5 Tips on How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer
Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the many important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding day. Your wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime! It’s essential to find someone who you vibe with, understands your vision, style, and personality. Not only are your photos important, but the overall photo experience you receive is also as important. Here’s a guide to help you find the perfect photographer for your wedding day:
Determine Your Style
Identify what style of photography you like for your engagement and wedding photos. This is so important, because you have to make sure you choose someone whose style matches your vision and vibe. Choose the one who resonates with you the most. Here are a few different photographer styles:
Traditional: posed portraits with a focus on formal, classic shots.
Photojournalistic: Candid, documentary style images capturing real moments.
Editorial/Fine art: Artistic, often styled, with an emphasis on creative compositions.
Documentary: Captures the day as it unfolds, telling a story with minimal intervention.
To be honest, I’m a mix of photojournalistic and traditional…I do a mix of the two for sure! I like to have some traditional shots but also capture the real moments as well (I love me some candids!)
Then there’s also the different styles of editing:
Light and airy
Dark and moody
Film style
Vibrant and colorful (that’s meee!)
Vintage and retro
The list goes on, but I feel these are a bit more of the popular ones!
2. Do your Research
Look at portfolios! Ask for full wedding galleries from photographers you’re interested in. This way you’ll see how they capture a FULL wedding day, from the morning preparations to the late night dancing.
Read reviews on Google and other platforms, as well as social media. Reviews can provide you with hugeee insight on the photographer’s reliability, personality, and professionalism.
Referrals from your other vendors, (your venue, wedding planner, make up artist, florist, etc.) friends, and family. Getting recommendations from people you trust is also a great way to find a trusted professional photographer ☺️
3. Personality and Connection
I 100000% recommend that you request a video call to chat about all of the details! When I receive a wedding inquiry, I send out my investment guide as well as calendar for them to schedule a video call with me. This helps both my potential client and me!
Meeting with the photographer (in person or virtually) to get a sense of their personality is the way to goooo! You’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day, so it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in their presence. Literally, your wedding photographer will spend 90% of the time with you.
Good communication is essential. Ensure the photographer listens to your vision, understands your needs, and is prompt with their responses.
Comfort and trust is a must: You want a photographer who makes you feel at ease, especially during intimate moments. If you don’t feel comfortable with them, it will most likely show in your photos.
4. Get Some Insight in Their Process
When you’re on that video call with them, get some insight in how they approach a wedding day:
Discuss how they approach a wedding day. Will they help you create a photo timeline? Will they help you create a shot list for family portraits? Do they prefer to capture things as they unfold? Will they take lead on posing? Will they send you a pre wedding questionnaire ?
Talk about the little details with them. How do they approach key moments such as the first look? Family portraits? Group shots? Make sure they approach these in a way that aligns with your vision for the day.
Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make as you plan your special day. With the right photographer, you’ll not only capture the memories of your wedding day but also create timeless images that you’ll cherish for a lifetime. By following these 5 tips—understanding your style, researching experience, considering personality, reviewing portfolios, and discussing pricing—you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect photographer who aligns with your vision.
4. Understand their Packages
All wedding photographers offer different packages, with varying hours of coverage, number of images edited, engagement sessions may/may not be included, second photographer may/may not be included, and other services. Compare wedding packages and choose the one that fits your style and budget the most.
Understand what’s included in the package you’re interested in and review the contract carefully.
Ask about payment terms: most wedding vendors require a 50% deposit to book your date, with the remainder due closer to the wedding day. Ensure their payment terms are clear.
Ask about the turn around delivery time: Discuss the expected timeframe in which you’ll be receiving your photos back (this should also be stated in the contract). This is typically between 4-8 weeks, depending on the photographer’s workload and editing process.
If you’re ready to begin your search, start by reviewing photographers in your area, browsing their portfolios, and scheduling consultations. The right photographer is out there, and they’re waiting to capture your beautiful day!
If you’re in the DMV area and love a fun, colorful, and vibrant approach to wedding photography, make yourself at home and look through my portfolio…and send me a message 🙂
