Ahh, you’re ENGAGED! This is such an exciting time, but kind of overwhelming too, right?! Especially when it comes to choosing a photographer. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never hired a professional photographer before – or even really considered what you’d want your wedding photographs to look like!

From one past bride to a current one, there’s three things to consider when searching for a wedding photographer: their personality, style, and value. This blog post will dive into each of those points, so keep on reading for the inside scoop!

PERSONALITY

This one might surprise you, but I’d argue that the photographer’s personality is actually the MOST important factor to consider! Being photographed is a really intimate experience. You have to feel 100% comfortable to let your guard down and trust the person behind the camera. Basically, you want your wedding photographer to feel more like an old friend than just another vendor!

After all, this person will be right by your side for hours on end, on the biggest day of your life. Do you like their vibe? Would they get along with your friends? Do they seem like they could gently but assertively take control when needed, keep a level head, and know whether you need them to crack a joke or grab tissues?

The best way to find out is to make sure you have a meeting or at least a Skype / phone call with any photographer that you’re considering! There’s only so much that can be learned from social media and email. Make sure you get a chance to connect with them in real time before committing!

STYLE

Of course, you’ll also want to consider what you want your actual photographs to look like! Each photographer has their own unique style, so it’s crucial to look through several sample galleries to get an idea of what you can expect in your own gallery.

Something that’s really important to note: photographers can’t just change their style on a whim. It’d be like asking Picasso to paint the Mona Lisa! Be sure that you love your photographer’s style before committing. Don’t worry, you don’t need to know any technical jargon to decide! Simply look through their portfolio and sample galleries and ask yourself: is this what I’d want my wedding photos to look like?

While no one style is better than another, I do encourage you to consider this: your wedding photographs are meant to last a lifetime. For that reason, I prefer a clean, timeless approach to editing, to ensure your wedding photos will never look dated!

VALUE

Last but not least, carefully consider the value of each photographer that you’re considering! Every couple has a budget to be mindful of, and there is truly a photographer at every price point. However, this is definitely an area in which you tend to get what you pay for.

Photographers at a higher price point typically have more experience, offer a more consistent client experience, and often shoot fewer weddings per year. That last point is key! Generally speaking, a photographer that shoots 10 weddings per year is able to pour far more time and attention into their couples than one that shoots 40 weddings per year. They’re also less likely to be burnt out, and may even be able to deliver galleries faster.

All this to say, make sure you’re considering the value of what your photographer has to offer, and not just the price alone! When asked what couples wish they’d spent more on, photography is almost always the top answer. Remember, a great photographer can make a budget wedding look like a luxury one – and the other way around, too!

I hope this post was helpful! If you’d like to chat about little old me being your wedding photographer, click HERE to send me a note!