You said "yes" and now the wedding planning frenzy has begun! You're slowly making your way down your planning checklist and it's time to choose a photographer to capture all the moments of your wedding. How do you know which one to choose? I'm going to break down some major tips for choosing the perfect photographer for you!
Set your photo budget and begin your search there!
Wedding photography costs can range from around $1,000 up to $20,000 depending on what kind of coverage you are looking for and the experience level of the photographer. The average range for the 2024 wedding season was between $2,000-$6,000 according to several recent bridal planning resources. Make sure you understand what you are able to spend to help narrow down the list of photographers you are wanting to choose from.
Research styles of wedding photography and decide which style best fits you!
There are various styles of photography and editing that differ from one photographer to another. You might read or hear terms like "documentary," "editorial," "light and airy," "true-to-color," or "moody." Each of these terms is unique and most photographers have a defined style that they primarily focus on. It's important to understand what style you are looking for and to use that as a basis in your selection. The best way to know if a photographer fits within your desired style is by reviewing their portfolio. Make sure to ask for a sample gallery or look book when inquiring! Do they consistently edit in one style? If not, can they guarantee you they can deliver a wedding gallery that matches your desired style?
Make sure they pass the vibe check!
When inquiring with photographers, it may feel tedious to jump on calls with them to discuss your vision- you're already slammed with everything else in your life with an added bonus of wedding planning! These calls can be a huge factor in deciding if they are the right fit for you! It's important that couples feel like their vendor understands their vision. Additionally, your wedding photographer is going to be with you every step of your day and capturing really intimate moments of you and your loved ones. It's important to make sure you feel totally comfortable and confident with this person. A few questions to ask yourself and consider during your initial consultation call:
- How is their professionalism?
- Are they really listening to and understanding your vision and needs?
- Do they seem engaged in the details of your day and ask questions?
- Do they seem excited at the prospect of working with you?
Consider an engagement session as a trial run!
If you feel fairly confident that you have found the right wedding photographer, you should consider scheduling an engagement session with them. Some photographers include them in their wedding package offerings. The engagement session will allow you to spend some one-on-one time with your photographer prior to your big day helping you to become more confident in front of the lens as well as letting you develop a more personal relationship with them. Remember, they are going to be with you most of the time on your big day! You want to make sure you feel comfortable and confident!
Having the right vendor is a huge advantage when it comes to your wedding planning! Having a team of vendors who understand your vision, support you in your planning, and are excited to work with you to bring everything you have been planning to life makes a huge difference in your overall wedding experience.