Wedding planning is a process that can sometimes feel super overwhelming. There are so many details to think about and so many decisions to make! One of the most important things you’ll do in the process is picking the right photographer. Not the most well-known, or the cheapest, or the most talented, or the “she photographed my best friend’s wedding” one, but the one that will be the right fit for you and your vision! In this blog post, I’ll be sharing the top 5 things you should look for in a potential wedding photographer. Let’s get right into it!

• One of the most important things you can do is hire someone whose aesthetics mesh with yours and whose portfolio speaks to you. I believe this can be said about all the wedding vendors you hire, but I’ll try to stay within my wheelhouse. What I mean is that you should not look at what your friends and parents like, but think about your vision and your own taste first. Your wedding photos are precious and there won’t be a second chance to retake them. If you like the editing and have a good overall feeling about someone’s photos, that’s someone worth pursuing!
• A lot of couples overlook this, but it’s actually crucial! Hire someone you like being around. But how can you tell if you’ll like that person? First, go to their website and social media, read the “about” page, learn a little bit more about the person behind the camera, and if you like what you see, ask if they’d be willing to meet you in person for coffee or hop on a quick Skype call. I personally meet with all my couples before booking with them. It gives us all a chance to talk, get to know each other better, and really see if we’re a good fit. Believe me, wedding days are stressful enough. You want to be surrounded by people you really like.
• Packages and Process. Understanding everything you’re getting for your money is so important. Become familiar with how many physical images/albums you’d be getting and how many hours the photographer is going to spend at your wedding. If there is something you want that is not included, see if you can add it to the package and what the cost would be. Ask how pictures will be delivered and what the deadlines are. Of course, read the contract before signing it and learn about all the policies, payments, and your rights as a client.

At the end of the day, it’s all about trust. You should feel confident that each vendor you hire, from the photographer to the DJ, is someone you know will do their job properly so that you can focus on what’s really important: enjoying your big day!

When you like and trust your photographer, you’ll be left with incredible photos and memories that last a lifetime. I hope these tips help you meet the photographer who will bring your wedding to life!