5 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Photographer + Some of My Faves
Your wedding photos will last more than a lifetime, so it’s definitely important to choose wisely! Today I’m sharing five of my top tips for choosing the person responsible for capturing your big day.
#1 Make sure their style aligns with your vision.
Do you prefer fine art photography? Or maybe you like bold exaggerated colors or a vintage feel. Maybe you love a bunch of posed photos, or you prefer someone who shoots more candid shots. Whatever your style is, make sure you choose a photographer whose vision aligns with yours. It’s not really respectful to try to change your photographer’s style of shooting. It makes them unique! You wouldn’t hire an interior decorator who specialized in Victorian homes if you like farmhouse chic, right? Right!
#2 The camera doesn’t make the photographer.
BEWARE! Just because a photographer you are considering has some crazy equipment, doesn’t mean they know how to properly use it or that they are skilled in taking photos in an artful way. I have viewed plenty of wedding albums in my time, and I have to say, I have seen photos shot on the iPhone that have looked better (sorry to be so blunt, but it’s true). I would definitely take time to read about your photographer. A few things to consider: Where did they go to school (not they they have to, I’m sure there are some awesome self-taught photographers out there), how many weddings have they shot, have they even shot any weddings or has their experience been in other areas, do they prefer destination weddings or specialize in a certain setting, are they a preferred vendor of your venue, how are their ratings online?
#3 View a few FULL albums before committing.
A friend of mine Joseph Lin (he is so amazing please take a look at his work), once told me that you should really look at full albums when considering your photographer. It’s so easy for them to choose a few of the best photos (and if you’re shopping on Instagram, they are probably posting their best work). Maybe those few photos you saw were the only good ones. Yikes! You don’t want to get your photos and not like 90% of them.
#4 Definitely shop around.
Make sure to look at a few photographers and compare their packages, pricing, etc. For me, photos are extremely important, so it will definitely occupy a larger portion of my budget, but if that’s not you, that’s totally fine! I will say though, you usually get what you pay for. So if this is important to you, don’t cut corners. Save the money in another area instead.
#5 Make sure you’re comfortable.
The vibe you have with your photographer is so important! If you’re comfortable, you’re more likely to look relaxed and happy in your photos instead of stiff. If you can, also meet your photographer’s second shooter or assistants so you can get to know them.
And last but not least, sharing a few of my faves in no particular order… (Also in case you’re wondering I did social for a designer and have seen a TON of photos and this is how I chose. I’m sure I forgot a few! Also tried to put in a few different styles.)
