One of the most important choices you’ll make while planning your wedding is choosing your photographer. Think about it—the flowers will wilt, the food will be devoured, but your photos? They’re what will bring you right back to the moments that matter most, long after the day is over.
So.. it’s crucial to research and ask the right questions to ensure that you hire someone perfect for you. Someone who will capture your vision and style. Someone you get along with. After all, other than your significant other, you’ll spend most of your time with your photographer on your wedding day. Your wedding photographer literally follows you around all day.
Getting started with your wedding photographer can feel overwhelming at first, but it doesn’t have to be! I’m here to guide you through the process, ensuring you’re equipped with all the tips and knowledge you need to choose a photographer who will document your love story beautifully.
Defining Your Style: What Kind of Photos Do You Love?
Before you even begin your search, it’s important to know what you’re looking for in your wedding photos. What style of photography resonates with you and your partner?
Every photographer has a unique style, and it’s important to choose a photographer whose style aligns with your vision. Do you want traditional posed shots, or are you looking for a more candid, photojournalistic approach? Look at a photographer’s portfolio to understand their style and ensure that it matches what you are looking for.
This will help you narrow down photographers that specialize in capturing weddings in a way that matches your vision.
Here are a few popular styles you’ll come across:
- Candid/Photojournalistic: This style captures real, unposed moments as they happen throughout the day. Your photographer becomes an observer, capturing emotions and moments in a more natural, organic way.
- Traditional: Classic, posed portraits that focus on important moments like family photos and iconic shots from the ceremony. If you love the idea of timeless group photos and formal portraits, this might be the style for you.
- Fine Art: A blend of artistic composition and beautiful, light-filled imagery. Fine art photographers often have a more curated and styled approach, focusing on creating ethereal, almost editorial shots.
- Documentary: Similar to candid or photojournalistic, but this style captures the entire day in a chronological and storytelling way—documenting not just the big moments but the small, intimate ones too.
Not sure which style is your favorite? Browse my portfolio here, and get a feel for what resonates with you. Whether you’re drawn to candid, natural moments or more posed, formal shots, defining your style is the first key step in getting started with your wedding photographer.
Research and Reviews: How to Find the Right Photographer
Now that you have a clear idea of your photography style, it’s time to start researching photographers that align with your vision. Here are a few ways to make that search easier:
- Explore Portfolios: The first thing you’ll want to do is check out potential photographers’ websites and portfolios. Look for full galleries of weddings they’ve shot to see how consistent their work is and how they capture different aspects of the day. Can they nail both emotional candid shots and important posed portraits? Check out my portfolio here for a peek at the variety of moments I capture.
- Read Reviews: Look up testimonials from couples they’ve worked with before. Are they known for making people feel comfortable in front of the camera? Do they blend in seamlessly with the day while still getting the best shots? Good reviews will tell you how a photographer works with couples and their families, not just how their photos turn out.
- Ask for Recommendations: If you know friends or family members who recently got married, ask them for referrals! Sometimes, personal experiences are the best way to find a photographer you trust.
By taking the time to do your research, you’ll find someone who can bring your wedding vision to life. And remember, getting started with your wedding photographer should feel exciting—not stressful!
Meeting Your Photographer: Making Sure It’s a Good Fit
Once you’ve done your research and narrowed down your options, the next step is to actually meet your potential photographer! This is a big decision, so take the time to get to know them, ask questions, and ensure you’re aligned.
Whether it’s a video call, phone chat, or in-person meeting over coffee, here are some questions to ask during that meeting:
- Can I see a full wedding gallery?
- You want to see how they capture the entire day, not just the highlights.
- How would you describe your photography style?
- Ask them how they would approach your wedding day and whether they align with the style you’re envisioning.
- What’s your role during the day?
- Some photographers take a more hands-on approach, directing poses and moments, while others hang back and let the day unfold naturally. Understanding their workflow will help you know what to expect.
- How do you help camera-shy couples?
- If you’re nervous about being in front of the camera, it’s important to know how they make their couples feel comfortable.
- What’s included in your packages?
- Clarify what’s included—such as hours of coverage, albums, second shooters—and whether there are additional fees for things like travel or extra hours.
This meeting is your opportunity to make sure you’re not just booking someone who’s talented, but also someone you’ll enjoy working with. After all, your photographer will be by your side on one of the most important days of your life! photographer who is known for delivering beautiful photos and excellent service.
Understanding Packages and Pricing: What’s Worth the Investment
Let’s talk money. Wedding photography is an investment—and a worthy one at that. When you think about getting started with your wedding photographer, one of the big questions is, “What’s included in your package, and how much will it cost?”
Here are a few things to consider when comparing packages:
- Hours of Coverage: Think about how much of your wedding day you want captured. Some packages cover just the ceremony and reception, while others may offer full-day coverage, from getting ready to the send-off. If you’re having multiple events like a welcome dinner or farewell brunch, ask about coverage for those too.
- Second Shooter: Many photographers offer the option to include a second shooter. This is especially useful for larger weddings or if you want more angles and moments captured simultaneously.
- Albums and Prints: Check if your photographer offers printed products like albums, prints, or canvases. These tangible items are timeless keepsakes that will preserve your memories in a way that goes beyond a digital gallery.
Understanding your budget and what’s included in each package is crucial to finding the right photographer. Keep in mind that sometimes spending a little extra ensures you get the quality and experience you deserve.
Building a Connection: Why It Matters
Photographers aren’t just there to snap some photos and leave. Getting started with your wedding photographer also means building a relationship with them. And that connection? It can make ALL the difference in your experience and your photos.
Think about it—you’re going to be spending a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day. You want to feel comfortable, at ease, and trust that they understand your vision. The more you connect, the more natural your photos will be.
Here’s how to build that connection:
- Engagement Sessions: I always recommend scheduling an engagement session. It’s a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and for us to get to know each other better.
- Open Communication: Share as much information as possible about your vision, timeline, and special moments you want to be captured. I’m here to make sure you feel heard, and I love hearing about the details that matter most to you!
- Trust the Process: Once we’re on the same page, you can trust me to capture the magic of your day. When you let go and enjoy the moment, the results will be even more beautiful than you imagined.
The Full Weekend Experience: Beyond the Wedding Day
There’s more to a wedding than just the ceremony and reception, right? So why not capture the full experience?
Many couples opt for a photographer to document the entire weekend—from the welcome dinner to the rehearsal dinner, and even a farewell brunch. These are the moments where your closest friends and family come together, and some of the best memories happen outside of the main wedding day.
By capturing the full weekend, your wedding album will be more than just a snapshot of a single day—it’ll be a complete story of your celebration. If you’re considering full weekend coverage, let’s chat about how to make that happen.
Your wedding photographer will be responsible for capturing some of the most important and memorable moments of your wedding day. Finding the right wedding photographer is about more than just stunning photos—it’s about building trust, ensuring a great connection, and finding someone who truly gets what you want. So, take the time to do your research, meet your potential photographers, and most importantly, choose someone whose work and personality resonate with you.
If you don’t have a wedding photographer yet and love my style, let’s chat! I do travel, so don’t let that hold you back!
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