Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a bride-to-be, and it’s something that should not be done lightly. In fact, choosing your wedding photographer is one of the first things you need to do when planning for your big day. It’s also one of the most important tasks because once you’ve found that perfect person who can capture your special day, there’s no going back! But don’t worry — we’ve got tips on how to find a great photographer for all budgets.
Know your style.
You need to know what style of photos you want. If a photographer is known for shooting only abstract, modern photos, and that’s not your style, it’s important that you find someone who will be able to capture the look and feel you want. This means knowing what your photographer likes as well—do they prefer candid shots or posed ones? Are they going for a black-and-white aesthetic or color?
Your wedding guests will also have an impact on the atmosphere of your wedding day, so make sure their preferences are taken into account. If most of them are older people who love traditional portraits without any props or decorations in sight, then it would be best to go with a photographer who specializes in this kind of photography (and vice versa). You’ll also want to know if anyone has any religious objections when it comes time to take pictures (for example: no kissing) so that everyone feels comfortable during those moments.
Finally, consider each venue’s rules before booking a photographer who breaks them regularly—you don’t want someone who takes flash photos at night just because he/she can!
Use referrals from friends who have used a photographer.
It’s important to use referrals from friends and family when selecting a wedding photographer.
You should ask your friends, family members and other people you know if they have used a photographer for their own weddings. Ask them what they thought of the experience, if they would recommend this photographer and if they would recommend the same photographer for your wedding day.
When choosing a venue or caterer as well as any other vendor, it is vital that you do your research first before making any decisions based on personal recommendations alone.
Ask to see a photographer’s full wedding day coverage.
If you are not sure what to look for in a photographer, ask to see a portfolio. If they do not have one, this should be your first red flag that they are lacking experience and skill.
Asking to see their full wedding day coverage will allow you to get an idea of how the photographer works. Do they work quickly? Are they capturing all of the important moments throughout the day? Are there any shots missing from their collection that would be critical for your wedding day (e.g., family photos)? For Other Tips- how to choose wedding photographer.
Think about whether you will want your photos in color, black and white, or both.
For many couples, deciding whether to have their wedding photos in color or black and white is an easy choice. For example, if one person likes the classic look of black and white photography, then it’s likely that their partner will be just as passionate about creating color images for the photobook. However, there are also couples who may want both types of photographs—and there are reasons why you should consider this option too!
Here are some questions you can ask yourself when deciding between color or black and white:
- Do I want a photobook? If so, which will work best?
- How will my guests react to seeing our wedding photos in a book?
- Will people think we’re silly for using both at once?
Meet with photographers face-to-face or at least over Skype.
It’s true that photographers are often booked months in advance, so you might not be able to meet with them in person. But if you can, do it! It helps if the photographer is local and willing to travel for your wedding. If you can’t meet face-to-face, then at least consider meeting the photographer via Skype or FaceTime for a conversation about what kind of wedding photography you want.
When selecting a photographer, look for someone who is friendly and personable—but also professional and organized. It should go without saying that they should listen to what YOU want from them on your big day: how many hours of coverage; whether they need access inside or outside of your venue; what style of album (photo book) or digital files format (JPEG) would be best suited for your needs…these are all important details that will make the process more enjoyable if they’re thought out beforehand rather than after the fact when emotions run high post-wedding party hangover hell
Look for photographers who have experience shooting weddings at your wedding venue, if possible.
If you’re considering a venue that’s new to you and your partner, consider booking a photographer who has shot at the venue before. A wedding photographer who has shot at your venue will be familiar with the space, which can help save time and effort on your big day. They’ll also know where to go in case of bad weather and where to set up their equipment for best results.
Look at how the photographer interacts with each couple — whether it’s a hug and kiss or an arm around their shoulders.
The photographer’s interactions with the couple, their wedding party and the guests can tell you a lot about how they work. You’ll want to make sure that your photographer is comfortable working with everyone involved in the day of your wedding. If there is any tension or awkwardness, it may affect how he or she captures those moments. So look for a photographer who treats everyone with respect and warmth.
Have a budget in mind, but don’t let price be the only deciding factor when it comes to selecting your wedding photographer.
Don’t think twice about going over your budget if you’re worried about hiring a less-than-stellar photographer, but do make sure that you’re not picking a photographer based solely on price. You want to be able to afford someone who is experienced, professional and reliable—and that person may not be the cheapest option out there.
There are tons of factors to consider when you’re looking for a wedding photographer: how they work with couples they’ve never met before; whether or not they come recommended by anyone in your community; what their past projects have looked like (have they done weddings similar to yours?). But one thing that shouldn’t factor into your decision is cost—because at the end of the day, it’s all relative: A cheap photographer could end up costing you more money in terms of stress than an expensive one would have cost upfront. For Other Tips- how to choose wedding photographer.
So, to recap: use referrals, ask for full wedding day coverage, look at how the photographer interacts with each couple (and their friends), and have a budget in mind. Keep in mind that prices can vary widely depending on your location, photographer’s experience level, and whether they offer package deals. Also remember that while price is certainly an important factor when choosing a photographer (just like anything else), so are other considerations like quality and style.