READ TIME
8 minutes
You’re Engaged! Time to find a wedding photographer
Congratulations on your engagement! It’s a time for joy, planning ahead, and the hunt for the perfect wedding photographer to capture your special moments.
But where do you start? A stunning wedding gown, the dream venue, a dashing suit for your partner-to-be, and a bouquet of exquisite flowers – all essential elements that contribute to your big day. And let’s not overlook the pièce de résistance: a wedding cake that’s both delectable and a visual masterpiece.
While these are thrilling aspects to get excited for, they’re also one-time occurrences, making them even more precious. Since there are no second chances, it’s crucial to ensure that every crucial detail and fleeting moment is captured, allowing you to relive your wedding day in the future.
Finding your ideal wedding photographer might feel overwhelming, yet by starting your search early, you’ll have ample time to find the perfect fit. We recommend booking your photographer shortly after you’ve settled on the venue. Photographers often schedule weddings up to 6 months ahead, and the most sought-after professionals may even be booked for the next 2 years. So, starting your research promptly is essential.
But what should you even be looking for? Here are our top recommendations for finding your perfect wedding photographer:
1. Style
Begin by thinking about what type of images appeal to you. Whether you’re drawn to moody aesthetics or prefer light and airy compositions, seek a photographer whose portfolio aligns with your preferences.
Dark and moody
Light and airy
Next, ensure your chosen style complements your chosen venue. Remember, a venue with dim lighting might not pair well with a bright and airy photography style. Avoid setting unrealistic expectations by considering these factors. Do you desire precisely posed shots that bring out the best in you and your guests? Or would you rather candidly capture emotions and reactions as they naturally unfold? Perhaps you’re inclined toward unconventional, relaxed, and contemporary images that mirror the happiness of your special day.
Photographers generally adhere to several distinct styles, so selecting one that resonates with you and consistently appears in their portfolio is key.
Traditional Style
Originating from film photography, this approach involves posed group and couple shots. While it might not capture every emotion, but it will capture exceptional and timeless family portraits.
Documentary Style
A more modern approach, this style captures your wedding day as it happens, focusing on genuine emotions and the atmosphere.
Contemporary Style
Combining elements of the previous two, contemporary photographers provide a comprehensive view of your day. They will bring a more artistic touch, using unique angles, varied lighting and diverse framing to deliver a fusion of classic and modern aesthetics.
2. Experience
Once you’ve settled on your preferred style and created a shortlist of potential photographers, delve into their experience. While experience might influence cost, it’s a crucial investment.
Consider whether you value savings over the assurance that an experienced photographer can handle the challenges of your wedding day. A novice photographer might offer lower rates as they’re learning the ropes and building a portfolio. However, an experienced photographer has already refined their workflow, ensuring they extract the utmost from every moment.
Experience is evident through portfolio size and the number of years dedicated to wedding photography.
3. Compatibility
Having narrowed down your choices, it’s time to assess the photographers on a personal level. Meeting them over coffee is an excellent way to connect, and they’ll likely be open to it. If that’s not feasible, opt for a video or phone call. Skipping this step could lead to discovering on your wedding day that your photographer’s approach doesn’t align with your expectations.
An engagement shoot is another effective means of gauging compatibility. Witnessing them in action and assessing their style against your vision can help you decide. If you find a mismatch, it’s not too late to explore other options before your wedding.
4. Consistency
Following your meeting and style alignment, request to see a full wedding album (if you intend to order one) and images from an actual wedding. Ensure the album mirrors what’s showcased on their website, showing alignment in terms of color, exposure, or quality. Quality assurance is vital, especially considering the cost of albums.
Reviewing a real wedding can provide insight into their shooting style and editing consistency. It’s crucial that their entire wedding coverage matches the standard showcased online, ensuring your satisfaction.
5. Trust and connection
Throughout your communication, assess the photographer’s responsiveness, willingness to explain, and commitment to your needs. Trust is pivotal in this partnership.
Evaluate whether they accommodate your schedule and preferences. If a photographer seems too busy, consider whether you’re comfortable with potential rushed work. Remember, a photographer’s availability might indicate high demand, which could influence their dedication to your wedding.
When chatting with your photographer, see if you’re comfortable around them, if you can be friendly and relaxed with them. Since the photographer will be a constant presence on your wedding day, feeling at ease around them is essential. If you find yourself uneasy during discussions, it’s worth considering whether they’re the right fit, regardless of their style and recommendations.
TL;DR
Your wedding day deserves to be captured by a professional who understands your desires and can skillfully preserve your cherished memories. These are our top 5 tips to help you with your task:
- make sure you like their STYLE
- check they have EXPERIENCE with shooting wedding photography and aren’t learning what wedding photography is during your wedding
- see if you have COMPATIBILITY
- check they have CONSISTENCY between what they display on their website and what they deliver in a real wedding and an album
- make sure you TRUST them enough to allow them to capture your memories.
At Lovely Up North, we have been shooting weddings since 2014 and have developed a fun, delicate and dreamy style of wedding photography.
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