How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer
Pop the bubbly, you’re getting married! Wedding planning is an exciting journey as you envision the future with your partner — but before sharing vows and clinking glasses, you need to create a trustworthy team of wedding vendors to help you pull off the perfect wedding day. Of those vendors, your wedding photography provider is among the first people you’ll need to book. They will also be one of the vendors you’ll spend the most time with, so finding the right fit is essential.
In this blog post, we’ll walk through the considerations you must make when researching, interviewing, and hiring your wedding photography partner. Keep reading for expert tips to secure the perfect wedding photographer who will capture your special day beautifully!
Identify your preferred wedding photography style
Every wedding photographer specializes in a particular style, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with your options before starting your research. Do you want an artistic masterpiece that feels like a movie trailer? You’ll probably want to hire a cinematic wedding photographer. Do you prefer a storytelling approach that feels authentic? You’ll love working with a documentary wedding photographer. Spend some time researching photography styles with your partner to determine what you like best.
Research local wedding photographers
Once you and your partner have figured out what you want, it’s time to start browsing your options to see who fits the bill. When you find an interesting candidate, carefully review their website, blog, and social media accounts. Make sure you see a full gallery for every wedding photographer you’re considering. There are so many different ways to tell a story with photos, and only seeing a few Instagram posts or selected website photos limits your understanding of the full scope of what you’ll receive as a final product. Look for consistency in style and an ability to capture emotions through storytelling.
You may also want to ask around for referrals! If you have friends or family members who have recently tied the knot, they can point you in the right direction and help you qualify your options. You can look to your wedding venue or planner for advice as well.
No matter how you find potential wedding photographers, make sure to consider their experience and expertise. Explore their website to see how long they’ve served in the wedding industry. It’s also wise to read online reviews and testimonials for honest feedback from past clients. Google, The Knot, WeddingWire, and Yelp are good starting points to learn more about a photographer’s strengths and weaknesses.
Take your time interviewing candidates
Once you have a shortlist of potential wedding photographers, arrange meetings to discuss your vision with each of them. Prepare a list of questions in advance to compare photographers' responses. As you interview each of them, pay attention to their communication style and personality. Do you feel comfortable and understood? Are they demonstrating professionalism? How responsive are they to your ideas, questions, and concerns?
You’ll also need to cover the parameters of your agreement. Ask about packages, rates, and payment terms to ensure they align with your budget and expectations. A few important questions to ask include:
How many hours of coverage are included in your package(s)?
When can we expect to see the photos after the wedding?
How many images do we get, and how are they delivered?
Can you walk us through your photo editing process?
Are we able to order albums from you?
What is your backup plan in case of rain, illness, etc.?
Will you have a second shooter available for our wedding day?
In addition, consider the season of your wedding. If you plan to tie the knot outdoors during colder months, ask the photographer you’re thinking about if they have experience working in various weather conditions. Make sure they’re comfortable with the possibility of working in the rain or snow. A springtime or summer wedding could use a photographer familiar with seasonal blooms so you can incorporate these elements into your photos.
Our biggest advice is to think about the fact that you will spend almost as much time with your photographers as anyone else on your wedding day. We are involved with so much of the process, so finding a wedding photography partner you can connect with is vital. If we don’t connect or exist on the same wavelength, that will affect your day — and we can’t have that! You want to like your photographer and should be excited to share your special day with them. Make sure you really know them and like their energy.
Make it official!
After the interviewing stage, sit down with your partner to decide who is the best fit. Reflect on the quality of their work, level of professionalism, and compatibility with the two of you. Trust your gut to make the final decision!
Once you’ve concluded your search, reach back out and let them know you’re ready to book. Congrats – the hard part is over! When you receive their contract, review it carefully before signing. Ensure you and your partner understand the terms, including cancellation, liability, and copyright policies. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification if you encounter anything that confuses you. If everything looks good, all you have to do is sign the contract, put down a deposit, and you’re all set!
Your wedding photography vendor will be your partner all the way to your wedding day, so it’s worth investing time and effort into selecting the right one. Know what you like, research photographers who match your preferences, and be intentional about getting to know each of them. There’s no reason to rush this stage — practice patience, and you’ll be confident in making an informed decision!
Now that you know more about choosing a wedding photography vendor, view our portfolio, and let’s connect to discuss your wedding day vision!