Four Things to Consider when Choosing your Wedding Photographer
Are you looking through what seems like a million different wedding photographers in your area? Do they all seem the same? Here are four important things to consider when choosing whom is the right wedding photographer for YOU. It’s an important decision, and you only get one ‘shot’…
1. Do you like THEM?
No, I’m not talking about their photography here, I’m talking about their personality. Let me tell you why that’s important. Your photographer will be with you throughout your entire wedding day. From being in PJs with no makeup to the drunk dancing and sparkler exit. They are with you through every intimate, fun, and emotional moment. And that third wheel, let me tell you, can and will impact how you feel on your wedding day. If that presence is not one you’re comfortable with, or one that doesn’t match your own personality, it will not be the same as having someone by your side that you feel completely comfortable with as if they were your life-long friend. So aside from their photos, it is so important not to overlook this aspect of who you choose as your photographer.
2. How will they handle family photos?
Way too many times have I seen photographers leading family portraits and getting easily and visibly frustrated; and let me tell you, this will significantly impact the mood of every other person involved in family photos (and the smiles on their faces during). Don’t get me wrong, it is often overwhelming for photographers - they’re trying to get through all the requested photos as quickly as possible before the bride and groom get tired of smiling (this WILL naturally happen); they’re having to direct everyone to look at them and not the circle of iPhones around them; they’re navigating the difficult family dynamics of people they’ve just met; and all while trying to call out to that one relative who keeps escaping to the bar. However, how they choose to handle this part of the day matters. Not only that, some photographers will be quietly ushering people, some will be loud and bold, some will direct more than others, some will be trying to keep it light-hearted and make everyone laugh (my favourite thing to do during family portraits)… So, consider what kind of presence you’re expecting during that section of the day and make sure you ask photographers how they typically handle these more difficult aspects of the job. Let’s try to prevent you ending up with a photographer you’re frustrated with halfway through your wedding day.
3. Do you like their posing style?
The best predictor of a photographer’s posing style (aka how subjects are positioned in photos and how the photographer typically takes photos of people/couples) is to look at their previous work. Learn what they like to do, and make sure you like that too. There are a million photographers out there for a reason - they’re all different in some way. Your job isn’t to find any photographer and get them to create what you’re envisioning, it’s to find the photographer that actually creates what you’re dreaming of. So don’t rush through and pick just anyone (even though it may be tempting). That’ll be an easy way to be disappointed in the final product.
4. Do you like their editing style?
This is an important and separate point. It’s not all what’s in the photograph, but also how it presents in its final look. You may or may not be aware, but often the biggest job for photographers comes after the wedding day, and part of that is editing/colour grading your photos. Again, the biggest predictor of this will be to look at the photographers previous work. Are the photos light and airy, dark and moody, warm and boho, film-like, true-to-life, [etc., etc., etc.]? Make sure you like whatever editing style they do! If you hire a “dark and moody” photographer, see your gallery, and ask them to re-edit all the photos to a “light and airy style,” there’s a great chance they either won’t do it at all or you still won’t be happy with the final result. So again, make sure you choose someone’s style you love.
You only get one shot at this, so be sure to choose someone who will make you feel confident in them on your wedding day and when awaiting your gallery. The most important part—and biggest predictor of couples happy with their photos—is in whom they choose beforehand.