in, and the average cost of wedding photography is a factor. Some photographers are beginning and trying to gain as much experience as possible, while others have years and years of work in their industry. Some photographers shoot full time as their career and that is their primary income. Others may just be doing it part time while they work another job, to pay off school debt, or as a hobby for extra cash. Any legally operating photography business is also paying taxes, has a business license, and has to pay for costs associated with running a business. These are things like a website, hosting fees, domain(s), second shooters, galleries, equipment, insurance, continuing education, possibly childcare, marketing, and travel to name a few.

Why invest in wedding photography? Can’t I just hire someone with a nice camera?

After the wedding, you can experience your first day of marriage anytime by just looking through your gallery! Remembering the excitement, the love you have for each other, and where it all began. You invest so much time, money, and emotion into this celebration, and you want that captured. You also want someone who does an amazing job exceeding your expectations and offers a great experience. Trust any photographer when they say it is not the camera, it is the photographer understanding lighting/posing/camera settings and adjusting to any circumstances during the day. Wedding photos only increase in value over time!