Hey there! I know you have to be so excited about your upcoming wedding! I totally get it—I've been in the wedding world for a few years now and I love talking about them! I'm full of advice! Let's start with the three key things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer.
But first, hello from some of my favorite couples! Well, technically it's me, Stephanie, but they'd totally say hi too if they were here. Working with fun couples like these sweeties is seriously the best part of my job.
Okay, let's talk wedding planning!
Hopefully, this guide on selecting a wedding photographer will ease some of the overwhelm I’m sure you’re experiencing, even if it's just a bit. There’s so many things to consider!! And guess what? These tips can apply to most of your major vendor selections, with a few tweaks, of course.
So, where should you start when it comes to choosing the right wedding photographer?
Well, the first thing you should do is gather some names. Ask around! Talk to your planner, your venue, coworkers, family and friends. Who's raved about their photographer? Scout online, browse portfolios, scroll through Instagram, and check out reviews.
Once you've got a list of a few photographers you're interested in, here are three things to consider:
Style:
Photographers have a wide variety of styles—there’s true to color, light and airy, dark and moody, highly styled, or candid/documentary. What vibe resonates with you? Do you prefer lots of posing or a more natural approach? Are details a big deal for you? Consistency is key here. You want a photographer whose style aligns with your vision for your big day. My own personal style is true to color with a mix of naturally posed portraits and
documentary candids.
Personality:
Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day, from those intimate moments while you're getting ready to directing group shots and capturing candid moments. So, it's crucial that you vibe well with them. Are they calm under pressure? Good with big crowds? Is their professional appearance and personal fashion style important? Figure out the energy you want around you on your wedding day, and make sure your photographer aligns with that.
Unique Offering:
Every photographer has their own special touch that makes them different from everyone else. Maybe it's stunning portraits, an eye for the details, or offering additional services such as a content creator. Look for that special something that resonates with you.
Oh, and one other thing... the investment. Yeah, it's a pretty big factor. Wedding photography costs can vary widely depending on your photographer's location, experience, and what's included in the package. Do your research, have realistic expectations, and talk openly with your potential photographers about your budget.
Your wedding photos are not just images—they're cherished memories that you'll treasure for a lifetime. So, investing in a talented photographer who gets your vision and lines up with what is most important to you is totally worth it. Do your research and know what is realistic. Talk with your dream photographer about options. There’s a clear bias here of course, but your wedding pictures are so important. Besides your spouse, its the one thing you’ll have after the day is over.
I hope these tips were helpful!
If you haven't already, fill out my contact form to find out if I'm available on your date!