How to choose a wedding photographer:
Choosing the right vendors for your wedding day is so important - they make your vision come to life. Having a team of people who understand your ideas and can execute them is imperative. You’re going to be spending your entire wedding day with your photographer. Not only should you love their work, but you should probably like them around too! Here are some tips and tricks to help you choose the right photographer for your wedding day:
Have your location and wedding date confirmed:
It’s important to have your wedding date and location booked prior to hiring your photographer. Your photographer can then confirm if they are available on your wedding date. Personally, I book clients anywhere from 1 year to 1.5 years out from their wedding date.
Knowing your location will help with planning the logistics for the day
How far from the venue are you getting ready? – Does that mean you need one photographer or two?
Are you getting married indoors or outdoors? - Are there windows at your venue? If not, is the photographer experienced enough to handle a dark room?
In addition to these examples, your location may have specific rules that your photographer needs to be made aware of, such as limited access to areas. By having your location booked you can communicate these details to your photographer in your initial meeting and they can confirm if they feel they are a good fit based on your needs.
Know the photography style you’re looking for:
I’m sure by now in your research you’ve seen words such as “documentary, airy, moody, posed, candid, fine art, editorial,” and the list goes on and on. When choosing a photographer, consider their style and make sure it aligns with your vision for your wedding.
Spend an afternoon looking into the different types of photography and narrowing down your favourites. I always recommend clients toss a few words into Pinterest - try “moody wedding photography,” or “airy wedding photography,” to start and see if you can spot the differences. When in doubt, ask your photographer how they would describe their style. For example, my style is a balanced mix of documentary and posed photography with a warm, moody feel.
Read reviews:
Read reviews on the photographer’s website or google page. It will be a good indicator of what to expect working together! Was the photographer professional? Did they communicate well? How is the quality of their work? Reviews will give insight into previous clients’ experiences and help you make an informed decision
Know your wedding budget:
A photographer’s rate will vary depending on the photographer’s experience, services provided, location, equipment, and reputation. Know your budget and prioritize allocating funds to aspects of the wedding that are the most important to you. Expect to spend a decent amount on a professional photographer. Photography is vital – your memories are being documented!
Make sure your vibes mesh:
Other than your partner, you’re going to be spending the most amount of time with your photographer on your wedding day! Working through email is a great starting point, but if you’re serious about hiring someone get to know them. Ask for an initial call or meet-up. Do you get along? Do you feel comfortable and relaxed around them? Can you see them blending in with your friends and family?
Have a list of questions to ask in the initial call. Know what you need and make sure the photographer you will be hiring can meet those needs. For example, if you need guidance with making a family shot list an experienced photographer should be able to assist with groupings, recommend the best time in the day based on lighting and a perfect spot at your location.
Book an engagement session:
Spend an afternoon together being photographed. Choose something you love doing together and see how your photographer fits into that scenario. It’s a great chance to get to know each other, get warmed up in front of the camera, & see if you connect with your photographer
Review a full wedding gallery:
If your photographer is experienced, they should offer a link to an entire wedding they have photographed. Social media is a great sample, but it’s just a taste of their work.
Peek at different times throughout the wedding day. How do outdoor ceremony shots differ from indoor dancing shots? Do they capture enough detail? Do you like the colours? Do you like the layout of the gallery? Can you see yourself in the images?
Read your contract from start to finish:
I cannot stress this enough - there are so many little details in a contract, and it should answer pressing questions. A good contract will have details about payments, non-refundable retainers and cancellation policies, just to name a few. Contracts are typically full of legal jargon, so if there’s something you don’t understand, ask! A great photographer should be open to questions and be able to explain the ins and outs of their booking process.
There you have it, how to choose a wedding photographer! Prioritize what’s important to you, there’s no right or wrong way of celebrating! Bottom line, choose vendors you feel good about. People who meet your needs, understand your vision and are fun to be around. If you would like to see how we mesh, click here and reach out. I would love to hear about your wedding ideas and your photography vision!