What To Expect When Searching for a Wedding Photographer

Pretty pictures, lots of instagram followers, really inexpensive. Those can be a few things that might attract you to a photographer. But What happens when you get to your wedding and realize that photographer you thought was all that and a bag of chips just isn’t exactly as “awesome” as you thought? It always saddens me when I have couples approach me after their weddings saying that they wish they knew more when searching for a good wedding photographer. You aren’t able to repeat this day, so you want to make sure it is capture beautifully and professionally.

Here are just a few helpful tips as you search for someone to capture your best day ever.

1. Decide on a Photography Style

You’ve been planning your gorgeous May Garden wedding and picked out an amazing photographer. However, the bright and airy colors you cannot wait to have captured don’t exactly align with the style your photographer shoots in. This is something you’ll want to pay attention to. For the most part, photographers fall into one of two categories. Bight and Airy, or Dark and Moody. While there is an in-between, these two are the most common. Keep this in mind as you plan your wedding and what you envision your wedding photos to look like. While reviewing galleries, you’ll be able to determine what style your photographer shoots in and what style you can expect when your images are completed and delivered!

2. Ask to See Full Wedding Galleries

By Asking to see full galleries, you are able to see what to expect when your final images are complete! This will show you how the photographer narrows down which images to edit, how they are edited, and of course, how your day will be captured. If your photographer isn’t willing to show you a full gallery, or isn’t willing to, this could be a red flag to pay attention to.

3. Get to Know Your Photographer

I always have so much more fun when shooting when I have gotten to know, and my couples have gotten to know me! It is very important that you pick a photographer who your personalities mesh well! Not only can this ease your mind on the day of, but it can make shooting SO much more fun! Several of my couples who I got to know well before their wedding day are still my friends to this day and I love catching up with!

4. Ask About Preparation Before Your Wedding Day

Make sure you figure out if your photographer offers any help before your wedding date. What does that look like and include? Do they just wait for a timeline and show up when it says so, or do they help you with timeline planning? This may be something that you want when planning out your timeline and when photos happen.

5. Make Sure They Have Legit Reviews from Real Couples

This may sound stupid– but make sure the photographer you are hiring has reviews! Wether good, bad, or constructive, you’ll want to see reviews from real couples who have hired your wedding photographer! This will show a lot what it is like to really work with them!

6. Are Engagement Sessions Included

Lots of couples look for an engagement session included within their wedding package. This is a HUGE perk, and also more photos so double win! This is a fun time for you to get to know your photographer and get warmed up for your wedding photographer! You may find it as a bonus if your photographer includes an engagement session within your package.

I hope you enjoyed these tips and found them helpful in your planning and searching process! Most of all, go with a photographer who you truly love, are excited to work with, and feel confident in their work! You won’t be disappointed!