How do you find a wedding photographer? More goes into wedding photography than you may think at first. It’s not just pretty pictures of your day, your photographer is one of the people you will be around the most on your wedding day. They are preserving your memories for lifetimes to come.
Your wedding photographer is one of the if not THE most important vendor of your wedding day, so get to know them beyond just looking through their photo gallery. Read along and learn the important things to think about when finding the perfect wedding photographer for you!
1) Vibe Check
Like I mentioned, you are going to be spending A LOT of time with your photographer on your wedding day. It’s important to get to know the personality of your photographer before you book them. Do you want someone extroverted and who can hang or more of an introverted, fly-on-the-wall type person? I’ve worked with photographers who are relaxed and very hands off, letting you do your thing, leading to more authentic and raw images. I’ve worked with others who are very into professionalism and prioritize getting every photograph perfect leading to pristine images with intricately set up scenes.
It’s up to you what you want and it’s important to talk to photographers about which vibe they bring.
2) Have they photographed in similar settings to where you are getting married?
Photographers showcase their best photos and the lighting situations they are most comfortable in on their websites. One thing tend to not look at is if the beautiful photos the photographers are capturing are at a similar place to where they are getting married. For example, if you are having a wedding indoors in a romantic, low-lit venue, does the photographer showcase those types of images? Most receptions are in low-lit places and honestly, there are too little wedding photographers out there who have really become experts at using flash. So check up on this and ask for examples of images that have lighting situations like that of your wedding venue.
3) Their Process
Photographers have different routines on wedding days. Some let everything happen naturally and give very little direction to anything. Some make sure you are in the perfect spot for zipping up your wedding dress or putting on your shoes. Some capture more editorial shots and ensure every limb and hair is in the exact right spot. Others are more prompts-focused and give you actions to do while capturing your couple’s portraits. Ask the photographer to walk through their photo-taking process with you when you are on your inquiry call with them. Know the style you want- documentary, editorial, cinematic, posed- and ask them how comfortable they are with that style of photography.
4) Their values
In today’s world, aligned values with your photographer is increasingly important. You want someone who will act in certain situations the way you’d want them to on your wedding day. What they value affects what they capture to. Do they value family moments? Party moments? What do they show on their website? That is a big indicator of what they value.
An example of values I hold are sustainability, inclusivity and safety of people. I am a certified sustainable wedding vendor, I capture an array of different types of weddings with diverse sets of people and love stories, and I do everything in my power to ensure my couples and their guests are kept safe.
Make sure your photographer is going to prioritize the things you prioritize.
Other important questions to ask your wedding photographer:
Do you have liability insurance?
What is your backup plan in case you have an emergency?
How do you back up your images?
How do you choose your second shooters?
What additional services do you provide (ex.film photography, videography, digital camera rentals)?
How would you describe your photography style and editing style?
Finding a wedding photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming, but it is important to give it consideration. Following these tips will ensure you are gathering all the information needed to pick a photographer who is going to capture your day in the way you are dreaming of!
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