Choosing a wedding photographer for a wedding photographer

After all the months and months of planning, the big day finally arrived. Filled with excitement and joy, he came and went. What I didn’t realize was that even though I was the bride, I had still missed parts of my wedding. I was working on a tight budget and decided not to hire anyone to photograph my wedding. A friend offered to take my bridal portraits and photograph all the big moments: the reception line, the wedding party photos, the first dance, us cutting and eating our cake, etc. Everything seemed to be perfect. It wasn’t until I received the photos that I realized the friend didn’t take very good photos. She didn’t understand how to operate the camera other than point and click. She didn’t understand the shutter speed or the F-point. My photos and the opportunity to capture that memory for a lifetime was ruined.

So how do you actually choose a photographer to photograph your wedding? Should you hire someone? Should you ask your friend/family member who won’t change you to photograph the wedding?

Professional photographers know their equipment like a chef knows his kitchen. Your camera becomes the means by which you create what you see in your mind. Wedding photographers in particular specialize and are experienced in knowing what to look for during your special day. Our job is to ‘see your vision’ and make it a reality. We will capture the ‘essence and feeling’, not just the memory of your big day.

It can be a lot of fun searching for the right photographer and you can get a lot of great wedding ideas along the way. I would say that the first question I am often asked is “how much do you charge?” Price is important, but most of us wouldn’t buy the cheapest dress, shoes, stylist, flowers, food, or venue. Instead, we look for things that we love or that mean something to us and then ask how we can fit that into the budget.

Wedding photography is intense work. It’s a lot of pressure with many things happening at once and no second chances. Once the wedding day is over, you won’t be worried about how many photos you get for the money; you will be thinking how much you love them. So, in addition to price, choose your photographer based on quality, personality, experience, and reliability. The quality of the shot is HUGE! Again, you only get one change to photograph that moment. That’s why we always have 2 photographers. If you don’t feel comfortable with the photographer, will you look or act your best in front of the lens? Also, look at the style of the photographer. Does his portfolio tell a story? Is it traditional with many formal poses? Is it more capricious? Will the photographer allow creativity and try new things? You want the best photos possible – a photographer with a style you love and a personality that makes you feel comfortable in front of their camera is sure to give you the best finished product!

So if you’re still looking, give us a call or send us an email. We are happy to meet you, talk about your wedding dreams, and help you achieve exactly what you want! Happy hunting!