5 Tips For Finding Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
After working as a wedding photographer for the last several years, something I’ve learned to place a lot of importance on is whether a photographer and client are a good fit. Today’s brides have a lot of choice; while this is amazing, it can also be overwhelming! So how do you find your perfect match? Here’s a short list of things to consider.
Photography Style
Does the photographer’s style match what you’re looking for? A lot of couples have budget in mind first and foremost, but it’s equally important to find a photographic style that you love as well. Keep in mind, these images are what you’ll have as keepsakes 20 years from now! Some questions you should be asking yourself are, are their images timeless? Does the style work with your planned colour palette? Are they lightly or heavily edited, and will you be expecting significant retouching? Is their style consistent across their portfolio?
Personality
Something that I think gets glossed over (especially in today’s world of online interactions) is whether or not your photographer’s personality will mesh with yours. You don’t have to be friends (though it’s awesome when that happens!), but you’ll be spending a lot of time with them on a very important day; it’s essential that you feel comfortable with your chosen photographer and you feel OK with spending 8+ hours of your big day with them!
Back Up Gear
This is an important one, as your wedding day doesn’t usually get a re-shoot! In the event of a technical mishap - whether their camera malfunctions, or a guest spills a drink on their lens - do they have a back up to continue with your wedding coverage? Honestly, if someone is shooting weddings professionally and doesn’t have a back up camera body and lenses, that’s a major red flag.
A Realistic Representation of the Full Day
As photographers, most of us love to display our “hero shots” online - the images we are most proud of, our absolute favourites. While that’s a great way to get to know one’s style, it’s important that your photographer can show you examples from every part of the day. Check out past blog posts (some photographers will post more from their weddings there) or ask to see a full gallery.
Honesty Goes Both Ways
If you choose a photographer whose work is primarily shot in bright and colourful locations and you’re planning to be married in a dark and moody location, you’ll both need to be honest about the conditions and limitations. As a client, it’s important to be realistic - if you get married in a historic chapel, it won’t look the same as a ceremony on the beach (both are beautiful, but photograph differently). As a photographer, if your portfolio doesn’t match what the client is looking for or you don’t feel that you are the best choice for the job, tell them. Communication is key for both to ensure an awesome working relationship and to create gorgeous images that will treasured for decades!