9 Things to Consider When You’re Booking a Wedding Photographer

You’re engaged. Congratulations! You’ve nailed down a guest list, wedding date and venue. *phew* This is when I hear most brides say… umm… there are SO many photographers out there… where do I even begin?! You are entering into a season of planning and decision-making. It’s an exciting time but can undoubtedly cause some major stress. Below is a list of 9 things to consider to help you choose the best photographer for your wedding day! (Arguably one of the most important vendors you will hire for your big day!)

1. Make sure they come recommended from a source you trust

Yes, Google can be helpful in showing you wedding photographers, but let me tell you something, there are a LOT of us. The industry is in no shortage of amazingly talented photographers that would LOVE to capture your wedding. The list provided by Google can get overwhelming quick. So, ask around! Word of mouth is a great place to start. You’ll be more likely to get an unbiased opinion of a wedding photographer from someone who recently hired them for their wedding or was a guest at someone else’s wedding. If nobody has any recommendations, make sure to check out reviews on Google or client testimonials on the photographer’s website.

2. Check out their portfolio

Does their work reflect your own style or vision for your wedding day? Consider editing style (dark and moody; light and airy; true to color; warmer or cooler images; documentary-style; editorial, etc). Consider your vision for your wedding, including the venue you chose. The list is endless and style is everything!

3. Consider your budget

Photography services can range in price depending on a LOT of variables (size of wedding, date of wedding, location/venue and any associated travel or accommodations, number of days or hours of coverage, number of photographers, prints, albums, etc) and the cost will not only reflect the photographer’s expertise with their craft, but it will reflect the experience they are able to provide to their couples. Many photographers will have a starting price on their website. Some won’t list a price at all. At Stacey Lillian Photography, I believe in transparency with my couples and include the starting price of each of my packages on my Services page of my website. When couples choose a base package, I can customize the package to meet their needs (if they want any additional hours of coverage, print or album products, etc).

4. Schedule a consultation

Meet in person, schedule a video chat or talk on the phone! This meeting will give you a ton of information about whether or not the person is a good fit for you and your fiancé. Are they easy to talk to? Do they ask critical questions about your wedding day vision? See if you connect with them on a personal level. After all, you will probably spend just as much time with your photographer as you will with your fiancé on your wedding day (maybe even more)!

5. Check for Experience

Wedding photography is a specialization and requires additional skillsets beyond technical knowledge. This skillset includes the ability to communicate, coordinate with vendors, understand the flow of events, handle challenging lighting conditions, and gracefully adapt to any challenges or timeline changes that arise during the day.

6. Ask about equipment

Does the photographer shoot digital? Film? Both? Do they have a back-up camera in case of emergencies? Do they use off-camera flash for low-light situations (such as indoor or nighttime ceremonies and receptions)? While the camera itself doesn’t make someone a great photographer, most experienced photographers have made sizable investments in high quality gear that offer the latest technology.

7. Discuss what’s included in the pricing

Ask questions if it isn’t clear what is included in the pricing for the wedding photography. How many hours of coverage are included? What if something runs over the planned timeframe, will the photographer stay to capture that part of the day? Are there any additional services available, such as a second photographer or rehearsal dinner coverage? Are any prints or albums included? Many times there is an incentive to purchase an album as part of your wedding package. Albums are generally less expensive at the time of booking than if you were to purchase the album after the wedding.

8. Review the contract before you sign

Contracts will usually answer questions you didn’t even know you had. For example, if you have to reschedule your wedding date, what happens? What about if the photographer’s equipment breaks or if there is a hurricane? The contract should include exactly what you are receiving as far as photography services (hours of coverage, album, etc) and the cost of those services, as well as what part of your deposit may be non-refundable. Ask questions if anything doesn’t make sense!

9. Trust your gut

If you are confident in the photographer’s skill and abilities and feel a connection with them, they’re probably a good fit. Honestly, the most common deciding factor on choosing a qualified wedding photographer comes down to personality. Can you trust this person? Are you comfortable with them? Do you feel supported by them? When in doubt, go with your gut.

Choosing the right (or wrong) wedding photographer can make (or break) your wedding day. Be selective, meet with a few different photographers, keep these 9 tips in mind and you can rest easy knowing that your day is in good hands! Happy planning!