How To Avoid Hating Your Wedding Photos
When it comes to choosing your wedding photographer, it's crucial to find someone who aligns with your style, aesthetic, and overall vision for the day. The truth is, we have preferences and it’s okay to admit that! Your wedding day is one of the biggest days of your life and your wedding photographer isn’t just a short term investment, they’re a lifetime investment. Your wedding day will come and go, but the photos will serve as a lasting memory of this day and these memories for you and your family. It is a big decision and it’s okay to take time interviewing and screening potential wedding photographers in this process to make sure that their work, work methods, and personality are the right fit for you. Here are a few of my favorite pieces of advice when searching for your wedding photographer:
You Should Have Comfort and Chemistry With Your Wedding Photographer
On your wedding day, you want to feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera and people you’re surrounded by. Yes, photographers having nice gear is a huge part of you having the wedding photos of your dreams, but your photographer should also be a safe space for you to be your most free and vulnerable self. We are the people who spend the bulk of your wedding planning process, wedding day, and initial honeymoon stages with you and it is an intimate process. The presence and energy your wedding photographer brings to the day is a direct result of how your day will feel and that translates in your photos. Building a connection and trust with your photographer is a crucial part of our creative process as it allows everyone involved to be themselves, resulting in authentic photos that reflect the honesty of these moments.
Look At Your Wedding Photographer’s Portfolio Thoroughly
Much like painters, sculptors, and tattoo artists, wedding photographers often specialize in a specific style or niche of photography. If your Pinterest board is filled with light and airy photography inspiration, you can save yourself the time and trouble of contacting those dark and moody boudoir photographers for your big day. While budget is a consideration, it’s really important to truly think about how you envision your wedding photos looking and begin looking for wedding photographers who have a portfolio with that style of work. What photos do you want to look back on in thirty years time?
Ask Yourself How Camera Confident You Are
Photographers’ work styles vary greatly from person to person, and it's important for potential clients to understand that it’s a unique craft and each photographer will offer a very different experience. Some photographers take a more observant, intentional, documentary-style approach. Generally, these photographers focus on capturing authenticity in the present moment without much intervention or direction. They observe and anticipate little fleeting moments, emotions being processed and released, and interactions among guests and loved ones, aiming to create a genuine storyline and unposed narrative of the wedding day. On the other hand, some photographers prefer to give more detailed instruction and guidance during the entirety of the wedding day. These photographers provide detailed direction on posing, timeline, and lighting throughout the day to create very intentional images. It’s important to assess how much instruction and guidance you and your partner need to feel your most confident selves and choose a photographer who aligns with that. Most wedding photographers understand the importance of capturing the present moment while also providing guidance to their clients. Talk openly when screening potential photographers and don’t be afraid to ask how hands on they are in their direction and approach. The better my client and I can communicate, the better the desired outcome for both parties. Both parties setting proper expectations and being able to communicate freely and safely is a vital part of the process.
Trust Your Intuition
Remember to trust your gut instincts and connections during your conversations with potential photographers. Don’t be afraid to write down a list of questions beforehand to help guide yourself through the process. Ask personality questions about things unrelated to photography to see if you connect on * that * level. Selecting the right wedding photographer is not only about their portfolio and experience but also about finding someone who makes you feel your most confident self in all interactions, because that’s the experience you deserve.
Looking for a photographer who knows how to help you hit your best angles while still focusing on capturing the honest essence of a moment, preserving it in an authentic and timeless manner? Get in contact with me here.
