So you’re feeling lost on how to pick the right wedding photographer? I’ve compiled a list of five things I would recommend to my best friend. Maybe you’ve reached out to multiple wedding photographers, they’ve sent you their investment guides, they’ve given you galleries to look at, you’ve perused their websites and yet, you’re still feeling lost on a final decision. Here are some questions to ask yourself when looking through the work in front of you:
How to Pick a Wedding Photographer
- Do the images (ignoring colors, light, etc.) look like images you want of yourself?
- Often we see pretty photos and assume our photographer can make us look like that– while that’s true to a certain extent, it’s good to dig deep and think about what our love actually feels like. Is physical touch your love language? Is it not? Is your partner gonna be silly goofy? or serious? While these are not deal breakers, choosing a photographer that aligns with who you are, not who you want to be, is going to be your biggest weapon in picking a photographer that aligns with both you and your partner.
- Are the photos posed or candid? Which would you prefer?
- Candid or documentary photography has lost it’s true meaning. It’s used to caption perfectly smiling photos of couples and their families and the real documentary, candid images, are lost in a sea of imposters. Posed imagery is great imagery too, but don’t hesitate to ask what your photographer defines as documentary, you could be in for a surprise!
- Do you know anyone who has used this photographer in the past? Do they have decent reviews on google?
- Having a chain of connection always helps! You know someone with a good experience and can vouch for the photographers ability. In addition, checking goole reviews is ALWAYS a good idea. Ask the previous clients how the photographer interacted with their family, their guests, and them. You are bringing together so many people, the day is high stress and there is so much going on at all times, make sure you’re hiring someone who isn’t going to add or emphasize that stress.
- Do the colors you see in the images appeal to you? Do you only like the sunset photos?
- Do only the portraits look good in terms of color and light, and everything else in the gallery feels off or not as good? This might be a sign that the photographer has not mastered light, yet. If you’re looking for a comprehensive gallery of images, poke around and make sure that there is consistency. More often than not, photographers with multiple years of experience will have seen so many different lighting scenarios they will be prepared for anything. However, that’s not always the case. Ask your photographer what their favorite type of light to shoot in is and if they run into their least favorite type of light, how they handle it!
- I can’t say this enough, but hop on the phone with that person before picking a wedding photographer.
- This person is going to be with you all day. They are going to be one of the first people to see you in your dress/suit, they might be the first person you notice as you walk down the aisle, they will get to know your family and friends… so, choose a human that matches your energy and will bring positive vibes to your day, they will add to the magic and you’ll forever be grateful you did.
xx,
Mo
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