How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
Most couples have never had to hire a professional photographer before, and their wedding is the first time they have to find one! It can definitely be hard to know where to start, or what to look for. While there are certainly lots of options when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, you’ll need to make sure you find someone who isn’t just good at taking photos - your photographer should be a good fit for you! Every couple is different, and this guide will take you through how to choose a wedding photographer, and how to ensure that they’re the perfect one for your wedding day.
What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer
Before you start your search, there are a few things you should know about what to look for in a wedding photographer, and what to keep in mind!
THEIR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE
One of the first things you’ll do when figuring out how to choose a wedding photographer is to look at their photos! Of course, their main job as your wedding photographer will be to take photos of your day, so it’s important that you like their style.
This means looking at how they edit their photos - there are different editing styles out there, and everyone has different tastes. You don’t need to be an editing expert for this, just take note of what your eye is drawn to, whether that’s natural colors, a dark and moody style, or bright and colorful photos.
Another huge aspect of a photographer’s style is the way that they pose people in their photos! Some people like a classic approach, with people looking directly at the camera, while others prefer more candid, natural-looking photos. Take a look at the couples in each photo - does the photographer capture emotion?
As you look at different photographers, be sure to go to their website and see galleries from wedding days! Instagram is usually a place to showcase the best photos - the ones taken in perfectly lit locations. But there will be moments from your wedding day that aren’t in incredible outdoor locations - so look at the photos from all parts of the day, like getting ready, family photos, reception, everything!
2. THEIR PERSONALITY
While good photos are important, I’d say getting along with your photographer is just as important! They’ll be spending pretty much the entire day with you, so make sure your wedding photographer is someone you won’t mind being around all day.
As you begin your search, read their social media bios, go to their website to read their about page, and use this as a starting point to decide if it could be a good fit! Of course, it’s hard to get an accurate picture of someone’s personality from text on a screen, so I recommend emailing and scheduling a consultation call to get to know each other.
3. HOW MUCH DOES A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER COST?
When you’re deciding how to choose a wedding photographer, budget is definitely going to be a factor! It’s important to decide beforehand how much you’re willing to spend, and how flexible you can be for the right person. Of course, weddings are pricey - but this is a once-in-a-lifetime thing, and your photos are the only thing you’ll have to remember the day - so they’re worth investing in.
While you can definitely find inexpensive photographers, remember that you do get what you pay for. You could hire a family friend for cheap, but a professional photographer will have backup gear (technology fails sometimes and you don’t want to lose your photos), proper lighting equipment, professional editing software, and the experience necessary to ensure that your wedding day goes smoothly! For an experienced photographer, you can expect to pay at least $4,000 - $6,500
HOW TO FIND A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
So, how do you actually start looking for a wedding photographer?
SEARCHING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Some of the best ways to find a wedding photographer are Instagram, Pinterest, and Google. Start by searching for your location - for example, “Boston wedding photographer.” A lot of photographers are willing to travel, so if you live in a smaller town or you aren’t finding anything, don’t be afraid to broaden your search!
As you look at the photographers that come up, take note of the styles you’re drawn to. Look through their social media, but make sure you go to their website to see more photos and learn more about them! Write down a list of some photographers you like - it’s great to have a few different options before you commit.
2. SEND OUT INQUIRIES
When you have some photographers that you like, send tem an inquiry through their website! It’s totally okay to inquire with a few different people to ensure you find the best match. Their reply to you will be one of the first steps in filtering your search and deciding how to choose a wedding photographer. Take note of their personality, and their prices - and your search might narrow pretty quickly.
3. SCHEDULE PHONE CALLS
I always recommend scheduling a phone call or a video chat with any potential wedding photographer! It’s a lot easier to get to know each other that way and to get a feel for whether you can see them being a part of the most important day of your life. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions!
4. CHOOSE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
If you had phone calls with multiple people, be upfront in letting them know that you need some time to decide. While it’s totally okay to talk to several different photographers, make sure that once you make your decision, you let everyone know you’ve gone in a different direction. No one likes getting ghosted!
But, now you should be able to choose a wedding photographer based on your conversations with them, and your budget. They’ll let you know what the next steps are - usually a contract and a retainer to book your date!
If you’re ready to start looking for your wedding photographer, contact me! Let’s see if it’s a good fit!
