
Congratulations! If you’re reading this then you are most likely engaged…or about to be! When it comes to wedding decisions, choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions that you are likely to make when planning your wedding, aside from choosing WHO you are going to marry! It can seem like an intimidating task to choose a photographer, especially with the variety of options out there, but you want to be sure they are the right fit for you and your partner. Ten years from now the only reminder you’ll have of these moments aside from your memories will be these photographs! It’s an important decision, no?! To help you in this process, here are my top things to consider when making your decision.
STYLE
What style of photography and editing do you love? This can be a hard question if you haven’t thought about it before!
There are SO many editing styles out there! Light and airy, vibrant and true to color, dark and moody, and everything in between. Do a little research and find the style that you and your partner are really drawn towards. Pick a photographer whose photos speak to you. Pick a style of photography you can imagine loving in years to come and will be happy to display on your wall at home.
HOT TIP: If a photographer is willing to change their editing style to fit your desires, they are not the right photographer for you. Professional photographers spend years perfecting their unique editing style, and you want to find a photographer that already produces images in the style you love. Otherwise, you risk another photographer editing in a style they are unfamiliar with and the end up with a terrible result.
Simply put, do you love their photos and editing style, and can you imagine yourself in them?
BUDGET
…the dreaded B word. Listen, your photos are one of the most important parts of your wedding to invest in. Depending on the package you select, your photographer will probably be the one you spend the most time with on your wedding day. They are the one capturing those special moments of laughter with your bridesmaids while you’re getting ready, or a teary moment with your mom, zipping you up into your wedding dress, and that butterfly moment the first time you see each other on your wedding day. You want a photographer that you can trust to capture these emotional moments beautifully. You get what you pay for. If you really love and connect with a particular photographer but they are a bit out of your budget, see if you can shave your budget somewhere else to give yourself as much wiggle room as possible here, and I guarantee you won’t regret it.
PERSONALITY
Think you’ve found someone who suits your needs, then it’s time to contact them to set up a meeting! Whether it's via Zoom, Google Meet, or in person at a local café, it’s important to speak with your photographer face to face (or screen to screen), in order to see if you vibe together!
Looking natural in your photos is a product of having a good connection with your photographer who can make you look and feel your best in front of the camera.
Did they make you laugh? Did they put you at ease? Were they fun to talk to? Did they communicate well? These traits will all help contribute to deciding how to choose your wedding photographer
Besides the wedding planner, your photographer will be interacting with you and your closest friends and family all day! You want to make sure it’s someone whose personality you like and someone you like being around. They should be someone who is kind and respectful. Your photographer can actually make or break the atmosphere and tone of the wedding day. It’s a big deal!
REVIEWS
Read the photographer’s reviews on their website and on Google. It should be a given that your photographer provides you with photos you LOVE and obsess over. But their reviews should also talk about what it is like to work with them? How is the experience? Are they fun, relaxed, give good instruction, and make their couples feel comfortable? Look for that in the reviews!
UNDERSTAND THE CONTRACT
What happens if the wedding is moved or canceled? Can you get a refund?
If the photographer is unable to show up under any circumstances, do they have partners or associates, or will they help you find a replacement?
A great photographer will have a good contract. Read the contract before booking and ask for them to explain any terms you don’t understand. If the photographer does not have a contract, even if they are a family friend, do not book them. I have heard many horror stories from both side, photographers, and brides and grooms. It is important to make sure you are all on the same page, and happy with all conditions prior to signing any contracts and sending initial deposits.
I truly hope these tips will help you to narrow down your search for YOUR perfect wedding photographer. Although wedding planning can be stressful, remember to take a breath and enjoy the process along the way. You're planning one of the best days of your lives, and it will be worth it!
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