10 Secrets to Finding the Perfect Wedding Photographer

BY: LYNNSEY PHILLIPS

You’re engaged! And now the planning process begins! Whether you’re working with a planner or doing it yourself you’ll find yourself digging through websites and portfolios trying to pick one. So let’s dive in! There are a few key things to keep in mind.

1.Consider your personal style & aesthetic.

First, consider your style and aesthetic. Do you want classic and traditional photos, or something more modern and edgy? Look through photographers’ portfolios and websites to get a sense of their shooting style and see if it aligns with what you’re looking for.

2. Have a realistic understanding of your budget.

Next, think about your budget. Wedding photography can be a significant expense, so it’s important to have a realistic understanding of what you can afford. Look for photographers whose packages and prices align with your budget, and don’t be afraid to negotiate or ask about customization options.

3. Look for photographers with a solid track record of shooting weddings.

It’s also important to consider the photographer’s level of experience. Look for photographers with a solid track record of shooting weddings, and ask about their approach to capturing all the important moments of your big day.

4. Ask to see full galleries from weddings shot by the photographer.

Ask to see full galleries from previous weddings they have shot, to get a better sense of the type of coverage they provide. The portfolio on their site is a great way to quickly get an idea of their style and the moments they like to document. But a full gallery will show you the type of product you’ll receive in the end and give you a better understanding of how they work on the day.

In summary, when looking for a wedding photographer, consider the photographer’s style and aesthetic, budget, level of experience, and references, and don’t forget to meet with them in person to ensure a good rapport.

5. Ask for references from other brides.

Don’t be afraid to ask for references. Speak to other brides who have used the photographer and ask about their experience. This will give you a better idea of what to expect and whether the photographer is a good fit for you. Start your search by viewing your friend’s wedding galleries and reach out to the same photographer. Word of mouth goes a long way!

6. Meet with the photographer in person or video call before booking.

When you have found a photographer whose portfolio and references you love, make sure to meet with them in person or have a video call to see if you have a good rapport with them. A wedding photographer will be one of the vendors you interact with the most on your wedding day, so it’s important to feel comfortable with them and trust their judgement.

7. Look for a photographer whose packages and prices align with your budget.

Wedding photography costs can vary greatly depending on the location, experience and reputation of the photographer, as well as the package and level of service that you select. The average wedding photographer starts from around $2,500 to $4,000.

Keep in mind the more experienced high-end photographers may charge anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 or more for their services. These photographers often have extensive experience, a strong reputation, and a large portfolio of impressive work. They may also offer a wider range of services, such as multiple photographers, drone footage, and additional editing and retouching. It’s important to keep in mind that while high-end photographers may charge more, they often provide a higher level of service and produce higher quality images.

8. Be realistic about your budget & priorities.

Photographers may be more expensive than you thought, especially when you have a sharp eye for great photos. I know I always gravitate to the most expensive item on the rack before seeing the price. This isn’t to say don’t book a great photographer whose prices are higher. But consider other areas of the day that may not be as important and allocate more money towards your photos. You could also book less coverage or a date that isn’t a weekend.

9. Create two lists…

Don’t reach out to every photographer on page one of Google. Do your research and create one list of 10 – 15 photographers who speak to you just from their website, references, etc. Reach out to them and see who’s available. It’s likely you’ll end up with 5 to choose from which creates your second list. Your A+ list. Schedule some consults and have questions ready to go.

10. Trust your gut and choose a photographer you feel comfortable with and can trust on your big day.

Enough said! If you love their portfolio and felt like you vibed well on the consult, trust your gut and go for it.

Bonus Tip: Give as much information about your vision as possible.

You’ll be filling out multiple contact forms so have a blurb ready to copy and paste about your expectations. Provide more info on you as a couple and what the vision is for your day. Nothing makes me want to work with a client more than when they seem to give a shit about their day and say something about why they like my style. Don’t just say, “we’re getting married, send us pricing”. That photographer likely won’t respond.