thoughts & inspirations
(and some humble brags too)

Choosing the right photographer for your wedding can be a daunting task. You want someone who can capture all of the special moments, but create beautiful images at the same time. After all, you will be looking at these photos for a lifetime to come. With a world filled with so many photographers to choose from, how do you pick?! Here’s 5 of my most important tips to finding the right photographer for you!

1. Check out their portfolio

This is the the time to really search around – find photos that really match the style and aesthetic that you’re looking for. This is really a two -for one – question. First the style – are you more into candids or posed shots? Aka do you want posed -looking directly at the camera, editorial type photos, Orrrrr are you looking for a more laid back approach that captures what is exactly happening in the moment as it’s happening – think candid, less direct looks more laughs and real emotion. Secondly you want to look at how the person processes their photos. Some have that old school sepia vibe, others are more true to color. Every artist has their own spin on the photos – and you have to find one that is visually pleasing to you.

**** BONUS TIP: Lately there has a boom in photographers going to ‘retreats’, ‘styled shoots’, or ‘content days’ these are just fancy words for situations that are completely controlled, with the most perfect settings so then photographers (and other wedding industry members) can get images to use on social media to attract their ideal clients. This isn’t a bad thing, but it’s not a realistic representation of a wedding day. So while these images are absolutely beautiful – just remember they are under the most perfect situations, and you’re being shown what social media wants you to see. To avoid being bamboozled – please ask to see a recent full wedding day album, not a styled shoot! If you’re looking to book a destination wedding – ask them to see the full wedding day if they’ve shot in the location you want to be married in! It’s also okay to ask if it’s a styled shoot! The more information you know the better for choosing the right photographer for you!

2. Read the reviews!

Check out reviews on google and social media platforms to see what clients have to say about their experience! Key words to look for are professionalism, communication skills, and ability to capture the true essence of the couple. *Subtle link – click here to check out my google reviews!*

3. Consider your experience

While everyone has to start somewhere, and I’ll forever cherish those couples who took a chance on me in the beginning but choosing a photographer with experience shooting weddings can be a wise decision. Experienced photographers are better equipped and educated to handle the challenges a wedding day can bring. For example, the changing of lighting, weather conditions, and delays in a schedule.

4. Meet with the photographer

Hopping on a quick call or video chat can help you determine if this is going to be a good fit or not. It will confirm if their communication and personality match up with what you saw on their website and email exchanges with you! Having a good rapport with your photographer can make all the difference in how comfortable you feel on your wedding day, which leads to even better photos. A good connection means the photographer can do their job better, by effectively telling the story of your wedding day.

5. Check their credentials –

Please please please pleaseeee check with your photographer and discuss their backups. Not only should they have at least two cameras to utilize on your wedding day (in case one breaks, they have another!), but ideally, said cameras should have 2 memory card slots so that if one fails, theres another one to ensure that your images won’t be lost! Additionally, make sure they are fully insured! This way, if anything happens, you are covered. It’s like a car – you wouldn’t drive it without insurance, so why book someone without it? It’s just too risky! Finally, ask them about their backup process. While I may be a bit over the top with backing my images up online, on a hard drive, plus a tower, and also not formatting the memory card until the album is delivered – as long as some sort of backup process is in place, you’ll know that your pictures memories are safe!

Remember, at the end of the day your wedding photos are visual memories that you’ll look back on forever. Choosing the right photographer will make all the difference. Take the time to do your research, ask the questions, and trust your gut! You’ll know when you find the right one, and if you think it’s me – feel free to click here and we can get to chatting! 🙂