How to pick a Wedding Photographer
My first blog post. Wow. Didn’t think I would get here, but here I am. There are a ton of photographers in the wedding industry. It can be overwhelming not only for me as a photographer, but for you as a client looking for a photographer. How do you know who you should pick? How do you narrow it down? I just want to share a few things to keep in mind when booking your wedding photographer.
First and foremost: their editing style. Do you like how their pictures look? Do you want bright and airy? Do you want orangey and warm? Do you want dark and moody? What speaks to you the most and which will you want for your wedding? Of course we as photographers want to book everyone, but if our editing style isn't for you, that's okay. We want you to find someone’s editing that speaks to you. The last thing we want is 1. For you to ask us to change our editing style or 2. You get your pictures back and hate them.
Second: pricing. How much are you willing to spend? How much is the photographer and their work worth to you? Keep in mind there are TONS of behind the scenes expenses that you do not see. Just to name a few: taxes, websites, camera, lenses, insurance, editing software, hard drives, gas, camera bag, etc. Not to mention the time they are putting into each session and wedding. Remember this is their job and they also have bills to pay. Always always ask for a pricing sheet/guide before booking your photographer.
Third: Availability. Are they available on your day AND are they available to travel to you if necessary? If they are available to travel, do they have travel fees? Every photographer handles travel differently. Make sure you do not assume just because you asked one, the other 5 you have in mind will do things the same.
Fourth: do you connect with them personally? Find someone who you will not only get along with, but feel comfortable enough to be your authentic self. When you are most comfortable, then the photographer will be comfortable and your pictures will be even better. Your pictures will better represent you as a person. Find someone who you think you could be friends with. Someone who will dance with you at your reception, hype you up in your bridals, and ask for a coffee date every now and then.
Fifth and finally: will your photographer make the day about you or their portfolio? This is something to do research on. Find reviews or talk to their former clients. Your wedding day, from beginning to end, is all about you. The photographer is there to simply capture you as you are. I am not saying don’t pick someone who has great ideas that you had not thought about. BUT do not find someone who is going to tell you how to decorate your day, and/or make you take pictures for 2 hours during your reception when you just want to dance. It is your day. I think this relates with the fourth tip, in just overall making sure you connect with your photographer.
I hope these little tips help you in finding your perfect photographer. Remember who is perfect for your friend may not be perfect for you and vice versa. You deserve someone who truly cares about you and your day. You, hopefully, only have one wedding day.
Xx,
P
