Photographer

If you haven't took your engagement photos, I would say after talking to them and getting a feel for them have them let them do your engagement pictures. If you are still unsure after talking to them look for another to see if you like them more. Look a reviews and don't forget to ask around to any friend who know of a photographer.

I would research photographers in your area. Look at their bodies of work and see what style of photography you want for your wedding photos. Also, make sure you check reviews!!! You will learn a lot from those. Once you find a few you like, set up meetings (virtual meetings at this point in time) with them to see how you feel about them as a person and if you get the vibe you are looking for. Also, obviously make sure their packages are within your budget. If you don’t see a package that meets your needs, ask if they can do a custom package (most will!).
As far as owning your photos, I’ve never met a photographer that didn’t give you full rights to your photos once you paid for their services. However, they typically make you sign a contract stating they can use your photos on their website and such.

I agree! There are different styles of photography. You can choose to shoot digital or film (or a mix) and then they have categories. You can check that on this link HERE. A couple of amazing sites that you can also find photographers are Thumbtack and Bark so definitely give those a try as well. Some are pretty decently priced.

Good Luck!

View Quoted Comment Thank you so much ! That article was a big help !

View Quoted Comment Yes I’ve been reading reviews for every photographer I’ve found , I’ve been trying to go more with someone I know personally worked with but definitely open to someone new , thanks you !

View Quoted Comment You're welcome. I'm glad its helpful.

Depending on your budget, don’t look at top of list (they pay to be on list). I looked for names on here then went to their websites to see more. Read reviews including newest. And decide what’s important. Do you want them to print pictures for you (more pricey) how long, how many and how do you own them. Mine gives them on a cd, or for more money Zip drive. I would prefer to see on website too but he doesn’t do that. Do you want video. Is there any touch ups. The more you look the more you’ll figure out what you want and what to ask.

Most photographers will let you do an engagement session and if you choose to book with them they will take that money out of your overall cost. I would ask a lot of questions and at the end of the conversation ask them if you missed any commonly asked questions ( they tend to have a few more than you think of)! Ask about the flow of the day, timeline with that time of year. Look at their previous history. Where you want to take your pictures. Any added cost for location travel.

I'd recommend checking out a few bridal expos. They allow you to see some of their work, talk to them, ask questions, and see several vendors. I have a bride friend who was very specific in what she was looking for in a vendor (she wants very candid and not super posey photos). I feel like we have a mix of those (posey and candid) photos with the photographer we went with. They're really great and very informative and offer a lot of good advice on their site. Everyone I've talked to has been super great, so that rapport is important too. If you have a budget for photos, try to keep that in mind. Our photographer offered a 20% discount if we booked with them within 48 hours of our consultation. All their packages also included a free engagement session and we also get the rights to all of our photos.