Selecting the right vendors isn't always easy...

So here are a few tips to help select the perfect photographer for you!

When choosing a photographer, there are so many options out there that it can feel overwhelming. How do you know you've found "the one"? Here are 6 tips to help you in your quest for the perfect photographer to capture and preserve your memories:

1. Be mindful of your budget!

One of the first steps to planning any wedding is figuring out your budget. Be realistic about what you are willing to spend to make it the day of your dreams! Once the budget is established, figure out what your priorities are and distribute your budget accordingly. But don't let budget be the only factor in your decisions -- remember this is a once in a lifetime event! Be up front when meeting with potential photographers about your budget, and they will be up front with you if they can make their services work in your price range.

2. What's your style?

What type of photography do you want? Something dark and moody? Light an ethereal? Vibrant and intense? It's important to be aware of your personal aesthetic when selecting a photographer, so make sure you have a clear vision of what you would most like to receive. You can often get a fair idea of a photographer's style by looking at their website and checking out their portfolio. If you're unsure of how to describe the look you love, have some sample images on hand to show the photographer! Just remember - you can't expect to get sweeping sunset landscape pictures if you're having a daytime city wedding, so select sample imagery that fits with your plans for the day.

Take a look at our wedding portfolio by clicking below:

GO TO WEDDING PORTFOLIO

3. Getting to know you...

Food for thought: you could potentially spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than your actual family members. Think about that for a second. This person is going to be with you as you're getting ready, in those moments leading up to "I Do," and well into the party afterwards -- so it's helpful if it's someone you like and connect with as a human! Talent, skill and experience are all important (more on that later), but if you are uncomfortable or aggravated by your photographer, it will be reflected on every one of your pictures. Take the time to meet with your potential photographers to see who feels like the best fit for your day. If time allows, strongly consider an engagement session. You can get a feel for what your photographer is like behind the camera, and also see how you feel in front of it, and it's another opportunity to build up that comfort level that will make your wedding day as stress free as possible.

Take a look at our engagement portfolio by clicking the link below:

GO TO ENGAGEMENT PORTFOLIO

4. Experience Matters!

Talent, skill, and experience all work together to make a photographer capable of producing some amazing photographs - so make sure that the one you select not only has experience with portrait photography, but has also photographed an event before. There are so many active, moving parts on a wedding day that do not play into a traditional portrait session that it is not a fair comparison between the two. There are certain aspects of flow and time management that can only come through years of experience, and that is something you will definitely want to ask about when considering potential photographers.

5. Do Your Research

Before booking, do your research! Your photographs will capture your memories for a lifetime, so make sure you know what you are signing up for.

- Take a look at the photographer's portfolio: Make sure their style matches what you are looking for!

- See samples of their printed materials: Look at albums, prints, and cards that were printed by the photographer to make sure the quality is what you want and expect.

- Check out reviews from past clients: If there is a recurring complaint in all of their reviews, it may be something you want to consider before signing on the dotted line.

- Make sure they are insured: Nobody wants to think of terrible things happening on their wedding day, but please make sure your photographer is insured. It protects the photographer and the client.

6. Are they Available?

This one may seem obvious, but make sure the photographer is available for the date of your wedding! To maximize your chances (especially on popular dates), try to book your photographer approximately 12 months in advance. This will make sure there is ample time for an engagement session or bridal session, and it will also increase the likelihood of the photographer you love being able to be there for your special day. Wait too long, and you run the risk of ending up with a vendor you are less than excited to work with.

Hopefully this has given some direction to your photography search - best wishes and happy wedding planning!

Interested in working with us for your wedding day? Click below to contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation!

2 Comments

Jun 20, 2019, 2:20:21 PM

Brian Anthony - Hi Cathy,
Please check your email, I've sent over some information.
Thanks,
Brian

Jun 20, 2019, 11:16:37 AM

Cathy Woods - Please send me wedding package prices

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6 Tips to Help You Book the Perfect Photographer