How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer For You

Photography styles can vary significantly from one photographer to the next, so it’s important to look for a style that fits with your own personal vision for your wedding photos. Do you enjoy a photojournalistic style or more editorial? Do you prefer posed romantic shots or more natural candid ones? Consider what kind of photography will best document your special day and find a wedding photographer that matches your style. Then, take some time to really review each of the chosen photographers’ portfolios before you decide to reach out.

Pro Tip: Begin by reflecting on your desired wedding style and atmosphere. Consider whether you prefer a classic and elegant aesthetic, a rustic and intimate vibe, or a contemporary and vibrant celebration. Understanding your vision will help you find a photographer whose portfolio and artistic style resonate with your preferences.

Take the time to research local wedding photographers who specialize in your preferred style. Explore their websites, social media accounts, and online portfolios to get a sense of their work. Pay attention to the consistency, quality, and storytelling aspect of their images. Shortlist photographers whose style aligns with your wedding day vision and images evoke an emotional connection within you. Evaluate the experience and expertise of the photographers on your shortlist. Look for professionals who have ample experience in capturing weddings, as they will possess the necessary skills to navigate various lighting conditions, capture fleeting moments, and handle any unexpected situations.

Request to see full wedding galleries from the photographers you are considering. This will give you a comprehensive view of their storytelling capabilities and consistency throughout an entire wedding day. Pay attention to the variety of shots, lighting situations, candid moments, and how they capture emotions. Assess whether their style aligns with your expectations for capturing your own wedding day.

Look for client testimonials and online reviews from previous clients. Their feedback can provide valuable insights into the photographer's professionalism, work ethic, and ability to deliver as promised. Additionally, ask the photographers for references or contact details of past clients to get a firsthand account of their experience.

Knowing when you will receive all of your digital images provides you with an opportunity to plan what you will do with them, such as create custom prints or albums. If prints or albums are important to you, make sure that the photographer you choose offers these services, as they can be more expensive than just receiving digital files alone.

Make sure to ask each potential wedding photographer what method of delivery they use for their galleries and what the general turnaround time is for receiving your images after your wedding day. (3-4 months seems to be standard these days.)

You can also ask each photographer if they provide a sneak peek of your gallery in the meantime. Some may provide you with a few highlight images while others may provide you with a small gallery, but these should be received within a week or two of your wedding.

Wedding photography costs can vary significantly, so it's essential to establish a budget that aligns with your financial means. Determine how much you are willing to invest in photography and allocate funds accordingly.
Some photographers may have their packages and prices listed upfront on their website (which saves a little bit of time) while others may give a starting point or average investment (usually this means they offer custom packages).

Remember that your wedding photos will become priceless heirlooms to you and your family, so consider your wedding photography as an investment - one that will literally last longer than a lifetime.

Once you have a solid list of potential photographers and you've reviewed their portfolios, it’s time to reach out and get the details. Arrange phone or video consultations or an in-person meeting with your shortlisted photographers. This step is crucial to establish a personal connection and assess their compatibility with your personalities.
During these meetings, ask about their approach to weddings, how they handle specific challenges, and their ability to adapt to different environments. Gauge their professionalism, communication style, and willingness to listen to your needs.

Again, these meetings are so important for both you AND the photographer because they serve as a low-pressure way to get to know each other a little bit before anyone makes a financial commitment. During the meeting, you can gain a better sense of the photographer’s personality and style, as well as ask any questions you may have about their portfolio and experience. Keep in mind, your photographer will be spending more time with/on you than any other wedding vendor - before, on, and after your wedding day - so it's important that you vibe well together. Trust your intuition and go with your gut feeling so that you end up choosing the perfect wedding photographer that you want around to capture all of your dream moments!

Inquire about the packages and services offered by your preferred photographers. Discuss the coverage hours, number of photographers, album options, prints (or print credits) provided, and any additional services like engagement or wedding attire shoots. Ensure you have a clear understanding of what is included in each package from each photographer you are considering to make an informed decision.

Before finalizing your choice, carefully review the contract provided by your selected photographer. Pay close attention to important details such as deliverables, timelines, copyright information, cancellation policies, and any additional fees. Seek clarification on any points you are uncertain about and make sure both parties are in agreement before signing the contract.

Once you've gone through the above steps and found your ideal wedding photographer, don't delay in securing their services. Talented and sought-after photographers are often booked well in advance, so make sure to finalize your decision and sign the contract as soon as you're confident in your choice.