Selecting a photographer for your wedding day is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes to your wedding day. These images will live on after your big day and tell your story for generations to come. You want to make sure your wedding photographer’s style and work reflects what you want for your images. Here are a few things to consider and ask yourself to help you choose the right wedding photographer for your wedding day.
How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer
1. Define Your Style Preferences
Start by exploring wedding photos on Pinterest, Instagram, and in magazines. Take note of common themes and the overall look of the images. Identify whether you are drawn to candid moments, romantic portraits, or intricate details. This exploration will help you narrow down the shooting and editing styles that resonate with your vision and give you an idea of the editing style you are drawn to, such as traditional or classic, film, light and airy, dark and moody, artistic, photojournalistic, a mixture of styles, and so on. As you look at the images, consider the mood, atmosphere, and overall aesthetic of your wedding and what you’ll want to look back on in the future – not just today.
2. Look Beyond the Surface
Don’t just focus on aesthetics; envision yourself in the photos. Consider if the emotions and stories captured align with your personality and values. Your wedding photos should reflect who you are and the authentic moments that matter most to you. Don’t just look at what’s “pretty”.
3. Clarify Your Values
When choosing your wedding photographer, reflect on what you value most for your wedding day. Is it family, the atmosphere, or a specific aesthetic? Knowing your values will guide your decision-making process and help you align with a photographer who shares similar principles.
4. Consider Personality and Qualities
Evaluate what’s important to you in customer service and this creative vendor relationship. Think about the type of person you want to work with. What kind of personality and qualities do you want in your photographer? What type of personality do you like being around? Do you prefer someone who is more go with the flow, or someone who can take charge and direct when needed? You will spend a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day and you want to work with someone you mesh well with and who will give you the desired results you want. If you have a large wedding party or rowdy bunch of groomsmen, maybe you need someone who can read a room and direct when needed in a fun, kind way. If you are planning a small, intimate wedding, maybe a relaxed photographer who gently monitors the timeline while capturing all the important and emotional moments of the day is a better option.
5. Ask Yourself Important Questions
- What photos will hold the most significance to you years down the road?
- How do you want to feel when you revisit your wedding photos?
- What moments are most important to capture?
- What type of experience do you desire before the wedding day?
This is a starting off point. Once you honestly answer these questions and others mentioned in this post, you’ll have a better idea of what your are looking for in a photographer, which will help you choose the right wedding photographer.
6. Evaluate Experience
While experience at a specific venue may not be crucial, the overall experience of the photographer holds weight. A seasoned photographer will have honed skills and insights to handle various scenarios. Experience brings not only technical expertise, but also a keen eye for detail, creativity, and the ability to anticipate and capture fleeting moments that make your wedding day uniquely yours. Knowing when direction is needed and when to allow moments to unfold naturally is a skill. Experienced photographers understand this and are familiar with the flow of a wedding day. They possess the skills to navigate various lighting conditions, manage large groups for formal portraits, and seamlessly blend into the background to capture candid moments authentically. Ultimately, entrusting your wedding memories to an experienced photographer ensures that every precious moment is preserved with artistry, professionalism, and a deep understanding of the significance of your special day.
7. Review Portfolios and Galleries
Go beyond the highlight reels on Instagram and thoroughly review the photographer’s portfolio and website. Request to see extended or full wedding galleries to get a sense of a full day or wedding weekend to ensure consistency in style, attention to detail, and the ability to capture a range of emotions and lighting conditions. Look at how they tell the story – and if you like it. As you view their wedding galleries, make note of whether or not you see each wedding individually, as its own, or if they all seem the same. Do they showcase every part of the day? Is there good attention to detail? Did they capture a range of emotions and candid moments? As you view their work, make sure it’s not all models and that there are real people and weddings. Some editorial work is fine, but is it all styled work?
8. Meet and Connect
As you narrow down your search for the right wedding photographer, arrange meetings to establish a personal connection. Gauge their personality, communication style, and ensure they understand your vision. A strong connection ensures a smooth and enjoyable experience before, during, and after your wedding day. Connection and personality is key to this relationship. Those first interactions are critical. You want to be excited to work with this person and feel relieved knowing your day is in good hands.
9. Read Reviews
Explore reviews to gain insights into the experiences of other couples. Look for words that resonate with what you envision for your own wedding – words like fun, easy, organized, timeless, and more. As you read through the reviews, look for the description of the experience you want to have for your wedding photography.
Choosing the right wedding photographer is a huge decision that goes beyond just visuals; it’s about finding someone you are comfortable with, who understands your love story and unique vision. You want to select a photographer who shares your preferred photography style, who cares about your wedding day, and above all else, one you connect with and can envision yourself working with. By asking the right questions, considering your values, and connecting on a personal level, you’ll find the perfect photographer to beautifully capture your wedding day.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ALEX FERRERI AND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY SERVICES, INQUIRE HERE.
View more resources, timeless wedding day moments, and romantic engagements on the blog:
Capturing Your Wedding Day: 6 Things I Won’t Do as Your Wedding Photographer
The Covenant At Murray Mansion Wedding Weekend
What To Do with Your Wedding Photos | Make the Most of Your Images
