5 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

Hey there! Today I wanted to share some wedding advice! Matt and I got married back in March and it was so amazing. One of the biggest things for me was to have great pictures to be able to go back and look at for years to come. A wedding photographer is one of the things I suggest making sure you have a decent budget for because pictures last forever.

Like I said, a wedding photographer is definitely something to make sure you spend a little bit more on. It’s not just the pictures you’re paying for. It’s the time and skill of the photographer during your day as well as after when it comes to editing the pictures and giving them to you. With that being said, it’s important to pick a photographer that is in your budget, but also someone you get along with and vibe with.

From experience, I want to share with you 5 tips to help you pick a wedding photographer!

1. Do your research

Just because someone in your area loved the photographer they used and their pictures turned out stunning, doesn’t mean you will feel the same way. Research photographers in the area you plan to get married in. Also, keep in mind out-of-state photographers. Sometimes it may be better to bring one in from another state if they travel. Research different price levels, packages. Make sure to see complete wedding portfolios when you’re looking on a photographer’s site. It’s very important to look past the pictures on their site and take into account price, what’s included in each package, and their photography style compared to what you want.

2. Know what you want

It’s important to know what you want when it comes to your pictures. This is your big day. Do you want a flirty and flimsy style of pictures, or do you want a sultry and romantic style? Keep in mind the location and theme of your wedding, and find a photographer that can match that style. Put a shot list together of pictures that you absolutely have to have ar your wedding, pictures that you can’t live without. Also, make sure you know what kind of package you’re looking for. Do you want an all-day photographer, just the ceremony and reception? Do you want an engagement session as well?

3. Meet the photographer and ask questions

No matter how much research you do online, it doesn’t replace meeting the photographer in person and getting a feel for them. No amount of online emails and viewing of their site can replace the energy when you meet them in person. Now, here is the important part, ask questions! You need to know all of the details about how many photographers will be there, how many hours the package includes, if you’re the only wedding they’re shooting that day, and so many more questions.

4. Read recommendations on third-party sites

Now, no matter the research, it is important to look at recommendations online. It’s also important to look at recommendations from third-party sites like theknot.com and Google. Yes, reviews on the photographer’s sites are good too, but it’s important to make sure you go to a third-party site to make sure to see unbiased positive and negative reviews. The Knot is one of the biggest wedding planning sites there is, and is full of reviews and recommendations from other brides. It is important to take all reviews with a grain of salt but to also read them and not just gloss over the negative reviews.

5. Communicate, communicate, communicate

Make sure you communicate what you want when you do your initial meeting, when you sign the contract, and even after all the way through your big day. If something changes, communicate that with your photographer. They can’t read your mind or know your expectations without you telling them. This goes for all vendors you have at your wedding. Wedding planning requires so much communication because you have to make sure that everyone shows up at the right time with everything you have ever dreamed of.

This is your big day and it’s important to make sure you get the pictures that you want and not have to worry about it on your big day.

What tips do you have for choosing a wedding photographer? Let me know in the comments!