Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your big day.
Your wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime, so it’s important to find a photographer whose style you love.
Here at Weddings by Kristy, we’re dedicated to helping you every step of the way. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through how to choose a wedding photographer, the questions to ask your wedding photographer, and what to look for to make sure your big moments are captured perfectly.
1. Nail Down Your Style
When deciding how to choose a wedding photographer, the first step is to understand your preferred photography style.
Do you envision classic, posed portraits, or do you prefer a more candid, documentary-style approach? Your choice will influence the type of photographer you should look for.
Equally important is the editing style. Some photographers prefer a light and airy look, giving photos a soft, romantic feel. Others might favor a dark and moody style, which can add a dramatic and artistic touch to your images
It’s important to remember that photographers usually stick to one editing style and don’t switch for individual weddings. So, make sure you’re happy with their overall portfolio before making a decision. This way, you’ll avoid any surprises and ensure your wedding photos match your vision perfectly.
Traditional: Focuses on posed shots and formal portraits.
Documentary / Photojournalistic: Captures candid moments and tells a story.
Fine Art: Emphasizes creativity and artistic expression.
Editorial: Inspired by fashion photography, with a polished, magazine-like feel.
Spend some time looking through wedding photography portfolios to see what style resonates with you. Knowing your preferred style will help narrow down your choices and make the selection process that much smoother.
At Weddings by Kristy, we can help you identify your style and find photographers who match it. Reach out today to book your free call!
2. Set Your Budget
Budget plays a big role in choosing a wedding photographer. Wedding photography prices can vary widely, so it’s important to determine how much you’re willing to spend early on.
Keep in mind that your wedding photos are a long-term investment, so it might be worth allocating a larger portion of your budget to ensure high-quality results.
When discussing pricing with photographers, be sure to ask about what’s included in their packages.
Some photographers offer full-day coverage, while others provide a set number of hours. Clarify any additional costs, such as travel fees, album creation, or extra editing.
At Weddings by Kristy, we can help you set a realistic budget and find photographers who fit within it. Reach out to us today for a free chat.
3. Research Potential Photographers
Once you have a clear idea of the style you want, start researching potential photographers in your area.
Look at their online portfolios, social media pages, and reviews. Pay attention to the consistency of their work and whether their previous weddings align with your vision.
A great tip for choosing your wedding photographer is to ask friends and family for recommendations. Word-of-mouth referrals can lead you to talented photographers who might not appear in your initial online search.
Ready to skip the research and get straight to the good stuff? Check out our Signature Support Package for couples who know they can plan their weddings but need help with the details and logistics.
Meeting potential photographers in person or via video call is a crucial step in choosing a wedding photographer.
This meeting will allow you to gauge their personality, professionalism, and how well you connect with them. Your wedding photographer will be with you throughout your special day, so it’s important to feel comfortable and at ease with them.
During the meeting, discuss your vision and expectations. Share any specific shots you want, important moments to capture, and any family dynamics that may impact the photography.
A good photographer will listen closely to your ideas and give helpful suggestions. You should never feel pressured to take certain photos you don’t want, no matter how “traditional” or “classic” they may be.
To ensure you’re making the right choice, here are some key questions to ask your wedding photographer before making your final decision:
EXPERT TIP:“Not only should you be looking for a style you love but also a personality that suits you and your betrothed. Your photographer will be in your space much of the day, so you’ll want someone who puts you at ease and feels comfortable to talk to. That first conversation is more than just a Q&A, it’s a vibe check”
Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer Before Hiring Them:
How would you describe your photography style?
Can we see full galleries from recent weddings?
Do you have experience shooting at our venue?
What packages do you offer, and what do they include?
How many hours of coverage are included in your standard package?
What is your policy on overtime, and what are the associated costs?
Do you have a second shooter or assistant?
How do you handle low-light situations or bad weather?
How long after the wedding will we receive our photos?
Do you offer any additional services, such as albums or prints?
What is your policy on image rights and usage?
Need more help preparing for these meetings? Download our FULL list of Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer to keep on hand and help you prepare HERE.
Looking at a photographer’s portfolio can give you a good sense of their style, but reviewing full wedding galleries is equally important.
This will provide you with a comprehensive view of how they capture an entire event, from the getting-ready moments to the reception.
Pay special attention to how they handle different lighting situations, their attention to detail, and their ability to capture emotions.
When learning how to choose a wedding photographer, don’t be afraid to ask photographers to share full galleries from recent weddings. This transparency can help you feel more confident in your decision.
Start your planning journey with confidence. Download our Free Wedding Planning Checklist to help you with each phase of the planning process.
6. Understand the Contract
Before signing a contract with your chosen photographer, carefully review all the terms and conditions.
Ensure that all the discussed details, such as hours of coverage, deliverables, and payment schedule, are clearly outlined. Pay special attention to the cancellation policy and what happens in case of an emergency.
It’s also a good idea to ask about the editing process. How many edited photos can you expect, and what is the turnaround time? Understanding these details will help set realistic expectations.
Building a positive relationship with your wedding photographer can significantly enhance your experience. It can be difficult to feel comfortable with someone taking photos of you that you don’t know!
Stay in touch with them leading up to the wedding day, sharing updates and any changes to the schedule. This open line of communication ensures that everyone is on the same page and can lead to a smoother, stress-free day.
Consider scheduling an engagement shoot with your photographer. This session can serve as a nice ice-breaker and practice run.
EXPERT TIP: “An engagement session is your trial run. We get to interact with a camera in the mix, and your photographer gets to find your best angles. Figuring out how you and your partner flow together with direction eliminates variables and can streamline the wedding day photo process. Whether you want engagement photos or not, it’s the experience here that helps prep you for professional pictures as newlyweds.”
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8. Trust Your Photographer
On your wedding day, trust your photographer to capture the moments that matter. You’ve chosen them because you love their style and professionalism, so give them the creative freedom to do what they do best.
A great wedding photographer will blend into the background, capturing candid moments while also directing formal shots when necessary (and if desired).
Their expertise allows them to anticipate and document the special moments that make your wedding unique.
Relax, enjoy your day, and let them capture the magic!
Conclusion
Choosing the right wedding photographer involves careful consideration of style, budget, and personal connection.
By following these steps and asking the right questions, you can find a photographer who will beautifully document your special day!
Remember, your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so take the time to make an informed decision.
Once you do that, trust in your choice, and enjoy every moment of your wedding day knowing that it’s being captured by a professional who understands your vision and is dedicated to bringing it to life.
If you need more guidance on how to choose a wedding photographer or have any other wedding planning questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Weddings by Kristy. We’re here to make your wedding planning journey as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
Contact us now and let Weddings by Kristy make your dream wedding a reality!
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Hey there! I grew up in the dry heat of Phoenix, AZ but now live in my favorite swamp, Washington D.C. My dream job? Owning a cat cafe. Just kidding (kind of). I’ve wanted to be a wedding planner for as long as I can remember. But not just any planner. The cis-heteronormativity of the wedding industry kind of gives me the ‘ick,’ so I’ve built a team to help all couples celebrate their love in a way that feels good to them. Not how society says ‘this is what a wedding should look like.
