Congratulations on your engagement! You’re probably feeling excited, overwhelmed, and nervous all at the same time, and I understand that finding the right wedding photographer can add to that feeling. Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to make sure it’s captured perfectly.

With so many options available, how do you choose the right photographer for you? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with tips and tricks to help you find the perfect photographer. You’re going to feel like an expert so you can most out of your wedding photography experience.

Choosing the right wedding photographer

Breakdown

1. Trust a professional who’s vibe, style, and personality aligns with you
2. Research photos you love and find the right words to describe that style
3. Interview multiple photographers and ask hard questions
4. Trust your gut on who will be your ride-or-die wedding photographer

Trust a professional over a friend

First and foremost, choosing a wedding photographer is not like choosing any other wedding vendor. You need a professional, and one you can trust with these memories. You’re not just hiring them for their camera skills, but their personality and communication skills. That’s why it’s important to build a relationship with your photographer. They’re going to be your ride-or-die throughout the wedding, so make sure you feel comfortable with them. And don’t hesitate to state your concerns upfront.

Perks of Hiring a Pro:

1. State-of-the-Art Equipment: Professional wedding photographers have invested thousands of dollars in state-of-the-art cameras, lenses, lighting, and editing equipment. This equipment allows them to capture stunning, high-quality images that will stand the test of time. A friend may have a good camera, but they likely don’t have the same level of equipment or expertise to produce the same quality of images.

2. Experience and Expertise: Professional wedding photographers have the experience and expertise to handle any situation that may arise on your wedding day. They know how to work with different lighting conditions, how to pose you and your partner to get the best shots, and how to capture candid moments that truly showcase the emotions of the day.

3. Backup Equipment: A professional wedding photographer always has backup equipment on hand in case of any issues. They know that weddings are unpredictable, and they’re prepared to handle any situation that may arise. A friend may not have the same level of backup equipment or the experience to handle any issues that may come up.

4. Objectivity: A professional wedding photographer is objective and focused solely on capturing your wedding day. They won’t be distracted by socializing with guests or getting caught up in the festivities. A friend, on the other hand, may get caught up in the celebration and miss important moments.

5. Reliability and Trust: When you hire a professional wedding photographer, you can trust that they will show up on time, dress professionally, and deliver the images you expect. With a friend, there may be misunderstandings or disagreements that can lead to tension or even a ruined friendship.

6. Elevated Imagery: No matter what your wedding details or plans look like, choosing a professional photographer will only elevate the photos from your day. Whether you’re getting married in a grand ballroom or a backyard, a professional photographer will be able to capture the beauty and emotion of your wedding day in a way that a friend simply cannot. They have an eye for detail and a keen sense of composition that allows them to capture stunning images no matter the location.

Last but not least, your budget is an important factor as you search for a photographer. Expect to pay at least $2,000 for a real professional in the industry. In your research, you’ll find many photographer’s have their prices and packages listed on their websites for you to get a feel for pricing.

While a professional wedding photographer may be more expensive than a friend, the investment is in memories that will last a lifetime. Your wedding photos are one of the few things you’ll have to remember your big day, so don’t skimp on this important investment.

Choosing a photography style you love

It’s time to start thinking about photography styles. Photography style includes everything from shooting, editing, posing, and philosophy. When looking for a photography style that you love, it’s always helpful to start figuring out what you don’t like before you nail down the style you do like. Many photographers have their own aesthetic that encompasses more than one style.

Here’s a breakdown of common photography styles and what they really mean:

• Photojournalistic: This style of photography captures candid moments in a journalistic style, focusing on telling a story through images. The emphasis is on capturing real-life moments and emotions as they happen, without much posing or staging. The photographer focuses on prompts over poses and capturing candid angles to capture the essence of the event or situation.

• Fine art: The focus is on creating visually stunning images that are meant to be admired for their aesthetic qualities. The images are often highly stylized that feel refined, sophisticated, and elegant.

• Light and Airy: This style of photography is characterized by bright and airy images that have a light and delicate feel to them. The images are often shot with a bright and airy background, and the colors are typically pastel or muted.

• Natural and Traditional: The emphasis is on creating images that will stand the test of time, with a classic and timeless feel. The photographer will often use natural light and will not heavily edit the images so they’re true-to-life.

• Adventurous: This style of photography is often used to capture images of people in adventurous or outdoor settings. The emphasis is on capturing the thrill and excitement of the moment, often showing off the grandeur of the scenery.

• Dark and Moody: This style of photography emphasizes dramatic lighting and strong contrasts, often using dark, moody, and sometimes even eerie tones. It’s characterized by images that have a mysterious and dramatic feel to them. The images are often shot with dark or muted colors and high contrast.

• Editorial: This style of photography is often used in fashion or editorial contexts, where the goal is to create images that tell a story or convey a mood or emotion. The images are often highly stylized and creatively posed.

• Film: This style of photography captures images on film rather than digitally. The images have a unique look and feel to them, characterized by a slightly soft and grainy quality. It often creates a unique and vintage look, with a focus on natural light and organic colors.

How to search for a photographer

Finding a photographer can seem daunting, but there are a few ways to simplify the process. Start by asking for personal recommendations from friends who have gotten married recently. If you see someone post wedding pictures you love, reach out and ask who their vendors were. Also, don’t limit yourself to photographers who have shot at your venue before–creative professionals love experiencing different locations.

Google search and social media are great tools to research photographers. I would focus my search on Pinterest and Instagram.

Pinterest is the best visual search engine. Create a board and pin work that resonates with you. Photographers have their websites linked to each pin so you can search.

On Instagram, use hashtags to begin your visual search. Hashtag search can be narrowed down by searching different keywords including your location, geography, or photography style.

• #southwestweddingphotographers
• #midwestelopement
• #photojournalisticelopement
• #filmweddingphotography
• #photodocumentaryweddingphotography
• #MNelopement
• #adventuretravelelopement

Questions to ask a wedding photographer

When you’re ready to start interviewing photographers, make sure you have a list of questions prepared. A photographer’s answers will indicate their professionalism, style, and personality.

• How long have you been in business? Are you licensed and insured?
• How many weddings have you photographed?
• Can you provide a sample finished wedding gallery?
• How would you describe your photography style? (Shooting, posing, editing, & day-of attitude)
• What are you like on the wedding day? (fly-on-the-wall vibe or lots of direction to get certain shots)
• Do you shoot other formats like video or film?
• Do you have any experience shooting at the location of our wedding?
• Do you have backup equipment in case of a failure?
• What’s the turn around for delivering final images?
• Will we receive print rights?
• What’s your cancellation and refund policy?
• Do you backup your photos? How long are our images protected?
• What makes you different from other photographers?
• What is your booking and wedding planning process entail?
• What’s your deposit? Do you have payment plan options?
• Will you be the only one shooting my wedding? Do you have associates or assistants?
• Will you be shooting any other weddings during our wedding weekend?
• How many final images will we receive? How will we receive them?
• Are there any other items we receive when booking with you? (care package, wedding album, prints)

Don’t forget to read reviews! Check their website, Google reviews, and Facebook reviews to see what previous clients have to say about their experience. It’s always helpful to get an idea of what other people have experienced before you make your decision.

Ultimately, trust your gut

To tune into your gut feeling, take some time to reflect on your emotions and thoughts about each photographer. Ask yourself how you feel when you look at their work, or when you speak with them. Pay attention to any physical sensations or reactions you may have, such as a racing heart or a feeling of calmness in your body.

Ultimately, choosing a wedding photographer is a personal decision, and what works for one person may not work for another. By trusting your gut feeling and listening to your inner voice, you can ensure that you select a photographer who resonates with you and who can capture your wedding memories in a way that truly reflects your unique story and vision.

By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect photographer for your big day. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who specializes in outdoor elopements and intimate weddings, I’m your girl. Preview my wedding experience and learn about my shooting style.

Happy searching!