FINDING THE BEST WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOU
One major step in the wedding planning process is finding a photographer, but not just any photographer. You want to find the right one for you. Choosing a wedding photographer can be an overwhelming task. There are a lot (of us) out there with various styles, personalities, techniques, and pricing so choosing the right one that fits everything can be daunting.
With over five years of experience in the wedding photography industry, I want to bring forward some tips that I know can help make your search more selective yet personal. This blog gives you four easy steps to follow while getting you back to being excited for your big day!
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
Is it the lighting (bright + airy or dark + moody)?
Is it the pose (candid or formal)?
Is it the extra detail (sparkler exit, flare, double exposure)?
The photographer you choose has to be qualified to meet the expectations of what you really truly want for your wedding photography. In most cases, a photographer's technical range will easily be showcased via their website portfolio or through their social media profile(s).
Do you want prints/an album?
Interested in an engagement session?
Would you prefer your event be private and not shared via social media?
These are all key things to keep in mind when you consult with any photographer. Being upfront with your vision from the start gives you an edge in narrowing down who is exactly right for you.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
READ LOCAL WEDDING MAGAZINES + WEDDING BLOGS
Local bridal magazines and online wedding blogs are major tools in helping get your search started and give you plenty of advice with all facets of planning.
ASK AROUND
Don't hesitate to ask friends/family that have recently gotten married about how they liked their wedding photos and overall experience working with their photographer. Look through their albums or social media profiles to see how their day was captured.
Vendors and Wedding Venues are a great resource to get an idea of a photographer they like to work with or a list of photographers they prefer.
USE SOCIAL MEDIA - IG, FB, PINTEREST
Most photographers today have social media pages/profiles where you can see the most recent work posted, behind the scenes, and feedback from real clients. Keyword and Hashtag searches can give you an array of options quickly - ex: "Maryland Wedding Photographer" or #swanharborwedding.
GET TO KNOW THEM
Connection is essential between you and the photographer you choose because they/that team will be responsible for capturing one of the most important days of your life. When you have a solid foundation, you develop trust. You don't second guess their abilities. You don't question their value. Start by reading their "About" page, check their social media profiles (IG, FB), and try getting together over coffee to talk about wedding details face-to-face.
BE REAL WITH YOUR BUDGET
I highly recommend breaking down your budget to see what you can afford in the major areas of your wedding before reaching out to vendors. Once you know what you're able to work with financially, you can be more precise in who you'll choose as your photographer. For instance, if you have a min-max budget of $1-3K, keep your search criteria within that bracket and filter out who you honestly can't afford.
Say you come across a photographer you absolutely adore. Maybe you've even met with that photographer and really hit it off but the collection you're interested in isn't within your budget. What should you do?
Email them and be genuine.
Expressing how much you like their work while being honest about what you're able to afford can give you a response you may not expect! Ask if they'd be willing to do an a la carte collection for you, or if there's any way they can work within your budget. The worse case scenario - that photog says that they can't alter their pricing and you move on to your next choice.
KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
DO YOUR RESEARCH
BE REAL WITH YOUR BUDGET
+ BONUS: If you're single or dating, start following your favorite wedding photographers (and vendors) now. This will save you so much time when it comes to planning your wedding! These tips apply to all wedding vendors, so start forming your dream team!
I hope this blog helps the process of looking for a wedding photographer just a bit easier. Feel free to comment below or email me at brittney@brittneynestlephoto.com with any questions. Good luck!