Finding Your Perfect Wedding Photographer

Finding the right photographer for your wedding can be a daunting task. There are lots of websites to sort through, blogs to pour over, and advertisements everywhere. The good news is that with a little time and effort, you can do your own research and find a wedding photographer that is just right for you. (P.S. – Heeeyyyyyy 😉)

Start your search close to home.

A great way to start your photographer-seeking journey is by asking friends and family who they recommend. Chances are good that a photographer who’s worked well with people close to you will also work well with you! So many of my referrals are word of mouth, and those couples generally end up not only being my clients but my good friends as well!

Using Instagram and internet searches are also great ways to find local photographers. Be weary though of photographers posting styled shoots and not real weddings, because they may not be able to recreate their style in real-life situations. Once you’ve found a few photographers you’re interested in working with, don’t be shy about reaching out!

You should also think of it as an investment

It’s no secret that great art is a luxury, and this is the case for photographers as well. Remember that these photographs are an investment – in yourself and in your family. Your images will become family heirlooms which is why I offer print products built to last a lifetime and create wall furnishings for your home.
Although choosing the least expensive photographer may seem like an attractive option, there is most likely a reason they’re so cheap! If budget is the main concern in selecting a photographer, find out if your dream photographer has a payment plan. (Hint: they should!)

Pro tip: You don’t have to be an art expert to decide whether or not you like a style – just browse through their portfolio, you’ll know exactly what you like and what you don’t!

You need to actually like your photographer!

Have you ever met a new friend, significant other, or business contact that you just “click” with? Your personalities should fit as though you’ve been besties for years! Finding the right photographer should feel this way as well – at least to a certain extent! Trust me on this!

Because you want your photographer to bring out the best in you on camera, it’s essential to find someone you feel comfortable with and can capture who you really are. This special chemistry will make all the difference in the final images!

Chatting with your potential Wedding Photographer

So you found a photographer whose work you love? Awesome! the next step is to reach out and start the conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions you want to be answered and feel out if it’s a good fit for you and your family. I’ve created an interview outline here for you. But feel free to add your own questions and ideas to the list!

Q: How long have you been a photographer?

A: I first started this amazing journey over 10 years ago in college. Though I majored in Finance, all it took was one photography class and I was hooked. It has been a dream career for me for over 8 years!

Q: Why weddings?

A: I could (and should!) write an entire blog about why I love weddings so much. But in essence, this is one of the most significant days in my couples’ lives. It feels like I get a day pass into these amazing families and I get the privilege of capturing these moments so they can enjoy them for generations. I love being helpful every step of the way, keeping it fun and relaxing for my couple! It’s a pretty big deal! And I love every second!

Q: How many images will I receive?

A: My goal is to tell your story… fully, completely, and beautifully. I do not have a specified number of photographs I deliver because I believe that is restrictive and will not portray your full story. With that said, you can expect to receive 500 to 1000 edited images, depending on the nature of your celebration.

Q: What print products do you offer?

A: Albums, canvases and print collections are all offered for my amazing clients. I like to keep everything simple (and fun!) Whether you get an album in your collection or not, each of my couples gets an album custom designed just for them. Another one of the ways I do this is by have a reveal celebration with every client! They come into my home (with friends, family, and even fur babies) and we relieve the day for the first time, together. It’s an amazing experience!

Q: How do I know if you’re the right photographer for me?

A: If you’ve read this far, you have learned a lot about me, and what a professional wedding photographer should do for you. Do you feel like I’m someone you would want to spend a day with? (Remember, your wedding photographer is a vendor you’ll actually spend time with on your wedding day, so it’s important that they don’t creep you out.)

Do you think I seem like someone you trust to make the kind of photos you want to see of your wedding day? If the answer is yes, or even maybe, you should email me right now. We should have a chat and get to know each other a little better.

Also, it’s ok if I’m not the perfect wedding photographer for you. Hopefully, you’ve learned a little something here to help you find the perfect professional wedding photographer for your day. No matter what, remember: It’s your day, and it should be perfect on your terms.