How To Find Affordable Photographers Near You!

Question.  Are you looking for an Affordable Wedding Photographer near you?

Searching for the perfect Photographer to capture your special moments at your Wedding can be a daunting task. You want to find the right Wedding Photographer that is within your budget, but also has the skill and experience to capture the perfect shot.

As a Professional Photographer, I have the following little caveats of gold in respect to finding that perfect Wedding Photographer and one that is an affordable Photographer near you that will still give you the quality photos you desire. From researching any number of local Photographers to finding the right fit for your Budget.  After all we’re all working with a budget nowadays so let’s make every last dollar count!

As such, I will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision. Perhaps offering you a few great ideas you may not have thought about.  So, if you’re ready to find a great Photographer at a price you can afford, read on for my top tips.

Research Local Photographers:

Before you start calling around to local Wedding Photographers looking for an affordable option, you should do some research first.

Look up Reviews for local Photographers on Websites such as Google and type in the search query such as ‘Local Wedding Photographers Near Me’ and see what past Brides and Grooms have said about your prospective short list of Photographers your considering for your Special Day. Your best bet is to look first in your own Neighborhood and then branch outward.

You can also ask your Family and friends for local referrals. Everyone has used at least one local Photographer in the past to document a special Event in their Family.

Most Photographers are members of local Associations and Organizations, such as the Professional Photographers of Canada. Another option might be to look at your local BBB – Better Business Bureau such as the Toronto Better Business Bureau.  These Organizations maintain current and active Online Directories of local Photographers. When looking at these Directories, be sure to look at the respective Photographers’ Portfolios and pricing.  It would be a great idea to do so as it will give you a great indication of that Photographer’s suitability for your own needs and Wedding Day expectations.

I personally use the current and up to date Directories at both EventSource and Eventective here in Toronto.  Both platforms provide an excellent first contact avenue for both Professional Photographers and Brides and Grooms to meet and discuss your specific Wedding Day needs.

Ask Friends and Family.

Many Photographers are happy to receive personal Referrals from Family and friends of whom they have worked for in the past.  Do ask your friends and family if they know of any Photographers they’d recommend.

You can also search for local Photographers on Social Media sites, such as Facebook and LinkedIn. One of the best ways to get recommendations for a Photographer is to ask your friends and family what their experience was like with a specific Photographer.

Consider Freelance Photographers.

Another option to find an affordable Photographer is to hire a Freelance Photographer

You can easily find Photographers who are looking for projects on sites such as Upwork and Fiverr. These sites allow you to post projects and ads for work in a variety of categories, including Freelance Photography.

You can also set up a basic Ads that simply states your Project and the deadline. The project should be detailed enough so that the Photographer knows exactly what you’re looking for.

When hiring a Freelance Photographer, you want to make sure you get everything in writing. You may also want to have a Contract drawn up, even if it’s only for a couple of pages.

Determine Your Budget.

The next step is to determine what your budget is for your Event or Project.  For example, if you’re looking to spend $1000 on Photography, you can likely find local Photographers who offer packages at that price. If you have a more specific budget in mind, you can use these tips to find an affordable Photographer.

Read Reviews.

If you decide to hire a Freelance Photographer, be sure to read their Reviews on sites like Fiverr and Upwork. Be sure to read the available Reviews before making a decision.

Bonus tip.  You can also see if the Photographer has a Website. Some Photographers have personal Websites where they’ll list their Services and prices. If you’re hiring a commercial Photographer, be sure to read their reviews on companies to ensure you have a good fit for your Wedding or Engagement Shoot.

Schedule a Consultation.

When you’re ready to hire a prospective Photographer, schedule a Consultation with the first Photographer you like. This will allow you to get to know the Photographer and learn more about their style and expectations.

During the Consultation, be sure to ask the Photographer questions about the Services, their fee structure and what to expect during the Shoot.

You should also ask if they provide any discounts or Packages that might be worth looking into for the Budget conscious Customer. For example, one of my Client’s got an opportunity to do a shoot with a well-known Model in Town. The Studio Owner offered us a deal on a Shoot with the same Model for half the price. It was a great opportunity for us to showcase our work and expand our portfolio.

Evaluate the Photographer’s Portfolio.

If you’ve decided it’s worth hiring a local Photographer, you can take another look at their Portfolio to get a better idea of their style.  How does this Photographer pose his Subjects.  How does he/she use lighting.  Do they prefer natural lighting or a fancy Studio setup?

You’ll quickly learn what style of Photography best fits your personality!

Ask About Packages and Discounts.

When you’re looking at different Packages, be sure to ask about any discounts they may offer. This could be a 10% discount if you book 5 or more Shoots with that Photographer. Some Photographers also offer Student discounts, depending on your age and if you have a degree or show proof of an Academic achievement.

Get Everything in Writing.

If you’re hiring a Freelancer, make sure you get everything in writing. This includes the Contract, Payment schedule(s), requirements for Deliverables and any other terms and conditions.

Most Photographers will provide you with a Contract when you hire them but it’s best to make sure you have everything in writing. While you don’t have to sign the Contract right away, it may be best to at least review it with your Attorney to ensure you’re correctly interpreting it.

Conclusion: Enjoy Your Photos!

Having read this Article it is my hope that we’ve been able to provide you with a number of viable options to ensure that you are able to find, research and retain a Photographer who will be able to both meet and/or exceed your Budgetary requirements and ensure that you have a great Shoot.

Congratulations.  Your now one step closer to finding an affordable Photographer near you!