Things to Consider When Picking A Wedding Photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the biggest wedding decisions that you’ll make and (not to be biased) one of the most important. Photos are keepsakes, they play such an predominant role in our lives – they connect us to the past, remind us of places and bring us back to memories and enwrapping us in emotions within them. The last thing you want to remember about one of the most important days of your lives is how awful your photos turned out. Here is what you need to think about to avoid a wedding regret.

First Things First, Budget

Have a wedding budget and decide what is most important to you, photography should be high on the list! You’re making an investment, think about it as one. After you have your budget then you can look for photographers in your range.

Company VS Individual Photographer?

It’s always a good idea to check if the photographer you’re looking at is actually a company or a individual photographer. There are certain venues that have in-house photographer which means they work within the company. A photography company usually employs a team of photographers and support staff to handle different aspects of their services. While individual photographers are their own small business, they typically handle all aspects of their business. Working with an individual photographer can be more personal, as you will be working directly with the photographer throughout the whole process.

The biggest difference is that when working with a company they have multiple photographers so you don’t usually know who you’re going to get. This means that you can view the work on their company website but that doesn’t mean the person who took those photos will be shooting your wedding. (You can of course request this! They might be available, they might not.) One advantage of working with a company is that they may offer a wider range of services. Additionally, photography companies may have more resources and equipment than an individual photographer.

Let’s Talk Experience

What do photographers usually charge? It mainly depends on the years of experience!

Wedding photography packages can vary widely in terms of price and what’s included, so make sure you understand what you’re getting for your money. Ask about things like hours of coverage, number of edited photos, and album options. Newer photographers are usually cheaper than ones who have more experience but it depends on what you want, someone who is new or someone who knows what their doing. Weddings can be fast-paced and unpredictable, so it’s important to choose a photographer who has experience shooting weddings.

When I first started photography I thought I knew everything. When actually, I knew nothing. Taking time to learn the trade made such a big difference! Experience includes; editing, posing/prompting, knowing how to work with lighting, and so much more. I talked about my experience and growth in an interview with Canvas Rebel.

Take into account the amount of time a photographer spends, scouting locations, editing photos, research/ blogging, the amount of gear (cameras, lenses, camera bag, download sites, USBs, lighting/ flashes, SD cards, editing software and so much more) as well as everything it costs to own a business (website, licenses, permits, etc.) theres a lot to it! And it costs a lot of money to keep it up. It takes money to make money, no matter the business.

What Should You Look For in a Wedding Photographer?

There are literally billions of photographers! They all do their own thing and work their own way. Here are the things you should check;

Editing Style : There are a lot of editing styles and you need to find the one that you love the most. Even with the basic types; dark + moody, light + airy, true to color and many more, each photographer can put their own twist on it.

I shared one of my images with a few photographers so you can see different styles. Here are a few examples;

Full Galleries : Always ask to see a full gallery! All photographers put their best work on their websites. You’ll want to look at the way they pose or prompt couples. It’s common to take formal photos, candid or a combination of them. Ask to see examples of their wedding work, and check out online reviews from past clients.

Personality : You spend so much of your wedding day with your photographer. You want to vibe with them! It’s so important to chat with them and get to know each other a little. You want feel comfortable with them so you aren’t worrying about it on your big day. Schedule a consultation or engagement shoot to get to know your photographer and make sure you’re a good fit.

Availability : Popular wedding photographers can book up quickly, so it’s important to start your search early and secure your date as soon as possible.

Once you’ve found a photographer you like, be sure to communicate your vision for your wedding photos and any specific shots or moments you want captured. And on the day of your wedding, relax and enjoy the moment – your photographer will take care of capturing all the memories for you to cherish for a lifetime.

Do you think we’re a good fit? Let’s chat!

Do you need help with any other wedding decisions? I gotchu!