Finding the perfect wedding photographer is
kind of like deciding on a hairstylist. You have an idea of the cut and style
you want, but you know that it will look different on you than it does in the
photo you have saved on your phone. You also know that not all hairstylists are
created equal and a cut from Stylist A won’t turn out exactly like the cut from
Stylist B.
And so it is with photographers. Each has their own style, their own personality, and their own way of approaching a wedding. And just as it is important to choose a stylist that will give you the haircut you desire, it’s even more important to find a photographer that will capture your big day. Hair grows back. Photos last forever.
Finding your ideal wedding photographer isn’t as easy as finding some photos you like and signing on the dotted line. It takes some careful research into a person’s artistic style, skills, and personality.
Here are some tips to help you get started on
your wedding photographer search.
Ask
Around
Ask friends and family members whose wedding
photos you loved about the photographer they hired. If you already have a venue
lined up or other vendors on board, ask them if they have any recommendations.
Word of mouth holds weight and you can gain valuable insight into potential photographers
for your wedding.
Do Some
Research
Browse local listings and read reviews on your
favorite wedding sites’ directories. Look through potential photographers’
websites, social media feeds, and portfolios. Read any testimonials they have
posted on their websites and social media profiles. Ask yourself what you like
about their style. Do they seem professional and friendly? Do they capture the
kinds of moments you hope to capture? What venues have they photographed?
Set Up
Interviews
Before you set up an interview with potential
wedding photographers, make sure they are available on your wedding date and
that their fees are in your ballpark range. If they check those boxes, set up a
time to meet in-person or over video chat so that you can assess the
photographer’s personality, artistic style, and skills. Talk about your venue
and wedding style, but also get to know the photographer. Do your personalities
mesh? Does your vision match theirs? You should also review their work by
looking at a few full wedding galleries (not just the ones posted on their
website). Some of these galleries should include weddings similar to yours
(indoor/outdoor, venue type, etc.) This will help you get a more well-rounded
idea of the photographer’s work and style.
Discuss
the Details
Before you say, “I do” to a wedding photographer, make sure you understand what’s included in each photo package, if there are additional fees, post-production details (When will you receive the proofs? The final photos? Is a wedding album included? Are there retouching options?), and what rights you have over your photos (Can you post over social media? How can the photographer use your photos?).
Related: 7 Things You Should Tell Your Wedding Photographer
Once you’ve interviewed each photographer, you
can take the information you’ve collected and do a comparison. Was there one
that stood out more than the others? Was there one who had amazing style, but a
not-so-great personality? Who had the most experience shooting in your venue?
When you do your research, collect the data, and keep in mind your priorities when comparing the candidates (budget, personality, professionalism, style), you’ll be on your way to finding your ideal wedding photographer.
Related: 5 Crucial Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Looking for a photographer who is artistic, can capture timeless images, and comes with a contemporary flair? That’s me! Let’s talk and see if we’d be a good fit.
