How to find the Right Wedding Photographer for You
As much as we’d like to say otherwise, you don’t really get to spend your wedding day with just your new spouse. In fact, you will more than likely spend the majority of your wedding day with your wedding photographer as your third wheel. That being said, you want to make sure the wedding photographer you are working with is a great match both portfolio wise and personality wise. Here are some of my top tips for finding the perfect wedding photographer for you!
SET YOUR BUDGET
Budget is super important to most couples when they are looking for wedding vendors. The cost of your photographer is going to vary depending on what you need. There are a lot of factors that go into pricing: coverage hours, engagement session, having a second shooter, and delivery time. A full 8 hour wedding day will be priced differently than a 2 hour elopement at City Hall. Your wedding photographer will help guide you through the options to find something that meets your needs and budget.
DO A LITTLE SOCIAL MEDIA STALKING
Remember before you went on your first date how you did some light internet searching to make sure your date wasn’t a serial killer? While you don’t necessarily need to worry about your photographer being a killer, peeking through their social media will be a huge help. This way you can see their work and their personality! If you’re unfamiliar with photography styles, the most common keywords are light and airy, moody, and true-to-life. Of course, there’s a million variations in between, but these will help you narrow down your vision. You also may see words like documentary, fine art or editorial in reference to posing, shooting and editing style. Look through portfolios and blogs and take note of the keywords for those galleries to see what you gravitate towards.
TALK IT OUT
Once you’ve narrowed down your budget and your vision, it’s time to talk it out! Chat with friends and family who have gotten married and see what their experience was like. Ask them what they liked and didn’t like, what stood out in both good and bad ways, etc. If you are working with a wedding planner, ask them who they recommend. Many times, they have a list of photographers that they trust and can help find the perfect fit based on your needs. Once you’ve talked to friends, family, and professionals, it’s time to book a consult with photographers you feel are a good fit. A consultation will be super helpful to see if you vibe together personality wise. It also helps to put a face with the name and work!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be on your way to find the perfect wedding photographer! There are so many wonderful options out there in all different price points and styles. Finding that perfect blend of professionalism, personality, and portfolio will ensure that you have a photographer that perfectly captures your day.
xoxo misterdebs
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