5 Ultimate Tips to Find The Right Wedding Photographer For You
How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Photographer
One of the things you will treasure most from your wedding will be the photos that were captured. Moments caught on camera are a forever reminder of how special your big day was. So, it’s vital to choose the right wedding photographer for you. I’ve said it a thousand times- you will likely spend more (or at least as much) time with your wedding photographer on the big day as with the person you are marrying. You need someone who not only takes great photos that match your style and someone that fits your budget, but also someone who you actually ENJOY being around. They need to have an assertive presence to get the job done but not be imposing on your special day. It’s quite a balancing act! And on top of this, there are a million other duties you need your photographer to perform. Aside from loving the pictures they take, the goal is to find someone who can melt away your nerves and any awkwardness, knows how to herd your (crazy) family in record time for portraits you’ll cherish for years, will craft a custom wedding day timeline for you, help coordinate outfits for your engagement session, answer emails in a flash, pin on boutonnieres like a pro, and edit your photos to perfection!
It can be a challenge to pick one from all the options available, but I hope the points below will help.
Find yourself a photographer you WANT to spend the most important day of your life with. Pictured here is the incomparable and unflappable Ellen Sargent.
1. Secure your wedding venue first
Before booking your photographer, finalize your wedding venue, to ensure that you can schedule your photographer on a fixed date. This should be done at least nine months before your nuptials.
2. Ask for recommendations
Ask family or friends who have gotten married recently for recommendations. Look at their wedding photos to get a good idea of what a particular photographer can offer you. Also, make sure to determine the overall quality of their shots.
3. Match your style with that of your wedding photographer
There are various styles of photography, and you should find the one that suits your personality. Look for a photographer who can capture portraits of you as a couple in a way that reflects you both. You might want a romantic tone, a vintage vibe, or a bright stylized look. Do you like light & airy or dark & moody? Fine art photography or documentary style? Whichever you prefer, be sure to find someone who you are confident can deliver that style. You can find more about identifying your perfect style HERE.
4. Get to know your photographer
Make sure that you meet with your photographer to check you’re both on the same page. This is also a chance to share what moments you want to be captured in your wedding photos, and a good time to discuss the service fee and what’s included in it. As noted before, your photographer needs to be someone you would want to be BFF’s with…your director, honorary bridesmaid &hype girl (or man!)…..getting to know them before the big day is key!
Did we just become best friends? The always amazing and always a blast to be around- Janelle Carmela!
5. Request for an engagement shoot
Consider this an opportunity for both parties to get comfortable with each other before the big day. This is also a great way to see the skill of your photographer in action.
I hope this helps you in choosing your wedding photographer! If you need more advice, just shoot me a note!
