Elizabeth Hall Events

View Original

8 Tips For Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

Discover how to pick the perfect person to capture your big day.

There are few things more important on your wedding day than capturing all of the special details. Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when building your dream vendor team to ensure you have each and every moment on film.

Finding the right fit for your style, your wedding vision, and your venue is a big decision that can feel overwhelming. When you’re comparing different photographers and trying to identify the right match for you, keep in mind these eight tips to help you narrow down your search. 

Find a Match for Your Wedding Style

Browse online and take a look at a wide range of wedding photos to figure out which styles you gravitate towards. Do you like dark and moody photos, or are you draw to an airy and bright aesthetic? Or maybe you prefer pictures that are in a more journalistic style? There’s no right or wrong answer! Take note of what you keep coming back to, and be sure to choose a photographer who shoots in a similar style to bring your vision to life. .

Dig Into Their Tagged Photos

On their websites and Instagram profiles, photographers tend to showcase the best of the best. To get a more well-rounded impression of their work, take a look at their tagged photos, too. This will let you see photos that other couples or vendors have posted, so you’ll get a more well-rounded sense of the photographer’s style instead of just the highlight reel.

Prepare for a Rainy Day

If you’re getting married or plan to take photos outside, there’s always a chance it might drizzle on the big day. To get ahead of any less-than-ideal weather, ask to see your photographer’s previous rainy day photos to make sure their style is to your liking. That way, you’ve prepared for every scenario so there’s no last-minute problem solving the day of your wedding..

Find a Photographer Who Feels Like a Friend

Besides your wedding planner, your photographer is the vendor you’ll interact with most during your wedding day—so it's important that you feel comfortable together. Make sure your personalities match up and that you enjoy their company because they will be there during intimate moments, like getting ready with your bridesmaids and getting dressed (you’ve got to capture that zipping-up-the-gown moment!). Take the time to meet with your potential photographer in person or on a video call to make sure you mesh well.

Think Bigger Than Your Wedding Day

When it comes to your photographer, don’t be afraid to think big. Instead of just booking them for your wedding, consider also booking them for your engagement photos, bridal shower, or other pre-wedding events. That way, you can get comfortable working together, so you feel more confident and relaxed at your wedding. You can use pre-wedding photos to practice so the wedding photos turn out perfectly—and as an added bonus, you can also use the final product for your wedding website, holiday, cards, or save the dates. It’s a win-win!

Pick a Professional

Choosing your photographer isn’t just about the photos. You want to be sure to pick someone who is reliable and professional, too. If the person keeps missing calls, seems flaky, or is slow with their communication, take it as a red flag. Their professionalism and service should match the caliber of their photos—and if it doesn’t, it might be best to look elsewhere.

Align on Day-Of Details

Before booking your pick, be sure to ask them about their day-of photography style. Do they do portraits, and if so, how do they structure them? What are their tactics for making people relax in front of the camera? Will they help you pose or capture Instagram-worthy candids? A great photographer will be able to walk you through their process and explain how they’ll perfectly capture the exact shots you’ve been dreaming of.

Now that you have our insider tips and tricks, picking the right photographer should be a breeze. But if you’re still struggling to find the right vendors, maybe it’s time to enlist the experts. Get in touch today and learn more about our wedding planning services.