A wedding photographer is one of the most important vendors to check off your essentials list when planning your wedding day! So when it comes to hiring your wedding photographer, there are a few things to keep in mind. I’ve compiled a list just for you for the most important things to consider when hiring your wedding photographer.

1. Check out the Portfolio

First off, check out their portfolio and see if their style matches your vibe. You want someone who can capture those special moments and bring out the emotions, ya know? You need to love their style and picture yourself in it! Feel free to ask photographers for a full album of a gallery they have photographed.

When asking for those full galleries though, just keep in mind, wedding galleries can be anywhere form 3-10 hours. So while you may be thinking something was missed, it may not have been what a couple wanted to include in their day. Each wedding is unique in that way, and a good photographer goes with the requests of their couples. The main thing you want to look for in galleries or portfolios is how they handled light and composition, especially at the end of the evening or reception time when the light is low.

Of course, making sure they have experience photographing weddings is also a must. Weddings are a whole different ballgame. So you wouldn’t book someone that just does family photography. You want to make sure their website includes wedding photography as well.

2. Connection is key

Alright, listen up, lovebirds! When it comes to picking a wedding photographer, let me tell you, connection is of UTMOST importance! Seriously, you want someone who vibes with you, who gets your vision, and who can capture all those magical moments telling your story like nobody’s business. It’s like finding the perfect dance partner with fireworks going off! As cheesy as this sounds, I mean, your wedding day is all about love, happiness, and all things gushy, right? So why not have a photographer who adds to that joyous vibe?

When you click with your photographer, it creates this awesome energy that makes you feel comfortable and relaxed in front of the camera. And let me tell you, when you’re feeling at ease, those wedding photos are gonna be next-level amazing! I cannot stress this enough, your comfort is shown in the photos the MOST. If you are awkward, it shows too. So being comfortable with one another is a BIG piece of the puzzle.

It’s also why I recommend you do an engagement session with your photographer before the wedding as well (it’s offered with all my wedding packages for THIS REASON ALONE). In fact, I haven’t upped my pricing because of adding engagement sessions, pricing has nothing to do with it. It is because I find this such an important piece that I feel it needs to be with every wedding booked to make your special day even more unforgettable!

3. Pricing and Budget

Alright, let’s talk about pricing for your big day. So, picture this: you’re on the hunt for that perfect photographer to capture what could be the most important day of your life, but you also gotta keep an eye on your budget, am I right?

First things first, set a budget range that works for you. Think about how much you’re willing to invest in preserving those precious memories. While I am definitely passionate about how this could be the BIGGEST DAY OF YOUR LIFE and you can’t put a price on it, I know that we all have to be realistic.

Once you’ve got that in mind, start researching photographers who fall within your budget range. Now, here’s the fun part: reach out to those photographers and ask about their pricing packages. Some might have different options like basic packages with one photographer or packages with two photographers or even including wedding albums. Take a look at what each package offers and see if it aligns with what you’re looking for.

It’s important to consider the photographer’s skills, experience, and style too. You want someone who can capture those magical moments in a way that makes your heart skip a beat. So, keep your budget in mind, but also keep an open mind. Find that perfect balance between price and quality, and you’ll be well on your way to finding the wedding photographer of your dreams! I’d love to chat if you are searching.

4. Read Reviews

Okay folks! I’m not just referring to reading reviews off a photographer’s website (the website the photographer created). Don’t get me wrong finding a photographer with a website does give legitimacy to their business. AND what makes this even better are those Google Reviews coming straight from their clients. So yes search up any wedding photographers you are considering on Google and the reviews that go with them! It’s like having your own backstage pass to the wedding photography world!

First off, reviews give you the inside scoop from real couples who have already experienced the photographer’s magic. They spill the beans on their overall experience, the quality of the photos, and how the photographer handled everything. It’s like getting a sneak peek into what you can expect!

But wait, there’s more! Reviews also help you gauge the photographer’s professionalism and reliability. You wanna make sure they’re on top of their game, right? Reading reviews can give you a sense of how they communicate, if they show up on time, and if they deliver the goods as promised. No one wants any last-minute surprises on their big day!

And let’s not forget the fun factor! Reviews can give you a sense of the photographer’s personality and how they interact with their clients. Are they a blast to work with? Do they make you feel comfortable and at ease? You want someone who can bring the party vibes and capture those candid moments that make your wedding day unforgettable!

So, my friend, don’t skip out on reading those reviews. They’re like the secret sauce to finding the perfect wedding photographer who will rock your socks off and capture your love story in the most epic way possible!