How To Choose A Wedding Photographer

Finding the right vendors for your wedding can be difficult and choosing a photographer is no different. What will it be like to work with them? How will I know if they’re reliable and trustworthy? What if they show up to my wedding wearing a Kiss t-shirt and Crocs? Okay, maybe that last one went a little too far but the point is choosing a photographer for your Big Day is a Big Deal. Not all photographers give you a sense of their style or approach through their website. They don’t always list their prices or show client testimonials. For this reason I think it’s always a good idea to speak with those you’re considering to narrow the options. I’ve mentioned some important things below (in no particular order) that I encourage you to take into consideration when making your decision.

1. Portfolio and style

   • Does the portfolio look consistent from one image to the next?

   • Is there a variety to the images (getting ready, ceremony, details, etc.)?

   • What style of photography do they work in (documentary, commercial, fine art, etc.)?

2. Experience and expertise

   • What experience does the photographer currently have?

   • Have they photographed at a similar venue/space before?

   • Do they specialize in weddings or photography in general?

3. Availability and failsafes

   • Do they have your date available?

   • What is their backup plan if something unforeseen happens and they’re unable to photograph your wedding?

4. Team and assistants

   • Will the head photographer be photographing your wedding or someone they work with?

   • If you’ll be having a second photographer what wedding experience do they have?

5. Collections and pricing

   • What collections do they offer and what does each collection include?

   • Can we customize a collection to suit our specific needs?

   • Are we able to add coverage at the event if needed?

   • Will there be a fee for travel?

6. Image delivery and rights

   • Can the photographer explain their degree of post processing?

   • Will they perform extreme edits such as face swaps, thinning waists, digital makeup?

   • How many final images can we expect to receive in the online gallery?

   • Will we have a print release and, if so, will it cost extra?

7. Process and communication

   • What will the overall process, leading up to the wedding, look like?

   • Do they offer assistance with timeline preparation?

   • How do they communicate with their couples before, during and after the wedding?

8. References and reviews

   • Can they provide testimonials from past couples?

9. Logistics and equipment

   • Will they have backup equipment in case of technical failures during the event?

   • Will they need anything specific from us or the venue to ensure optimal photography conditions?

10. Proof of insurance

    • Do they have liability insurance in case something happens?

    • Can they provide proof of insurance if my venue requires it from vendors?

11. Contract and booking

    • What is their booking process and how much is the retainer?

    • Can we review and discuss the contract terms before making a decision?

    • Can they explain contract terms in plain language?

Many of the items on this list can probably be found right on the photographer’s website but it’s a good idea to make sure you have a solid understanding of how they work before you sign on the dotted line. If you’d like to set up a no obligation consultation to chat about your big day click the “Let’s Chat!” button below and let’s get the ball rolling.