There are so many amazing photographers out there! Trust me, I know! I follow them on Instagram, I learn and grow from them, and I am friends with them! So how do you even begin to narrow down your search in a sea of amazing people? Here are some recommendations to consider when choosing your photographer:
What style are you attracted to when you see photos, and how do you envision your wedding photos? Are you into the dark and moody, desaturated greens look, are you bright and airy, or vibrant and bold? Every photographer has developed their style over the years and it is represented as their brand. I encourage you to not only think about how you want your photos to look now, but what about in 5, 10, or 20 years from now. Avoid jumping on trends and just go with what speaks to you! Keeping things clean, elegant, and classic helps ensure that your photos will remain timeless for years to come.
Do you jive with your photo/video team? Remember, these people are going to be with you most of your day, you want to be comfortable with them around. Do you want someone who is a bit silly, outside-the-box creative, or someone who is strictly professional? Maybe a combination of all three? Once you have found someone whose style you love, meet with them! If you click and feel at ease with them, and they understand what you want from your wedding photos, you are on the right track. Your team does a lot more than just click the shutter button; they are with you throughout the most emotional and important days of your life, so you need to be happy and relaxed with them being around. Couples have told us that having us there on their wedding day was like having another friend with them and this is exactly how we want our couples to feel!
One thing to think about is your overall experience. Chances are, you will book your wedding photographer shortly after you book your venue, and anywhere from a year or two in advance. Do you want someone who is easy to connect with, with a more hands-on, ask-for-advice approach, or do you want someone who is more hands-off? Consider how many weddings your photographer might be taking on in a season. While it is hard for me to say no to people who want to work with us, we do NOT operate as a factory, churning out cookie-cutter weddings! We limit our weddings to ensure that all our couples have a truly personal, memorable, and positive experience when working with us.
While you can get a good deal with a photographer who is new to the industry, you will probably want to find someone you trust to get it right. There is no substitute or shortcut for experience! It sounds obvious, but try to nail down your photography budget before reaching out to photographers. Be prepared to splurge a little bit if you find someone you really love, who you know will deliver results you want. After all, your wedding photos and videos are one of the only things you get to keep from your wedding day!
What it all boils down to is feeling comfortable and secure with the people you choose to work with, and trusting your own judgement and preferences. It truly makes the entire process easier and more enjoyable, and can make your big day WAY less stressful and more fun!