A Guide to Hiring the Wedding Photographer of Your Dreams
Hiring a wedding photographer is a serious decision! It’s almost as important as choosing your partner to marry (in our eyes anyway).
But seriously - the person behind the camera on your wedding day holds the keys to capturing special moments that will live forever.
They’re the photos you’ll flip through on your anniversaries, mail to your loved ones and share with your family throughout the years.
So we understand why you’re doing your research and commend you for it!
Choosing who you want to shoot your wedding photos is no easy task. That’s why we’re here with an ultimate guide to hiring the perfect photographer for you.
Follow along for advice from a wedding photography pro!
Here’s Your Guide to Hiring the Wedding Photographer of Your Dreams
- Create a Wedding Mood Board
Like the start of any good project, the first step in this guide is to do your homework. Before researching photographers, consider the style you want for your wedding photos.
Are you drawn to a timeless aesthetic? Or are you looking for candid shots? We suggest you create a wedding mood board that captures the theme, feel and style you envision for your big day. Having a clear understanding of what you want will make your pursuit of finding a photographer that much easier!
- Dive Into Research
Once you’ve decided on your vision, it’s time to start the research process. We know finding potential photographers can feel overwhelming, especially when the pool is so vast! But we’ve got advice to help narrow down your options.
It starts with the location. Where is your wedding taking place? Choosing a photographer close to your venue can make it easier to coordinate times on the big day. (Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Oakville? You should check us out).
After establishing a location, roll up your sleeves and get ready to scroll on social media! Instagram and Facebook groups are excellent places to begin your search. Our advice is to join wedding groups with fellow brides or grooms-to-be. This is where you’ll find recommendations from others planning like you.
Next, explore wedding websites and ask your family and friends for recommendations. Aim to find three to four photographers who meet your needs in style, price, and location before proceeding to the next step.
- Browse Portfolios
You’ve narrowed your search to a few photographers who fit the vision for your wedding day. Now comes the fun part - flipping through their portfolios!
It’s not all play, though. Here is where the decision-making process becomes crucial.
To choose the wedding photographer of your dreams, here are a few things to look for when browsing photo galleries:
Image quality: Are the photos clear, crisp and in focus? Do they look professional and timeless?
Photo editing: Do you enjoy how the photographer enhances and retouches the photos? Does it fit with the theme you curated in your mood board?
Consistency: Do the images tell a cohesive story? Look for consistency in style, tone and feel throughout their portfolio.
Emotion: What do you feel when you look at the wedding photos? Do they evoke the emotions you’d want when reminiscing about your special day?
Candid moments: Unposed shots can often bring your memories to life. Do the photos capture authentic moments between the bride, groom and guests?
These are all questions to consider before connecting with photographers for an interview.
- Set Up Meetings
After carefully browsing portfolios, it’s time to reach out to potential wedding photographers. It can be as formal or casual as you’d like.
Regardless of how you connect with them, the overarching goal is to ask questions about their experience and style. Arrange a meeting with your top two to three photographers, and come prepared.
Here are a few sample questions to ask:
- How many weddings have you shot this year?
- Are you open to doing a mini-session to test how you photograph me and my partner?
- What is included in your pricing package?
- What is your availability for next year?
The initial meeting is a big step towards booking your wedding photographer. So make sure you’re prepared to get the answers you need from them in the time you have!
- Understand Contracts and Packages
Professional photographers will provide you with a contract and photo package. It’s essential that you understand what they’re offering in your partnership.
Most wedding photographers will outline details, such as the number of hours booked and photo album options. Make sure to clarify specifics, such as the start and end time and the total number of edited photos you’ll receive.
Some photographers offer extra services for a fee, such as videography or social media content creation. Be sure to discuss these options upfront and decide if they fit within your vision and budget.
Thoroughly reviewing the contract is an essential part of the process. Take the time to read through and ask questions. If you’ve done your research and communicated with your photographer, this step will be a breeze!
- Build a Connection
While all the steps in this guide are important, this one may be the most crucial. Before hiring a wedding photographer, get to know them and see if you and your partner have chemistry.
You want to ensure you’ll feel comfortable and relaxed around your photographer on your wedding day. It's essential to feel confident they’ll catch the moments you will cherish most.
Be selective with your choice. These photos will be treasured memories of your wedding day for years to come.
