Tips on How To Choose The Best Wedding Photographer

How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-1

How to choose the best wedding photographer for your day is like any other important decision – it requires careful thought and consideration, and it can be exhausting. But here’s why it’s worth it: at the end of your big day, the only things left will be you, your partner, and your photographs. You want to cherish those moments forever and you won’t know what your images look like until your wedding is over. This is why the time taken to do thorough research on how to choose the perfect wedding photographer is invaluable. Here are our top 5 tips on how to do just that:

Find the best wedding photographer

1. Get Referrals:

If you have friends and family who are married or engaged, ask for who they decided was the best wedding photographer for their needs, or who they are considering for the role.  You can make an informed decisions based on information from people you trust.  If you’ve already hired other vendors such as a wedding coordinator or florist – ask them! They work with tons of photographers and will likely have some great recommendations. While you’re looking for inspiration through bridal publications (like magazines or blogs), take a look at the photographers being listed. Some top magazines and blogs to look at are:

Style Me Pretty

The Wedding Chicks

Wedding Bells

Wedluxe

Once Wed

Dauphine Magazine

How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-12How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-10
How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-2

2. See The Photographer’s Full Body Of Work:

Even if a photographer comes highly recommended, it is important that you ask to see a complete wedding shoot. This is the only way to get a real sense of their consistency in aesthetic and quality of coverage to avoid any unwanted surprises. Some photographers may purposely only show a small selection of their images from numerous weddings. You want to be sure you’re choosing an experienced photographer, not a novice with a few good portfolio shots. Ask to see a complete wedding- what a client will end up getting.

How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-11How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-15How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-4

3. Backup and Emergency Procedures:

A professional photographer will always protect their work, and protect your memories. Always make sure to ask your photographer for their backup procedure. Where do they keep your files? How do they backup the images? Do they cary backup equipment? Are there two photographers shooting? What happens if your photographer is sick or an emergency comes up?  A good photographer will have thought through these worst case scenarios to help you avoid frustration and heartache.  A good photographer will have multiple back up locations, back up equipment on the day, a second or assistant photographer and will have a back up plan or other photographers of the same caliber to shoot in case of an emergency.

How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-13How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-14How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-9

4. Photographer’s Presence:

A huge part of what constitutes as being a “best wedding photographer” is the photographer’s presence. The best photographers are present yet unobtrusive at the same time. They know how to get the shot, while being mindful of where and how to get it. The photographer’s demeanour and energy are also key factors – this is why it’s so important to meet or chat with your photographer beforehand! This is also why engagement shoots are so popular and important – they give you a chance to work with your photographer before your big day. The more at ease you feel with your photographer, the better chance you have at creating beautiful wedding images together.

How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-8 How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-3

5. Connect With The Work:

 Whether you consider your self an artistic person or not, it’s important that you are able to envision yourself and your loved ones in the photographer’s body of work. When you look at the photographer’s work do you see you and your loved ones in their photos? Does their style fit with how you imagine your day being captured? A photographer will not only be capturing your precious moments, they will also be editing them to bring out the best of your pictures. Make sure you connect with the photographer’s style because that is one of the major reasons for why you’re hiring them. Don’t hire one photographer expecting them to shoot like someone else’s work that you’ve liked.

How-To-Hire-The-Perfect-Photographer-7Best Wedding Photographer