Today, with a quick scroll through Instagram, you can find 20 wedding photographers within a stone’s throw of your location. They might all be amazing, but are they amazing for you? How on earth are you supposed to narrow the options down to the Wedding photographer you are meant to have? At times it can be downright intimidating. If you are feeling intimidated and reaching for the brown paper bag, then keep reading!
Personality
Okay, this is a must. I’ll be honest with you— there are some clients I turn away because I know we will not be a good fit for each other. Maybe they don’t get my jokes. Maybe they don’t like puppies. Maybe they’re rude or pushy. But hey-It isn’t just about me! I look at it like this- can I provide for them what they want? If I have any doubt, then I let them go. When you are looking for a wedding photographer, don’t just scroll through their online presence. We always put our best selves online, right? Have a phone chat, meet for coffee, read reviews! I spend more time with a bride on her wedding day than even her Maid of Honor sometimes. If my personality drives you crazy, then that would be a bad fit for use all! Remember, we are all human, so make sure you can work together without starting WWIII.
Experience
How many years has your photographer been in business? And how many weddings have they shot? Are they a main shooter or only a second shooter? Is there growth in their work? I have shot over 100 weddings and you’d better bet your bottom dollar that there has been improvement and a shift in my work towards a concrete style. This reflects in my professionalism, my working relationship with my clients, my pricing, and my product. Here is the biggest tip I can give: You get what you pay for. If a price seems too good to be true, there is a reason. Not only do you want a photographer who has experience, but you want one who will give you a wonderful experience!
Now, I do not want to paint a picture that all new photographers should be avoided. This is not the case. We all start somewhere! Wedding photography is notorious as being a “jump ship” business. There is a strong appeal to jump in, make some bucks, but when the real work begins, people realize it is quite an undertaking, and they abandon ship. It’s usually pretty obvious if a photographer will have a future in the business, or if they are just dipping their toes in the water. So be careful when booking someone new! Having some conversations with them could definitely help give you a better idea of how their business might grow (or not).
Professionalism
I remember when I started my business, someone told me to extend my professionalism even to how I sign my name. I go on a journey with my clients, and by the end, I think of them as friends. However, when it comes to the product that I am providing to them, there MUST be a level of professionalism. Yes, by the time their wedding rolls around, I might be signing my emails “xoxo”, but I am making sure there is a solid product being delivered to back up those hugs and kisses. Every single one of your guests will notice your wedding photographer. What will they say? I love hearing guests comment “We never even noticed you!”, “You are seriously the most relaxed photographer we have worked with”, or “I’ve been in a lot of weddings but no photographer has ever made it this fun!”. You don’t want your guests commenting that your photographer was on their phone, or refused to take grandma’s photo with her old point and shoot. Wedding photography is a service. When I go to a wedding I still get butterflies because I want to do my very best to serve my clients. I build a relationship with the and ask myself, how can I serve them in areas they might need? This could be as simple as a should squeeze and a smile or as big as running a chair up to the alter to catch a fainting bridesmaid (happened). Will your photographer get to truly know you and attempt to anticipate your needs? Or will they stand a click?
Clear Cut Brand
Okay, this one is HUGE and you might not even know it. I value and respect so many photography styles. Some days, I cruise through photos under the hashtag #darkandmoody and feel all the feels. Other days, I’m looking for light and airy photos. Playful, romantic, editorial— all so good. HOWEVER– I do not shoot all of these styles. I love and appreciate them, but they do not fit in with the brand that I have created. how confusing would that be to my client, not knowing if their wedding photos would be moody or light and airy? Personally, my style is soft and romantic with a photojournalistic flare. If you look through my Instagram, you would detect that. It’s just…. “me”. Sure, for fun or artistic projects, I might venture into moody or complete bright and airy, but I do not advertise that as weddings. Here is my advice: before even researching a photographer, find what you are drawn to! What makes you double tap? What makes you tear up? What style can you picture your wedding photos as? Once you determine that style that you are drawn to, then research a photographer. Photographer’s really can’t change their shooting style to something polar opposite. So instead of booking a photographer you thought you wanted, appreciate their work but find the one who suits you. If a photographer’s social media presence is all over the place regarding a clear brand, then that would suggest they are still trying to find it. That is not a risk everyone wants to take and that’s okay.
Creativity
Having a clear cut brand is good, but a photographer also needs to be creative and flexible. There is nothing worse than seeing a photographer repeat the same 5 poses with each of their couples. Oh my, it is SUCH a thrill, a rush, to work at a new venue or a new location. The challenge of finding the light, finding the mood and a scene that compliments the couple—- it’s a high! Of course there are always those “newspaper” poses as I like to call them, but is the photographer using the people, the settings, the light in their photos in a creative way? During each wedding I usually have a moment where I have to ask my couples “are you okay with?” or I say “just trust me but…” and then I tell them something crazy that I want them to do because I know it’ll work with what we have available. Be wary of cookie cutter photographers.
At the end of the day, once the cake has been eaten and the last flowers have wilted, remember that you are left with each other and your wedding photos. Do your research and you will find the photographer who is the best for you!
