Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration of love with the people closest to you. It’s only natural you would want to relive this moment in the future.
What if we tell you that’s definitely possible… How?
Well, this is where your wedding photos (and videos) come into play! After all, the photographers will be documenting your special day from beginning to end for a reason.
So, where do you even start when choosing a professional photographer? Research is key!
You want someone who is paying attention to not only the big important events during the day but also the small intimate moments showcasing your love.
To help get you started with your search, we’ve compiled some key steps to choosing the perfect wedding photographer for your needs!
Photography style
When it comes to wedding photography, each photographer has their own skillset, most mastering in one or two styles. Think of how you want your pictures to look, are you more into traditional, romantic, photo-journalistic, or editorial style?
Some photographers have a more traditional approach, taking pictures of you and your guests posing in different settings. Others, focus on taking candid shots, catching the seemingly small moments you don’t want to miss (like your cousin making out with the bartender *oops*).
A mix of both would add a nice touch to your wedding photo spread.
No clue yet what you want? Not a problem! Thanks to the world of social media, you can easily get some inspiration through Instagram or Pinterest.
By searching hashtags like #weddingphotoinspiration or #weddingphotography you will get a wide range of photos that you can save to your own vision board.
Packages
Now that you’ve established the exact feel you’re going for, you can contact the photography studios that fit your needs.
How to find them? Start by searching the internet for photography studios in your area. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family members if they have any recommendations.
Although, we wouldn’t recommend letting a family member take over the responsibilities on this day… Let the professionals take this one.
Most studios already have specific packages which can include an overview of the deliverables, pricing, timeline, and so on. The pricing of these packages can vary by state, for example, in the state of California the average costs range between $1000 to $3800.
Oftentimes, the studio is open to tailoring their packages to your specific needs as well (of course at an additional cost), so don’t be afraid to ask.
Have the budget for an extra photographer? Ask them if they can include 2 photographers from their studio for your wedding day.
This way you can ensure that no special moment goes unseen!
Feel the vibe
The photographer(s) will be spending the whole day with you documenting the day, so it’s super important for you to click with this person.
Aside from having someone who blends in with the crowd, you’ll also know for a fact this person will capture the REAL emotions of your special day.
It’s an intimate day with family and friends, you wouldn’t want someone who doesn’t match your energy walking around.
A tip would be to go out for a coffee or lunch with the photographer(s) beforehand to get to know each other.