3 Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing your Wedding Photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer can feel like one of the biggest decisions you’ll make for your wedding. There are so many photographers out there, how do you pick the right one? Here are three tips to help guide you through the process:

1. Know what your style is: To put it plainly, do you like “light & airy” photos or “dark & moody” ones? I might get some flak for this one, but thinking about photography from this perspective might be the easiest way for you, as someone searching for a wedding photographer, to discern between what you like and what you don’t. As you're browsing different photographers, should that be through Instagram, Pinterest, Google searches or wedding blogs, you may start to notice these two overarching photography trends in the wedding industry. Once you know which style you're most attracted to, it should help you narrow your search for your own photographer. Now that you've settled on a style and you're choosing between a few different photographers, which are standing out to you the most? Do you like their work? Does your heart flutter when you're looking at their photos on Instagram? Can you envision yourself and your groom in one of those photos? 

2. Ask to see an entire wedding gallery: Instagram is a highlight reel. You're seeing the best of the best and not much else. You're typically seeing Bride and Groom portraits, pretty details, ring shots, reception spaces, the best candids, and all the photos you're most likely to "double-tap". This makes sense, though. Why would you "like" a large family portrait of a family you've never met? Would you stop scrolling to look at a photo of someone you don’t know laughing during a speech? As important as those images are to those who attended that particular wedding, there's a reason they don't make it to Instagram for the masses to see. However, when choosing your photographer, it's crucial to know how they capture those less-instagramable parts of the wedding day. Those family portraits, candids of guests, and dance floor photos actually do matter. You need to make sure you're aware of how your photographer captures the entire wedding day, from beginning to end. I recommend you ask to see an entire wedding gallery (all 700+ photos), from a single day, to get the most accurate overall picture of what your own photos will look like. 

3. Would you road trip with them? Ok, I get that a road trip is excessive, but it’s important to keep in mind that you spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than you do with anyone else, even each other! My time with the couple begins several hours before the ceremony. I'm with you as you're having your hair and makeup done, as you're getting dressed, during your First Look, sunset photos, and I'll still be by your side during your cake cutting and bouquet toss. Make sure your photographer is someone you'd enjoy spending time with on a day other than your wedding, whether it be to grab a cup of coffee, an evening glass of wine, or your Engagement Session! Even though you share a professional relationship, it's important that there be a level of trust and comfort that extends beyond that. You want to feel at ease, comfortable, and be able to let loose when you’re with them.

Have any other questions about choosing your wedding photographer? Reach out through my Contact page! I can’t wait to hear from you.