Choosing a Photographer

We found ours through mutual friends on FB. We simply couldn't afford a $4,000 photographer, but we were so blessed to find the perfect one for $800 that has the same great editing styles and skills as the $4,000 ones. So price was definitely a factor for us. Therefore, we used a less established photographer. The more "established" they are, the more expensive they are. Price aside, I would go with the photographer that has the editing style you like most and someone that clicks well with your personalities.

Welcome to the WeddingWire community, Rebecca

It’s is difficult to choose a photographer, you’re totally correct! I’m sorry you're overwhelmed.

Firstly, the WeddingWire local vendor directory is a fantastic tool when searching for photographers in your area - Wedding Photographers. You can narrow it down by location, price, photography style, and services!

There are a ton of articles on the WeddingWire ideas section with information on how to research photographers, narrow down the search and questions to ask them in a consultation. Check them out below -

Finding Your Photographer

How to Find a Wedding Photographer

5 Ways to Research a Wedding Photographer, After Their Site

14 Questions Every Couple Must Ask a Wedding Photographer

Do you have a preference for a photography style at the moment?

This was probably the most stressful part of wedding planning for me because there are SO many options and you have to live with the pictures forever! What I ended up doing was keeping an eye on social media and looking at other peoples pictures, and narrowing down what I liked most about their styles/vibes. I ended up finding my photographer because this random guy I went to high school with was tagged in wedding pictures of complete strangers, and I absolutely fell in love with the pictures. I ended up messaging the bride (a stranger) and booking that photographer within a couple days. But don't be afraid to reach out to other brides!

This was so stressful for me too. I had a budget of $3,000 and fell in love with a photographer without looking at her prices first. 6 hours was $4,900 Through WeddingWire we found an amazing photographer who worked with us to create an amazing package and her pictures are amazing and exactly what I hoped for in an aesthetic!

Aside from the price, I would go for the photographer that matches the style you want! Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions to potential photographers either!

Hi!

Thank you so much, these articles are great, especially like the email template. I have been trying to research/ stalk as much as possible. I think things that have stood out to me are natural light, intimate, charming, timeless, romantic, and a touch of bohemian. I have been trying to pull out key words, to help describe what we like to potential photographers.

This idea is killer Zoe, love your pro stalking level! I have been researching photographers and following on IG but maybe I will follow a few more hashtags and reach out from there!

I searched here on WW for photographers in my area. Then I started stalking their websites, instagram, etc. I emailed about 4 of them for pricing, and a few questions. Only a couple of them got back to me. The ones that didn't, after a month I crossed them off my list. Then I emailed a few questions to the 2 that got back to me. What ultimately made the decision was meeting one in person. But even before that, I went to her website, and she had "her story" on there, basically about how she got started in the business, and what her vision was for wedding photos. She had kind of a unique way of talking about brides and grooms, and her work, and it intrigued me. So, I set up the in-person meeting. Within minutes, I knew I wanted to hire her. She just clicked with FH and me so well, and she was exactly what I'd been hoping for in a photographer.

Now that we've had our engagement shoot, I'm even more convinced we picked the right person. She is awesome! And she totally gets my/FHs vision for the wedding!! I absolutely love our engagement photos, so I can't wait to see what she'll do for the wedding.