16+ years ago when I first started photography I thought there were a lot of photographers. HA I had NO idea what A LOT OF PHOTOGRAPHERS looked like.
There are SO many photographers…more than rookie-me realized at the time. And a big part of that is due to technology and all of the education that is right at our fingertips. The learning curve for all things photography, editing, and business are at the click of a button (ps if you’re a photographer that is newer… be grateful for this because 10-15 years ago…. people weren’t so willing to share and educate other photographers).
I can confidently say that I take full advantage of the education and resources out there because I believe we should never stop learning… we can only get better and better so that’s what I do every day, every month, and every year. I get better so that I can serve my clients better.
All of that to say when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer or a family photographer, you have quite a few to choose from. Let me give you a few tips for choosing your photographer.
Choose a photographer with a style you L-O-V-E
One of my biggest tips is for you to find a photographer’s style that you love and you want to have plastered on your walls for 30-50 years!!
Some photographers, like myself, shoot in a true-to-life way. That means that the colors in the photos are going to look how they looked during your photoshoot or on your wedding day. They’re not going to be overly blown out and exposed, nor are they going to be dark and moody.
If you like an airy, super light look in your photos, then find someone who specializes in shooting and editing their photos that way.
Or… if you like a trendy, moody look…then find a photographer whose style aligns with that.
But if you like timeless, classic photos that look real… you’ve found a photographer who only shoots like that!
Read more about understanding the impact editing has on your wedding photos here.
Choose a photographer you get along with
Your wedding photographer is going to be with you A LOT on your wedding day. And (ideally) you will find a family photographer who will be your lifetime photographer. So wouldn’t you WANT to find a photographer you get along with? Whose personality you LOVE?
Your photographer is more than just the images you receive. While, sure, the images are the reason you go with someone, it’s also the experience and the way you feel when you’re with them and in front of the camera.
I can confidently tell you that if you and I talk and we don’t hit it off… no hard feelings. I WANT you to have the most amazing photography experience you can. And if that means going with someone else, then I want someone else to be your photographer. (Any good photographer will agree with me on this one).
I personally know what it’s like to have a bad experience in front of the camera, so that’s why I’m so adamant about you finding a great fit for YOU!
Choose a photographer who cares
I care about my clients SO much! I care that you have an experience that you walk away with and love.
I care that you have images that are clear and sharp. I care that you walk away with all the different moments even if it means you walk away with A LOT of images… because there’s no reason for me NOT to give you all the good ones. I always tell people they are going to get an average of 130 images per hour that I shoot. Talk to anyone who has been in front of my camera… I usually give a lot more than that “average”. I probably give too many images, but I give what I personally love to get when I’m in front of the camera because all the little moments matter to me.
I care that you have images that look exactly like the day and moment looked and not whatever trend is going on five years ago, right now, or five years down the road. I want you to remember the exact shade of mauve in your flowers. What the green of the grass looked like at that time of year. I want you to be transported back to that moment through your images because they reflect the day as it was.
I care sooo much about my clients. And guess what… I call them my clients… but my clients aren’t just my clients. They become my friends & family. I really do love and care for those that I have the honor to document. I want you to feel like I’m a friend that shows up to love you and serve you and capture you the way you are. I care about the details of your lives and what’s going on. Yes, I get busy and I lose touch because that is life happens… but gosh if I run into ANYONE out and about… you better believe that I am going to stop and hug them (and I’m not a hugger …that’s just how much I love my clients… they become friends and family). And we’ll take even 2 minutes to catch up with each other. Y’all… if you want someone who is going to love you and serve you and have your back… I’m your girl.
Choose a photographer with a consistent track record
Make sure whoever you hire has a consistent track record and knows what they’re doing. Anyone can pick up a camera and call themselves a photographer. But is that really who you want documenting milestones for you?
I have been doing this for a good long time, and—without being too biased—my track record is pretty consistent. I expect consistency and excellence with every session and wedding that I document. Sure, I try new things when it comes to poses and how I shoot every now and again…. but I can say without a shadow of a doubt that you know what you’re going to get when you hire me as a photographer. You are going to get clean, classic images that are timeless!
I also have seen a lot in these 15 years of business. I have seen the good, the bad, and the really ugly…especially on wedding days and with toddlers who refused to nap (so let your mind wander with how happy those toddlers were at session time…)… there’s not a lot that surprises me anymore :)!!
So… if there are ALL these photographers out there… why should you pick me…. Kendra Martin Photography to be your photographer over all the other photographers out there?
I really do LOVE what I do. It is such an honor to document people’s lives, and I don’t take it lightly!!! I am so thankful and grateful for all of those that have let me photograph them these last 15 years and soo excited to see who I get to photograph these next 10+ years!!!! If I sound like someone you want to document your memories, email me!!! I would LOVE to chat with you!!!
And if I don’t sound like the perfect photographer for you but you’d love help finding someone… EMAIL ME!! I really did mean it when I said I want you to have an amazing photography experience and would LOVE to help you find a photographer that is the perfect fit for you!!!
I am so glad that you stopped by my online home!! One of my favorite things to do is share my clients’ images!! It gives you a look at the kind of images you will receive if you hire me to be your photographer. If you would like to see what a full session or wedding looks like, please feel free to ask!
If you are interested in having me as your Wedding or Portrait Photographer, please fill out this form, and I will get back to you with all of my information.
For a quick glimpse of who I am click here.
I take a very limited number of weddings & sessions each year so that I can focus on giving my clients the best possible experience & so I can spend time with my sweet family. I love what I do & I am looking forward to chatting with you & documenting your sweet memories.