Choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions you will need to make in your vendor search. A good wedding photographer can capture all the memories of your big day and help ensure that you have beautiful photographs to look back on for years to come. In Ten, fifteen years from now you may not remember what you had for dinner or other details, but you will have those photos of friends and family, which are priceless. However, choosing the right wedding photographer can be difficult, especially if you don’t know what to look for. Here are a few tips:
What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer
Finding your dream wedding photographer becomes a whole lot easier when you know what to look for. There are two main factors that should help drive your decision: the photographer’s style and how you get along with them.
Finding A Style You Love
One of the first things you should do when looking for a wedding photographer is to seek out inspiration. Look at your favorite wedding websites and magazines and try to find photographers whose work speaks to you. Save pictures as you go along then look through them to see if there are any common themes among what you’re saving. This will help you determine your style.
First and foremost, you want to love their work and not just the work you see on their Instagram and website. Ask to see full wedding galleries so you know exactly what to expect from your own. It’s not enough to just like the photographer’s personality–you also need to make sure that you enjoy their photography style.
Editing Style
Consider the photographer’s editing style. This is what will set one photographer apart from another. Look at their portfolio and see if their editing style is something you like. Do they use lots of filters? Do they edit in a bright and airy style, or do they prefer a darker and moodier look? Whichever you prefer, make sure that you choose a photographer whose editing style you love!
Someone You Connect With
Second, but just as important, you also want to “like” your photographer, not just as a photographer but as a person. You’ll be spending a huge part of your wedding day with them. They should feel almost like a friend, not just a hired vendor. Be sure to meet with them before booking to ensure that their personality meshes well with yours.
Read Reviews of Photographer
When you have a few photographers in mind, the next step is to read reviews. If you are looking at vendors through The Knot, you will see what past clients have said about their experiences working with that photographer. It’s essential to ensure that you’re hiring someone with a good reputation and who will be easy to work with on your wedding day.
Ask Your Wedding Planner or Friends for Photographer References
If you have recently married friends, ask them for photographer references. They may be able to recommend someone who did a great job at their wedding. Or they may know of someone to avoid. Either way, getting a personal recommendation can be helpful in your decision-making process. If you have a wedding planner, ask them who they would recommend. They have worked with dozens of photographers over the years and will be a great resource.
