How to Choose your Wedding Photographer

All too often, I hear of brides basically shooting in the dark trying to choose a wedding photographer, reaching out to photographers in their area and hoping for the best. We’re going to walk through an approach that will actually lead you to the photographer you’re excited to invest in!

But you can’t find who you’re looking for, if you don’t know what you’re looking for.

Okay, buckle up because this one is a little long, but TRUST ME when I tell you, this is the best way to ensure that you get the wedding album of your dreams!

I’m going to break this down into 5 steps to help you determine who will be a good fit to capture the next best day of your life 🙂

Step 1: Create Your Ideal Wedding Gallery on Pinterest

Before you even start Googling or Instagram searching for wedding photographers, get on Pinterest and start a new board titled “dream wedding gallery”.

Make sure you’re choosing images that reflect the nature of your wedding. If your ceremony is in a courtyard garden and the venue has a lot of greenery, choose photos on Pinterest that are similar. You can also look on your wedding venue’s website for images or search your venue on Pinterest for photos that have been taken there.

From getting ready photos to the sparkler send-off, I want you to piece together your dream wedding photo gallery! At the very bottom of this page, I’ve included a checklist of photos to consider during this process.

After you’ve put together your dream gallery, you can start looking for photographers that will be able to deliver what you want.

Step 2: Find some Photographers you love

You can start by searching on Pinterest, Instagram, Google, and your wedding venue website for recommendations. Try typing things like “(location)/destination, (style preference), wedding photographer” into these different search engines.

Take a look at their portfolio, after all, that’s what you’re really paying for and going to frame on your walls, not your photographer’s face… (unless I’m your photographer because we’ll probably be best friends by the end of your wedding lol).

You can view my weddings galleries here!

Once you find some photographers whose work you like (i.e. it looks similar to your Pinterest gallery), reach out to them and ask for access to one of their full wedding galleries. You can even tell them what you’re looking for; “editorial images at a venue with a lot of black and white elements” as they may have many to choose from, but you’ll want to see something close to your vision!

If you know you love your Pinterest board, but you’re not sure what the style is, you can just send them a link to the board and they can help determine if they’re a good fit for you or not.

Step 3: Narrow Down the Search

NOW you can compare the galleries you see from various photographers with your dream gallery on Pinterest! Notice the poses, the colors, and the style.

When you look at a photographer’s work, ask yourself these questions to help determine if you should move forward with them:

• Can I see myself in these photos?
• Are these the types of photos I want to put in a wedding album/frame on the wall/share all over my social media?
• Do these images portray the emotions that I want to feel when I look back on my wedding day?
• Have these photos captured what I believe to be the most important part of a wedding day?

If you like the answers to these questions, it’s time for a consult call!

Step 4: Are they THE ONE?

While ensuring that your wedding photographer is going to capture the images you’re longing to have on your coffee table for years to come, there are a few other things to consider.

The likelihood is that hundreds of photographers could probably make that vision come to life… so how do you narrow it down further?

This is how…

• PERSONALITY: you don’t have to be best friends, but if you’re going to spend 8-12 hours with this person on your wedding day, in addition to interacting before and after, it’s going to be a lot more enjoyable if you like each other!

• VALUES: does this person share your values in a way that they will support and encourage you through this season of life? maybe it’s not a non-negotiable in your search effort, but if you want your guests to be people who are witnesses and champions of your unity in Holy Matrimony, vendors who share your values will be even more of a delightful presence on your wedding day 🙂

• PRICE: of course we all have budgets! check the websites of your photographers for wedding package prices (some may have starting prices or ranges) and you can ask for an investment guide when you inquire if you need more information. just remember, this is an investment; an investment in a person who has spent years in this craft learning how to serve people just like you in a way that will impact your legacy as you hand down wedding photos for generations to come!

• TIMELINE: if you value a speedy turnaround time, look into a photographer’s FAQ or ask them about the timeline of photo delivery (sneak peeks, full gallery, etc.)

• PHOTO RIGHTS: in addition to the timeline of receiving images, you may want to inquire about your rights for use regarding the images the photographer delivers. Some photographers charge for wedding day coverage and add on photo prices after the fact. Be very clear on what you’re receiving in a wedding photography package.

Step 5: Booking your Photographer!

Once you’ve gone through these steps to find a photographer that can capture your wedding photos and meshes well with you and your fiancé, you’ve put in the work, now it’s time to go with your gut!

Whoever you choose is going to be great and I’m sure they’re going to capture your day beautifully 🙂

Go ahead and check “find wedding photographer” off of your to do list!!!

Additional Pinterest Board Details

Here are lots of ideas of the types of images you can include in your DREAM wedding gallery inspo (and might double as a little wedding planning “to do” list). You can always go through my Wedding Pinterest Board to get started!

• detail photos
  • welcome sign, decor, flat lays, invitations/stationary suites, special jewelry/charms/photos/heirlooms, wedding dress/shoes, rings, vow books
• getting ready photos
  • hair/makeup, bridesmaids outfits, getting ready space, groom/groomsmen, wedding party gifts, bride getting dressed, MOH helping with jewelry, sisters helping put on shoes, gifts for the family
• first look
  • first touch, private vows
• wedding party
  • bridesmaids, groomsmen, flower girls, ring bearer
  • serious, funny, trendy…what do you gravitate toward?
• ceremony
  • processional, walking up the aisle, standing at the altar, guest reactions, wedding party at the altar, first kiss, walking down the aisle together, any special traditions
• cocktail hour
  • unique vendors, drink specials, wedding favors, customized drink ware, cocktail hour games/decor, guest interactions
• reception
  • place settings, table scapes, grand entrance, first dances, dinner, reception outfit, speeches, cake cutting, champagne toast, party on the dance floor, late night snacks, live artists
• send-off
  • sparklers, bubbles, ribbons, rose petals, dried lavender, confetti canons, lanterns, fireworks, vintage getaway car

Want to see more of my work? Check out the galleries on my website for sneak peeks or portfolio page for full galleries!

Make sure to follow me on Pinterest and Instagram to get more helpful wedding photography and planning tips!