3 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Wedding Planning

Feb 4

As I spend time with and get to know each of my couples, I’ve learned some of their biggest stressors when it comes to wedding planning. Of course...I’m here to help with all of them! I’m an open book when it comes to offering advice, from bridesmaids’ dresses all the way down to timelines.

But, would you believe me if I said one of the most commonly shared stressor for couples is choosing a wedding photographer?!

The thing is… I totally understand because I was right there with you. I spent a ton of time researching who I wanted to capture my own wedding, and while I know of a lot of amazing photographers, the choice still wasn’t an easy one.

Of course, each of your wedding vendors plays a pivotal role in coming together to make it happen and make magic in the process. They’re all equally important. But, choosing a wedding photographer is extra stressful What because they captures every detail, every moment, and every hour you spent planning with each of your vendors.

Over the years, I’ve come up with a list of 3 simple tips for choosing a wedding photographer.

1. Choose a photographer who you enjoy as a person (duh).

Imagine after your wedding and long after your gallery has been delivered — you still text your wedding photographer. You meet up with them for dinner and drinks. You chat about outfit advice. They text you happy birthday. They’re one of the first people you reach out to & share the news that you’re expecting. This perfectly describes so many relationships I have with my couples, but it wouldn’t be this way if we hadn’t connected prior to them choosing me!

I know, I know. This is a lot to ask, especially if you haven’t had the chance to meet your prospective wedding photographer. That’s why I always suggest scheduling a consult call! It’ll not only give you the chance to ask any questions you have, but it will also help you get a feel for their personality.

I wholeheartedly believe that having a connection with your wedding photographer is crucial. This is the person who will share the most intimate moments with you on a day that you get to marry the love of your life.

If that’s not enough, they’re probably going to be helping you adjust your dress and might even lift it for you when you have to pee. They’ll fix your hair, and they’ll address the family members you don’t want to deal with before your ceremony. They’ll run to the bar for you when you need a drink to let loose, and you’d better hope they know what to order when they get there ;)

No, but seriously…. It helps to have someone you enjoy being around to photograph your wedding.

2. Choose a photographer whose work you resonate with.

Ask to see a full wedding gallery, so you know what you’ll be getting.

The fact of the matter is, Instagram is a highlight reel. People show the best of the best, and that goes for photographers as well.

You can get a better idea of their editing style in all lighting scenarios and different situations. You’ll also get a feel for if they capture moments that are perfectly posed or if they go for a more candid approach.

You may like a photographer's aesthetic, but once you see how that aesthetic is applied to, let’s say… family portraits, you may not enjoy it as much.

3. Ask multiple photographers for their full pricing guide so you can compare collections.

So you’ve found a photographer whom you love and whose work you literally drool over. Then, you reach out only to find that their base price seems quite high compared to their competitors. Whatever you do, do NOT let this steer you away from the start! Looking through multiple pricing guides will give you a full understanding of their price breakdown, and you may find that they offer something that other photographers do not.

Look for value added into their collections!

For Example:

Photographer 1 has a starting collection of $2,000, and Photographer 2 (the one you ADORE) has a starting collection of $4,000. But once you see their full pricing guide— you discover Photographer 1 only includes 5 hours of coverage, 35 -50 images per hour, and you have to purchase prints through them.

Photographer 2, who you loved & were thinking of walking away from, charges more but their starting collection includes 6 hours of coverage, a bridal guide magazine, a custom wedding timeline, 50- 75 images per hour, next day previews, AND printing rights.

When you ask to see full pricing guides, you can begin to better understand why photographers charge what they do.

I’m here to tell you that a photographer is not worth more solely because they’ve shot hundreds of weddings. You want someone you connect with, whose pictures you adore, who over-delivers and who adds value to their collections.