How to Choose a Wedding Photographer, According to Photographers

We sought advice on how to choose a wedding photographer from the real experts–recently-married wedding photographers.

One of the biggest questions recently-engaged couples face is how to choose the perfect photographer for their wedding. In the process of selecting vendors, it’s helpful to seek out advice and recommendations from recently-wed couples to steer you to the right direction. To help to the legwork for you, we talked to three recently-married photographers–Michelle Harris of M Harris Studios in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Cavin Elizabeth of Cavin Elizabeth Photography in San Diego, California, and Ashley Simmons of Ash Simmons Photography in Pensacola, Florida–who have a unique perspective on the whole process. They are not only photography experts, but they have first-hand knowledge of the wedding planning process.
Find this helpful guide about how to select the right wedding photographer from the experts.
Pick your priorities.

With the number of talented photographers on the market it can be difficult to find “the one” can be challenging, perhaps even more difficult for photographers because they’re so involved in the world of photography. But by prioritizing your primary criteria then you’ll be able to reduce the list of. Ashley Simmons, who got married last March in Milton, Florida, chose Melissa Wilson of Melissa Wilson Photography to photograph her small wedding. “Seeing hundreds of images from numerous photographers can be overwhelming and make selecting the right photographer even challenging,” she said. “For me, I stuck with my main goals being similar to my style, someone that I could relate to, and the sameness of their work. Melissa checked all of the boxes.”

Make sure you have some room in your budget.

If you’re considering the best wedding photographer, creating the budget is among the first actions. Of course, it’s vital to determine the amount you are able to afford on the photographer (usually couples will spend around 12-percent of their budget on videography and photography), but if photography is something that is very important to you, you should consider leaving yourself some room. “I had $4,000 but wanted to spend it,” says Michelle Harris, who selected Corrin Jasinski for her wedding photographer. “I ended in spending $4,400 and I am more content than ever!”

There is no need to become an expert in the art of photography.

If you’re trying to decide the best wedding photographer, it’s a good idea to learn about different photography styles. Here’s a tip from the experts: If your not an expert on documentary and. traditional portraiture, that’s fine. The most important thing is that you are satisfied with the photographer’s work and can picture yourself in their images. In choosing Melissa Wilson for her wedding, Ash Simmons says: “I sought out to find a wedding photographer with an aesthetic that was similar to my personal style. I love the edits that I do for my clients. There’s a reason that I edit in the way I do and I was looking for a similar aesthetic for myself.”

Don’t overthink it.

It’s really easy be able to sit for many hours (or months!) looking through photographers’ websites and social mediapages, and reading reviews on sites such as WeddingWire. According to Cavin Elizabeth, who selected Tanya Menoni of Tenth & Grace for her San Diego wedding, it isn’t that difficult. “Don’t overthink the photo search,” she says. “Find some (four up to 6) photographers who’s work you are a fan of, arrange phone consultations with two or three photographers who have a budget and pick the photographer who is the most comfortable to feel relaxed and assured that you’ll love the photos.”
Find someone that makes you feel relaxed.

If you (like most people) are prone to getting nervous in front of the camera, finding the wedding photographer who can make you feel relaxed and assured is more crucial. “Even even though I’m a wedding photographer myself and am on the other aspect of the cameras could make anyone nervous,” says Ash. “Being in a position to relax and be confident in the photographer I chose was my main priority.” A meeting with a photographer in person or over Zoom prior to booking is a essential.

Do not worry (too too much) about asking the appropriate questions.

It’s all too familiar. You sit down for your first meeting with your wedding vendor but then you forget the list of questions that you wanted to ask. While yes, there are certain things you ought to ask any photographer you’re considering, don’t stress out too much if you are unable to answer a few. As long as you’re awed by their work, have received good reviews from past clients, their prices are within your budget and you’re familiar with their process, you’re probably in good shape.

“Although I’ve probably had a look at more photographers than many couples, I knew that I didn’t need to take up my or the photographers’ time by asking them excessive inquiries,” says Cavin. “You should get awed by the work of a select number of photographers and focus your conversation on getting get to know their personalities and their processes. There’s no need to be more complex than this!”

View a full wedding gallery.

Many wedding photographer Swansea will share their most popular images on their websites, social media sites, and marketing materials. While it’s wonderful to look at the best of the top photographers, Michelle advises couples to always request at the very least a full collection of their wedding photographs in order to not be just looking at the breathtaking scenic images and observing the way each photographer captures regular wedding moments like photographs of Grandma, guests dancing, or the cake cutting.

Be active with your top choices via social networks.

“I would definitely recommend reading through the bios on each photographer’s site and begin following their posts via Instagram,” says Ash. “This helps you feel more connected to them even if it’s been a while since you’ve met them in person. When the wedding day arrives it will be like an old friend is photographing you, not a total stranger. Many photographers will connect with you via social media to make it seem that they know you well. Establishing a relationship prior to the wedding day will help put everyone at ease , and it will be evident in your wedding photos.”

Find out about the style of communication.

Although it’s crucial to appreciate your photographer’s work, it’s perhaps even more important to understand how you’ll work together before and on your wedding day. When far in advance of the wedding do you and your photographer get together to discuss the schedule of your wedding day? What information does your photographer require prior to the event? Do you want your photographer to create a timeline to ensure the wedding goes smoothly? “The wedding day can be chaotic, and planning everything before the wedding day helps ensure that we document everything the couple has spent months planning,” says Ash.