The Ultimate Guide to Picking your Wedding Photographer

As a wedding photographer I figured one of the first blog posts I needed to write was on how to find and choose the best wedding photographer. I think it is our responsibility to educate our brides through the process of wedding planning because for the most part they’ve never been through this process before.

Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the wedding planning process. After all, they’ll be responsible for capturing the precious moments and emotions of your special day, creating lasting memories to cherish for a lifetime. Think about it… this is going to be the one thing that will outlast your wedding day.

In this post, we’ll discuss what to look for in a wedding photographer to ensure you find the perfect match for your vision, style, and budget.

Portfolio and Style

Begin your search by reviewing the photographer’s portfolio to get a sense of their style, aesthetic, and storytelling approach. Pay attention to the consistency of their work, their ability to capture candid moments, and their proficiency in both posed and natural shots. Choose a photographer whose style resonates with your vision for your wedding day. Ask to see a full wedding gallery that they have delivered to a past client. Photographers showcase their best work on their websites but you need to make sure their work is consistent with what they deliver.

Experience and Expertise

Look for a wedding photographer with ample experience and expertise in capturing weddings. Consider factors such as their years of experience, the number of weddings they’ve photographed, and if they know how to photograph a wedding with different lighting conditions. Are they a natural light photographer that can’t shoot when it’s dark? Do they know how to use flash? An experienced photographer will have the skills and knowledge to handle different lighting conditions, venues, and moments with ease.

Personality and Connection

Your wedding photographer will be by your side throughout the day, so it’s essential to choose someone whose personality meshes well with yours. Schedule a consultation or engagement session to get to know the photographer on a personal level and assess your compatibility. Look for someone who is friendly, approachable, and genuinely interested in understanding your vision and preferences.

Equipment and Backup Plans

Ensure that the photographer has high-quality professional equipment and backup plans in place to handle any unforeseen circumstances or technical issues. Inquire about their contingency plans for inclement weather, equipment failure, or other emergencies to ensure the seamless flow of your wedding day. Most photographers have a team that will step up and replace them if an emergency were to happen on your wedding day, make sure that you ask these questions ahead of time.

Value and Investment

While budget is an important consideration, prioritize value and investment when choosing a wedding photographer. Remember that your wedding photos will be cherished heirlooms for generations to come, so allocate a reasonable portion of your budget to ensure you receive high-quality, timeless images that capture the essence of your special day.

Remember that your wedding day is a day you won’t get back. A common problem we find from brides is when they regret not allocating more of their budget to the things that actually last past the day of the wedding such as their photography and videography. Find a photographer who not only meets your expectations but exceeds them, ensuring your wedding day is beautifully captured and preserved for years to come.