How to Choose a Wedding Photographer?

Wedding photography is one of the most important investments you will make for your wedding day. Your photographs will be cherished memories that will last a lifetime, so it’s essential to choose a wedding photographer that you feel can both capture your day perfectly and be the perfect fit for you and your partner.

The problem is, unless you possess extensive photography knowledge, how are you supposed to know what to look for in a photographer? How can you be sure they will do your wedding justice and provide you with the beautiful memories you deserve?

With that in mind, here are a few things to think about when choosing the right wedding photographer for you.

Always Start With Extensive Research

For the relatively few couples that don't end up loving their wedding photos, the main reason is that they didn't do their research when it came to finding a photographer. Remember, this is such an important decision, so you need to take your time and not simply book the first photographer you come across.

Instead, start by looking at as many portfolios as you can find. Look for photographers whose style matches what you are looking for, and make sure to read reviews. Maybe you're looking for a photographer who specialises in autumn hues or creating an ethereal atmosphere; whatever it is, make sure you find examples of their work that you absolutely love.

When reading reviews, always take them with a grain of salt. Of course, you should absolutely read what other couples have had to say about their experience with the photographer, but try to remember that every wedding is different. Just because one couple didn't love their photos doesn't mean you won't and vice versa.

Draw Up Your Shortlist

Once you've found a few photographers whose work you really like, it's time to start narrowing things down. The first step is to check that they are available on your wedding date. It might seem obvious, but you would be surprised how often couples get their hearts set on a particular photographer only to find out they are already booked.

The next step is to contact each photographer on your shortlist and get a feel for their personality and how they would work with you on your big day. After all, you will be spending a lot of time with them, so it's crucial that you get along.

If they seem like someone you would be comfortable with, ask to see a full wedding album from a recent wedding they have shot. Doing this will give you a much better idea of their work than simply looking at a few selected photos on their website or Instagram feed.

Finally, you need to get an idea of the prices. Wedding photography is not cheap. In fact, it is one of the most expensive aspects of your wedding day. That doesn't mean you should choose someone simply because they are the cheapest or most expensive, but you do need to weigh up what you are getting for your money.

Once you've considered all of these factors, you should have a good idea of which photographer is the right one for you.

Get to Know Your Photographer

Many couples don't quite grasp just how much time they will spend with their photographer on their wedding day. From getting ready in the morning to dancing the night away, your photographer will be there with you every step of the way, documenting your day as it unfolds.

That's why it's so vital that you feel comfortable with them. Ideally, it would help if you met with them in person to build a rapport and get to know them better. If that's not possible, a video call will do on FaceTime or Zoom can still be beneficial.

During this meeting, you can ask them any questions you might have about their work, their process, and what to expect on the day. This catch-up is also your chance to get a feel for their personality and see if they are someone you would be comfortable spending such an intimate day with.

It's also a time to set your expectations regarding photography style, timings, and anything else you might be concerned about. By the end of this meeting, you should have a much better idea of whether or not this is the photographer for you.

Assuming you decide to go ahead, the next step is to discuss any final details before booking.

Discuss the Finer Details and Book Them for Your Wedding

The final step is to book your photographer and agree on all the details. This process includes firming up aspects such as how many prints you can expect as part of the package, how long it will take to receive your album, what the delivery format will be (digital or physical), and anything else you need to know.

You should also agree on a schedule for the day, ensuring that both you and your photographer know exactly what to expect, which can help to avoid any stressful situations on the day.

Your photographer should also be able to provide you with a contract that outlines everything you have discussed. This is essential as it protects both you and the photographer and ensures that there is no confusion about what has been agreed.

And that's it! You are now ready to enjoy your wedding day, safe in the knowledge that you have chosen the right photographer to capture all those special moments.