Choosing your wedding photographer can seem pretty overwhelming as one of the most important parts of your wedding day. It’s also usually also one of the biggest investments, and of course there’s a reason.

These are your memories. Are you going to wear your dress ever again? What about the food? Are you somehow going to eat that again? Or use your flowers? What about your DJ? Will they announce your name every time you walk into a room from then on? Unfortunately, NO, but I definitely wish that was an option.

Don’t get me wrong – These are also super, SUPER incredibly important components of creating an epic celebration. But, how else are you going to remember the beauty of all your and your vendors’ hard work, unless by some truly epic photos?

Let’s get down to the details of finding this super incredible person that’s literally going to follow you around on the most important day of your life for pretty much the entire day.

Number 1: When choosing your photographer, you want to love what you’re hiring them for: the look and feel of the photos you receive at the end of the day.

You want to not only love their colors and tones of their editing (true to life, light and airy, dark and moody, etc.), but you also need to love their photography style and the way they showcase your big day. Do you want a mix of documentary style of photos with a lot of candids that lay out your love story? Maybe you only want the most perfectly posed, exceptionally elegant, fine art photos. Whatever images pull at your heart strings, make sure your photographer matches that.

Extra Tip:

When choosing your wedding photographer, ask to see a FULL gallery or two from each photographer you’re looking at. This will give you an idea of a REAL wedding day story being told from start to finish, not just a few photos in a pretty blog post. You also get a chance to see about how many finished photos you’d expect to see in your final gallery. (See below)

Number 2: Beyond style, the next utmost important thing to keep in mind when selecting a photographer: YOU NEED TO LOVE THEM

Nothing less. You’re literally spending the whole day with this person. If what’s on their website doesn’t resonate with you in the slightest, don’t even bother. This is super important! The last thing you want to feel on your big day is uncomfortable with the person(s) that’s again, literally following you around the entire day.

Number 3: They need to be close to your budget

To be honest, photography costs might be a little more steep than you might’ve expected – especially if you’ve never hired a professional photographer before, or had a wedding, or both. That’s okay. I’m here to break it down for you.

This is an investment of your memories.

Not only do we show up and work incredibly hard on the most important day of your life (which is definitely my favorite part, besides getting to show you your amazing photos when they’re finished!), we spend countless hours editing your images, making sure you look your absolute best.

Wedding photographers invest in the best gear to get the sharpest images and backup cameras and equipment so we’re prepared if the first gear somehow fails. We invest in backup hard drives and security tools to be sure your memories are always safe, forever and ever. Attending courses and workshops helps us continue learning new techniques and practices and ways to make your experience with us better. We also have business taxes and insurance (make sure your photographer has insurance!), plus all of the other costs rolled into owning a business.

Some photographers are definitely willing to work with you on your budget and create a plan of coverage that works for the both of you if you really connect. In the end, we just want you to have absolutely incredible images, because YOU deserve that.

Number 4: Do they sound excited?

Half the fun of is sharing your excitement and allll the details of the big day. If a photographer already seems bored – even when you’re just emailing – or doesn’t get back to you in a timely manner, then, well 🤷‍♀

You definitely want someone who is invested in you, your story, and your vision for this epic day.

Number 5: When choosing your photographer, you must trust them.

Go with your gut. If someone just feels right, go for it! On the other hand, if you have a bad feeling about something, avoid the headache and check out another photographer.

Keep these tips in mind when on the search for a photographer. I know it can be overwhelming sometimes, but in the end it will all be worth it!

Question?? Drop a line in the comments below!