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 your love feels like. Is physical touch your love language? Is it not? Is your partner gonna be silly or 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 documentary? Which would you prefer?
- Documentary photography has become an overused term. Documentary style means photographers spend the wedding day living and experiencing every moment with you, so that they capture all the moments, not just the big ones. You might get a photo of your niece drawing with chalk on the sidewalk outside the wedding venue, or your siblings having an emotional moment during speeches. What matters to you most will guide your choice. If simply having the big moments captured means the most to you, a documentary style photographer might not be necessary. If you plan to experience every moment with your person by your side and want a comprehensive gallery that feels like stills from a movie, documentary is the way to go.
- 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 good experience and can vouch for the photographer’s ability. In addition, checking Google reviews is ALWAYS a good idea. Ask the previous clients how the photographer interacted with their family, guests, and also with them. You are bringing together so many people, the day is high-stress, and there is so much going on at all times. Avoid hiring someone who is going to add or emphasize that stress. Instead, hire someone who will be a voice of reason if s**t hits the fan.
- Do the colors you see in the images appeal to you? Do you only like the sunset photos?
- Do only some of 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! Receptions can be hard to shoot in certain venues, you should always ask your photographer if they’re prepared for that.
- Do you like them? I can’t say this enough but hop on the phone with your photographer before making a final decision.
- 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, and 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
be the first to comment