A Wedding Photographer’s Guide To Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
Date, dress, venue…photographer. Planning and executing a wedding is no easy task. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and lost when making the big decisions that impact the outcome of the day you’re envisioning. As a wedding photographer, we see a little bit of everything on wedding days. The good, the bad, the ugly. An important part of what we do is determining if we are a good fit to document the day in a way that is in alignment with the overall vision you have for your wedding. Your experience with your wedding photographer lasts long beyond your wedding day and is arguably one of the most important decisions you’ll make. To make the process a little easier, I have compiled a list of my favorite advice for you to consider when interviewing and hiring your wedding photographer.
Narrow down the style of photography you like.
Take in some inspiration and give yourself a visual starting point. Save or pin some photos you like, find photos in a venue setting similar to the one you’ll be using for your wedding, and ask yourself what it is that you like about the photos. Do you like the colors? The way the photos feel? What about these photos speaks to you? After you’ve given yourself a starting point, find a photographer that matches your style. Like other artists, each photographer is going to have their signature working and editing style and it is important to work with someone to achieve a goal that you will both love.
Ask your photographer how they work.
Don’t be afraid to ask your photographer questions! We welcome it. An important part of getting those jaw dropping photos everyone sees in wedding blogs and magazines is the process that happens leading up to taking your photos. Do you want in depth posing with someone who coaches you throughout the entire day? Do you want someone who is a thoughtful, candid observer who takes in those fleeting, intentional moments with little interruption. Part of our work as wedding photographers is understanding how to achieve the goal we have set for the day and that varies in every situation and circumstance.
Determine your non-negotiables.
What do you actually want to see in your wedding photos and wedding experience? Does your inspiration match the experience you’re planning? Don’t be afraid to show photographers inspiration and talk through the elements of the photos that stand out to you and speak to you. The more communicative you are about what you like and want, the easier it is to see how our experience aligns with the end goal you’re envisioning so that we can best guide you as clients. We want you to love your experience and photos in the moment, but we want you to love them even more 30, 40, 50 years down the road and your wedding photos are a long term investment. They’re your forever memories.
Ask your photographer what their editing/retouching process is and how extensively they edit their images.
The editing process is an equally important part of determining if you’ll be happy with your photos. Each photographer is going to have a signature editing style and retouching process. If you like a light and airy edit, don’t hire a dark and moody photographer. If you like a warm and cheerful look, find a photographer whose images align with your inspiration. If you want a little bit of retouching on your final images, such as skin touchups or corrections, make sure that this is a service your photographer includes in their wedding collections. I include minimal photo retouching with all wedding galleries so I clean up skin and remove blemishes, bruises, etc. but I will not alter or manipulate bodies or body shape.
Make sure the vibes are right.
Yes, the work matters, but so does the person. Personality is a huge part of our job and sometimes you may have the right portfolio, but the wrong person in mind. You’re going to spend most, if not all, of your wedding day with your wedding photographer so it’s important that you can be comfortable during that time. If your personalities clash, it can make for an awkward and uncomfortable wedding day which absolutely impacts the final outcome of your images. Your wedding photographer should put you at ease. Your photographer should be somebody that you can let your guard down with, have fun alongside, and create a memorable experience with. It is a big decision and it’s okay to take the time you need to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Photo of Jess Rene Photos (Left) by The Daydreamer Diaries
Yes, hiring your wedding photographer is a big choice, but it can also be an easy one. If you know, you know, just like choosing your partner. It’s okay to take time and ask questions. Meet in person if you can, schedule a call, and take the time you need to settle on the choice that feels right. Have a coffee, talk with your partner, take a deep breath, and know that the right wedding photographer for you is out there and is excited to meet you too.
