5 Main Things to Consider Before Booking Your Wedding Photographer

With all of the excitement and anticipation that comes with planning your wedding, the day finally comes and flies by in a (beautiful!) blur. While you should definitely savor each moment, one thing is for sure: you’ll want to relive it forever!

The best way to draw value out of all you put into your wedding day is to make these moments tangible. Beautiful wedding photographs are one of the most important keepsakes from your wedding day, which is why choosing a wedding photographer for your wedding can be one of the most important decisions you make. 

Finding a wedding photographer who aligns with your style and vision is a key decision for your big day. Whether you're working with a specific budget or have a unique photography style in mind, there's a perfect photographer out there to capture your dream wedding moments.

Being a wedding photographer myself, I have compiled a list of the 5 things to consider when choosing a wedding photographer. I have also included some fantastic questions to ask and invaluable advice that will help you find the perfect photographer for your special day.

#1 - Know Your Budget and Ideal Package

Before you begin your search, it is important to come up with some kind of budget for photography - which means - get into research mode! Find a few wedding photographers in your area that post rates publicly on their websites, just so you can get a general idea of what things cost and start with a realistic jumping off point.

The other thing you want to consider is timeline and shot list expectations, which is, an idea of what you want captured or included in your wedding photography package. For example, I offer options like engagement sessions, second photographer, photo albums, USB, films and some other things as well. Make sure that you understand what's included in the package you’re interested in. 

Brides Tip

Inquire about when you can expect to receive everything, from a sneak peek of images (some photographers can give you a handful within a few days) to the full gallery.

#2 - A Style You Love

Everybody has a style they like or are looking for, even if you can’t name or put a finger on it. Do your homework and spend some time getting a sense of the style of photography you like. Maybe it's a bright look with lots of saturated colors, or perhaps you prefer a moody look with more washed-out tones and a dreamy, nostalgic feel? 

You have to genuinely like what you see in the photographer’s portfolio and analyze if they could deliver what you expect.

Brides Tip

Search for consistency in their edit as well! You want your gallery to look cohesive and feel like it’s telling one, unique story.

#3 - Connection!

Such an important aspect. You want to like your photographer not just as a photographer but as a person. They will be focused mainly on you, which means you'll be spending a huge part of your wedding day with them. They should feel like a friend, not just a hired vendor, so they can feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.

Your wedding photographer will wear many hats (at least I do!) - from keeping you on time, ensuring your hair looks perfect, guiding you in movement during portraits, so it must be someone that you have a good connection with. 

Brides Tip

Hire a photographer you vibe with. Check their about page, their socials where they share more personal stories, and if you like what you see, set up a time to chat.

#4 - Get Recommendations and Read Reviews

Word of mouth is important! Hit up your social network for recommendations and ask your recently married friends whose wedding photos you loved. Other places to get recommendations from are your wedding venue, social media and online reviews.

Once you have a list of potential wedding photographers, get in touch with them and ask if they have any reviews or testimonials. I cannot stress the importance of customer and couple reviews when it comes to booking wedding suppliers and especially when choosing a wedding photographer!

#5 - Schedule a test run

An engagement photoshoot is always a good idea—it's a great opportunity to get to know your photographer and begin to feel comfortable having your photos taken, especially if you or your groom are camera-shy. Again, this isn't essential, but you’ll be soooo much more comfortable on the day if you’ve had some experience of posing beforehand.

An initial shoot also helps me see how best to encourage you and find out what you are comfortable with. These sessions give people confidence—once they get the photos back and see that they are beautiful and take a damn good picture, they are typically less anxious about the photos the day of the wedding.

Bonus: Ask the Overlooked Questions

There are sooo many questions to ask, but to get a good feel for your photographer, here’s one you shouldn’t skip: “What is your approach to wedding day photography?”

It is important to not only know and like the photographer’s style, but what they do in order to get those images. Do they capture a lot of candid imagery, or do they give a lot of direction? Your experience with the photographer on your wedding day can be just as important as the final images you receive, and this question should give you some crucial insight.

To sum up

So when it comes to selecting your wedding photographer, it all comes down to picking someone who matches your visual style and more importantly - you, as a human. When you have a genuine connection with your photographer, they’ll do a better job capturing your emotions—your love, your joy, your silly moments. Years from now, your photos will be all you have to relive and reflect back on, and you’ll thank yourself time and again for investing in them.