Steps to Finding a Great Wedding Photographer

Here are some of our top tips for finding a great wedding photographer to document your wedding. As planners, we match the perfect photographer to suit your style of wedding, but most importantly the right photographer for your personalities. A photographer is the one person(s) you will spend the most time with on the day itself so it is super important that you gel and feel relaxed.

Style

Before you begin researching photographers, you will need to first decide what type of photography style you prefer, as that will help determine which kind of photographer, you’ll want shooting your wedding. Get inspired! Spend time pouring over any kind of imagery you love, from décor shots to a fashion blogger’s Instagram feed. Once you have a good collection of inspiring photographs, try to narrow in on what draws you to them specifically and dissect what feels most authentic to you and your partner. Maybe that’s formal-posed portraits, a classic photography style or a lifestyle, photojournalistic feel. If you love sharp and contrast-y shots, perhaps a photographer with a flair for the dramatic is the right choice for you. Remember that you don’t necessarily need to narrow in on one style in particular, since many wedding photographers can do a blend of portraiture and documentary-style shots, a mix of black-and-white and colour images and so on. But if there is a special style you love, make sure to focus on photographers who specialise in it.

Do Your Homework

Start your search by reading reviews from recent newly-weds and browsing local listings, like the ones on Hitched. Carefully review potential photographers’ websites and blogs to check out photos of other weddings they have shot, which will give you an idea of their style. How do they capture the moments important to you? The design of the website may also have clues about the photographer’s personality and sensibility. Check out their social media pages too, if possible. Is the feedback from clients positive? How does the photographer respond? How do they interact with their followers, do they seem friendly and personable? You get the idea.

Make Sure Your Personalities Mesh

Don’t underestimate the importance of liking and bonding with your photographer. Is the photographer excited by your vision when you describe it? When they make suggestions, do they present them in a clear and respectful way, or are they timid? Are their mannerisms off-putting? To get the best photos, go with a pro who has a firm grasp of social graces but is bold enough to go out hunting for great images and who, above all, puts you at ease and doesn’t irritate you in any way. Remember: They’ll be shadowing your every move, and the more comfortable both of you are with the photographer, the better the photos will turn out. Likewise, you do not want the photographer to offend or annoy any guests, but to shoot them in their best light in an unobtrusive way. To get the best photos, your photographer needs to be assertive enough to seek out great moments, cajoling enough to coax relaxed smiles and natural stances from guests, and calm enough to be a positive force. They should ask lots of questions and be a good listener.