3 Things You Need to Know Before Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
There’s a photographer for everyone! I truly believe that. Now, the task is finding them. When you begin your search, the options can definitely be overwhelming - but I’m here to help!
In this blog post, I’m breaking down the 3 important things to consider during the initial search for your wedding or elopement photographer. Let’s dive in.
#1 Determine your initial wedding details
Before reaching out to any potential photographers for your day, make sure to nail down the following:
Your wedding date or preferred date range. Photographers won’t officially book without a hard date, so picking out your date (or a rough date range) when inquiring is essential. If you’re eloping and have flexibility with your date (woo!), let them know in your initial inquiry email! That way, you can talk about date options that would work for both of you and make it happen.
Budget. I will always say that photography is the most important thing to invest in on your big day. Think 20, 30, 40+ years down the road. These images are what you’ll have to look at to remember those big moments, all the emotions and more. But before reaching out to photographers, determine what you are comfortable spending to preserve those memories. This will help narrow it down before ever reaching out, as many photographers list starting prices right on their website.
#2 Find your preferred photography style
true-to-life and natural
editorial and film-like
darker and moodier
maybe something adventurous with a candid approach?
or more classic, traditional and posed?
Once you figure out what vibe is best suited for you and your big day, it’s so important to look into how they capture a wedding overall.
Does the photographer capture candid, documentary-style images that tell the story of your day? Do they capture emotions, real moments and unposed images?
Ask to see a full wedding gallery or two! This is always the best way to see how a full day is captured from start to finish, not just what is on their Instagram highlight reel.
#3 Sort out any of your must-haves
Every photographer structures their wedding and elopement packages differently. While the basics will stay somewhat consistent (i.e. coverage hours offered for weddings are usually offered in increments such as 6, 8, 10, etc) there are tons of add-ons that vary from photographer to photographer.
Before making any final decisions, dive into any elements that you know you want in your wedding photography package, and make sure they offer it. For example:
Engagement sessions
Wedding album options
Prints, canvases, products
35mm film and/or polaroids
Bonus: personality
This is huge! And often overlooked in the initial search. For your big day, you want someone who you feel comfortable with and who you really click with. Your photographer is going to be with you through the planning process and throughout your entire wedding day (this is easy to determine after your initial consult, which is often over phone call or video chat).