Today we want to share with you tips on how to choose the right wedding photographer for you! Finding a wedding photographer isn’t something that comes easily to a lot of people and there are a lot of photographers out there! It can be overwhelming wondering if you’re asking all the right questions and covering all the right topics, but it’s important to feel confident that you’re making the right decision. After all, photos are the tangible thing that you can cherish and take with you the rest of your life. What matters most to you is something you will have to discern for yourself but here are some general guidelines on how to choose the right wedding photographer for you.
Good Communication
Communication is key when finding any wedding vendor, and is especially true for your photographer. How they communicate with you during your initial inquiry demonstrates how much they actually care about you. This factor is important because your photographer will be by your side the majority of your wedding day so you want to make sure you can communicate well together. Having to wait a few days for a photographer to finally respond to your inquiry or a simple question sucks. It’s your wedding day and you’re paying a photographer thousands of dollars, you should feel like a priority. Go with the photographer that values you enough to communicate quickly and effectively.
Use of Lighting and Versatility
Be sure to look beyond the great portraits that photographers share on their portfolio highlights and social media. Your wedding will have a wide variety of locations and lighting situations so you’ll want to make sure your photographer has a diverse skill set to adapt to your day. Ask to see a full gallery to ensure they can cover it all within the style you are looking for. Seeing a full gallery will also allow you to see how they capture the emotion, those quirky in-between moments, and all the energy on the dance floor.
Style
Find someone whose work stops you in your tracks and makes you say “WOW.” Don’t get hung up on trends and descriptive words like “bright and airy” and “dark and moody,” find the work that speaks to you and matches your vision. This is also why it’s great to ask for galleries to see a full wedding so you can see how consistent they are.
Personality
You’re going to be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day. They are going to be by your side, following you around, or instructing you during portraits. You’ll want to make sure your personalities gel well together! Ensure that this isn’t just a person you want to have at your side on the day of your wedding, but also someone you want to plan your wedding with. Find someone who speaks to your personality, who is organized, and is there for you throughout your wedding planning process. Will your wedding party members love hanging out with them during the day? Will your family and friends love their vibe to welcome them into your day?
Check Reviews
If you’re willing to look up reviews for a $20 meal, be sure to look up reviews for any vendor! Reviews are a great way to gain insight into what it’s like to work with the photographer. You’ll hear a wide range of experiences directly from past clients and that is so valuable! Google is a great place to start. You can also check website like The Knot and WeddingWire.
Second Photographer
The main photographer cannot be in all places at all times so a second photographer is an important asset. In addition to taking non-primary photos, they are also responsible for filling in for the primary photographer in case of emergency. Look for a photography team or someone who offers a second photographer. You’ll receive a lot more photos and much more variety from your day!
Hopefully, this has helped highlight some important factors on how to choose the right wedding photographer for you. There are great photographers all around you so spend the time finding the right one. Look through their website, check their Instagram for recent work, and look through their Google listing. But remember, photographers tend to book up quickly so reach out to them with plenty of time to secure your date.
Not sure if you want to do a first look during your wedding? Check out our article to help you decide!