Wedding Photography Series: Part 1 of 7
4 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you will make on your wedding day–second only to person you are marrying. Your wedding photographers’ work will stay with you long after the cake is cut and the dance floor clears. The images captured will hang on your walls, fill your photo albums and be passed down through generations. That’s why choosing the right photographer is important. Here are four tips on choosing the right wedding photographer.
Define Your Style
Every wedding photographer has a style. Knowing what you want–and finding a photographer whose style matches–is key to loving your final gallery. If you are dreaming of Vogue, editorial-style photos and hire a photographer whose style is warm and romantic, you might end up disappointed.
As you search for a wedding photographer, explore their portfolio thoroughly. Look at their website, social media and blog to get a sense of how they capture and edit photos. My person style is classic, candid, dreamy and documentary. I aim to capture every moment of the day and every face that came to celebrate with you–because each moment and person is special and worth remembering.
My style is classic--keeping true to simple and stunning portraits that will stand the test of time.
I look for moments to take candid photos that the bride and groom may have missed.
Documenting every step of the day important to me because it not only shares the story of your wedding day, but also of your love.
My style is dreamy, taking advantage of natural light and the beauty of your surroundings.
Know Your Budget
Wedding photography is an investment, and like most things in life, you often get what you pay for. Pricing is typically based on the photographer’s experience, skill and confidence in their ability to capture your wedding. Understand your budget and how much of it is allocated for photography but also be willing to shift priorities if you fall in love with a photographer’s work. After all, you can’t redo your wedding day.
Most wedding photographers offer packages to choose from, and it is important to know what is included in each one. Some will include engagement photos or bridal portraits. If capturing photos of the welcome party is important make sure that it is included as well. Review each package and what’s included and decide what’s most important to you.
Have you ever wondered what you are paying for when choosing a wedding photographer? It’s more than 8-10 hours on the wedding day and some JPEGs.
- Emails, phone calls and answered questions by my team that specializes in crafting photography for your big day.
- Questionnaires and planning out the photography that is specific to YOUR wedding.
- Communication with your vendor team.
- Full wedding day coverage.
- Editing all photos.
- Designing a photo album.
- My team and I are still working long after your other vendor teams have packed up.
Most of my couples choose a package that includes an engagement package. I love this because it gives us a chance to get to know each other before the wedding.
Bridal sessions are some of my favorites to shoot. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the bride is glowing in anticipation of the upcoming wedding.
If it rains on a couple's wedding day, I always offer a makeup session. Ensuring they have stunning photos is my top priority.
Connect With the Team
You’ll spend more time with your wedding photographer on the big day than almost anyone else–even your new spouse! That’s why it is so important to choose someone you connect with.
Have a phone call or Zoom during your decision-making process. These conversations will give you a sense of how the photographer will interact with you and your bridal party. Are you looking for a cheerleader, a timekeeper, a calming presence or something else–and will the photographers you are looking at be that for you.
A great wedding day photographer is more than someone who takes beautiful images, they are also a resource. Before you ever sign a contract, they should be answering your questions, sharing full galleries and helping you envision your day through their lens.
Wedding photographers are also a great resource for suggestions and recommendations. They are professionals and well-connected in the wedding world. Chances are, they can offer recommendations for amazing vendors.
My team creates a timeline that starts with the bride getting ready ensuring each detail and moments of the day is captured.
A good timeline allows for photos of the bridal party having fun as well as formal shots.
It always takes more time for the bride to get dressed than she thinks it will. Planning enough time to get into her gown and take stunning bridal portraits is an important part of our planning.
Some of the best photos are unplanned. If the timeline is well planned, it leaves room for spontaneous moments that are a lot of fun.
The bride isn't the only one who gets a moment in the spotlight. Taking time to celebrate the groom is an important part in planning the day.
Couple photos are an integral part of the day. Working with the couple to ensure there is time for photos with great lighting is a key part of the communication process.
Trust Your Intuition
Finally, trust your gut. Even if a photographer looks great on paper, if you don’t connect with them and it doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to walk away. This is a decision you don’t want to second-guess.
I’d love to talk with you about my photography style and how I can be a part of your wedding day! You can connect with me here.
See more weddings on the blog here.
at Every Wedding
