1. Research to get to know your photographer.
Make sure you connect with them, their personality and their work. Keep in mind you’ll be spending one of the most important days of your life with them, potentially more so than your close friends and family. Meeting them in person or over the phone will help you get to know them better and ask meaningful questions. When you choose a photographer who is the right fit you will feel more comfortable in front of the camera and this will result in better photos.
Think about asking them how many people have they shot with? Do they have any specialties? How many weddings or elopements have they done? How have they photographed events? What makes them passionate about photography? Do they communicate clearly in a way you understand? Think of questions that matter to you that you can ask your photographer.
2. Check out their website.
Do you connect with their branding? Maybe it’s the color scheme, how they present themselves or how they’ve presented their past clients. Are there particular insights that you gain from their website compared to other photographers? Chances are if you love their website, work and relate to them you’ll enjoy working with them.
3. Ask them about their pre-wedding planning practices.
Figure out more about their process. Will the photographer do location scouting beforehand and figure out places where your wedding will be and places that would be amazing for your portraits? Preparation is key. Knowing about the venue details (lighting indoor or outdoor weather, where people will be sitting, where the couple will be saying their vows, where the reception is) is important. As well as places you’d like your family, friends and any other guests photographed. It increases time efficiency on the wedding day and makes the day run more smoothly.
4. Where do they do consultations?
Wedding planning can get very busy and time is limited. You can limit stress by choosing a photographer who is flexible. Maybe that’s through phone, video chat, at a location that is convenient for you or at least compromise to meet somewhere that’s mutually beneficial.
5. How do they backup photos and manage their gear?
It’s vital your photos are safe and it’s important to also plan for the unexpected. A good photographer will have backup equipment and digital backups of backups. Unfortunately accidents can happen and weather can be unpredictable, all the more reason to make sure they and their equipment is reliable. You deserve to have a photographer that will take care of you as a client as well as your images. It may be worth considering having a safe lock up area where your photographer can store their extra equipment if need be during your event. Extra photography gear can be heavy carrying around for the day. I’m sure your photographer would appreciate your courtesy if you did.
6. Budget, photo editing and booking
Whatever your budget is it’s smart to choose wisely. The cheapest photographer is often the least qualified. You get what you pay for. Keep in mind those who are less experienced may take more time editing or figuring out the right settings when taking your photos. Many photographers are booked a year in advance for a reason. They’re great at what they do. Prepare in advance.
Final words
After you’ve spent some time doing your research on multiple photographers you will have gained enough information to make your decision. You’ll most likely choose a photographer who’s branding and work you trust. You’ll know they can do their job well, and they care about you and are excited to photograph your wedding day.
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