What to Look For When Hiring a Wedding Photographer

When it comes to planning your wedding, it is extremely important to select vendors that you fully love and trust. Especially when it comes to your wedding photographer because these photos will last a lifetime! Not only is it important that you like their photography style but you should also like your photographer’s personality. You are with them most of your wedding day, so it’s important that you actually like them! For me, it is so important that I click with each of my couples so that I can best serve them on their big day! So let’s hop into all the things you should look for when hiring a wedding photographer.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Photographer

Photography is not just about budget! While I think budget is important here are some other factors to consider when hiring a wedding photographer.

A Personality that you love

It’s so important to have a conversation with photographers before hiring them! Pick someone you will feel comfortable with during all parts of your wedding day. Would you get coffee or wine with that person? If your answer is no, then you may not feel comfortable getting ready in front of them or sharing the most intimate parts of your wedding day with them. If you’re comfortable with your photographer, it makes it so much easier to ask them questions throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day.

someone who shares your values and vision

Whether you want to follow a strict schedule or you want your day to be more laid back and relaxed, this is an important thing to talk to your potential photographer about. What are some things you are looking to capture on your wedding day? What is most important to you? The candid photos or a lot of styled photos? Also share examples with your potential photographer because a lot of the times what clients think are candid photos aren’t actually candid!

Consider their photography style

When hiring a wedding photographer, think about what types of photos catch your eye while scrolling through Instagram or Pinterest. What about those photos do you like? Is it the editing style, the content of the photos or the feeling you get when you look at them? There are many types of wedding photography with technical terms that may be confusing. Editorial, traditional, documentary, etc. When picking a photographer go through photos you love and ask yourself “why” then find a photographer who aligns with this.

Also consider their editing style! There are so many types of editing styles. Bright and airy, dark and moody, and everything in between. Consider your venue when considering your style. If you light bright and airy and are getting married in a dark barn, make sure your wedding photographer can accommodate the lighting situations and know your photographs will not look the same as someone getting married in an all white room. Your venue plays a huge part in what your photographs will look like.

think about your budget

Remember you get what you pay for. I know everyone has a budget they want to stick to and there are photographers in everyone’s budget but they will also have varying levels of experience. So many times I hear people say “I wish I would’ve spent more money on photography.” You pay for the experience. If you are looking for high end photos, it will cost more. This also doesn’t mean that everyone who charges a lot is a safe hire either. Do your research and consider all factors before hiring someone!

Setting Expectations

Make sure you go into conversations with potential wedding photographers with all of your expectations out on the table. Some people don’t have any experience with professional photography and that’s okay! For most people hiring a wedding photographer, it is the first time they’ve hired a professional photographer! If you have inspiration pictures, or you want your day to look and feel a certain way, make sure you talk to your potential photographer(s) about this before hiring them because their process may not be able to accommodate your expectations.

Look at their packages

When considering a photographer, think about their packages and carefully understand what is included and whether they offer additional services or add-ons! Add-ons can include videography or film photography. Think about your needs and preferences to determine which package will best suit your needs and that also falls within your budget.

Experience and credentials

Trust is key when hiring a wedding photographer! It’s so important to verify their experience, credentials and professionalism before committing. Ask about their insurance coverage, proficiency in various lighting conditions, business registration and how many years of experience they have. A seasoned photographer with a solid track record is more likely to deliver the results you’re looking for and be able to handle any challenges that can arise on your wedding day!

Communication

You want to be able to get into contact with your photographer throughout this process with any questions or concerns you may have. Ask how responsive they will be from the time of booking up until the day of your wedding. Will they provide regular updates throughout the planning process or just show up the day of? Also - How do they prefer to communicate? E-mail, phone, in person meetings etc. A photographer who is attentive and accessible will provide peace of mind and make for a seamless experience.

TRUST!!!!

At the end of the day you are hiring a professional photographer because you trust them and have reviewed their work and value their work. Photographers are creatives. While it’s important to outline your expectations with them, its also important to allow them creative freedom to tell your story the way it happened on your wedding day. No two weddings are going to look exactly alike and no two couples are exactly alike!

Always Antonelle | East Coast Wedding Photographer

At the end of the day, selecting a wedding photographer is something that requires careful consideration. By prioritizing factors such as personality, shared values, style preferences, and experience, you can find a photographer who not only captures stunning images, but also understands the significance of your special day! If you are looking for your dream wedding photographer on the East Coast - head over to my contact page to see if we are a good fit! I can’t wait to hear from you!