Things to Look for When Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to make sure that you have beautiful photos to cherish for years to come. That's why it's so important to choose the right wedding photographer. Choosing a photographer in this day and age can be overwhelming if you’re not sure what to look for. Here are a few things to look for when choosing a wedding photographer.
Style
One of the most important things to consider when choosing a wedding photographer is their style. Do you like what you see in their portfolio? Do they match your aesthetic? Most importantly, can you see yourself in their photos?
My best advice would be to scroll through wedding photographers on social media and see which style catches your eye. You may be surprised at what style you end up liking! Once you have a general idea of the style you like, you can start narrowing down your choices. Look at the portfolios of different photographers in your area and find the style that you are looking for.
Budget
As a general rule, you should not look at vendors that are outside of your wedding budget. You shouldn’t try on a wedding dress that is $1000 more than you can afford, and you shouldn’t reach out to photographers who you know charge more than you can afford. Set your budget before you start your search and look for someone within your range.
It's important to note that you get what you pay for when it comes to wedding photography. If you're on a tight budget, you will need to prioritize what is most important to you. If you want coverage of the entire day, you may need to hire a less experienced photographer. If higher-quality images are more important, however, you could hire a more experienced photographer for only the ceremony or reception.
Experience
Another important factor to consider is the photographer's level of experience. How many weddings have they shot in recent years? Do they have experience shooting in the type of venue you've chosen? You can ask for a list of recent clients so that you can reach out and see what they have to say about their experience.
Additional value
Something else to consider is whether the photographer offers any additional services. Do they include engagement or bridal sessions in their packages? Will they Photoshop images if needed? Do they have connections within the wedding industry that will help you with wedding research, prep, and execution?
If you're on a tight budget, you may want to choose a photographer who offers a package that includes all of the services you need. This can save you money in the long run.
Personality
You'll be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day, so it's important to choose someone you like and feel comfortable around. When you meet up for a consultation, pay attention to how you are feeling in the meeting. Do you vibe well with this person? Do they set you at ease or intimidate you? Do they have any shared values that will allow them to connect with you on your wedding day in a more meaningful way? Again, ask past clients what their experience was like.
Meet with a few different photographers before you make a decision. This will give you a chance to get to know them and see if their personality is a good fit for yours.
