Wedding photographer

We had it narrowed down to two different photographers. We couldn't decide from their work, as they both did beautiful work. Pricing was just about the same. So we decided to meet with each one in person.

Once we did that, it was clear who we should go with. Sometimes you just click with a person better than another. That's how it was for us. The minute we started talking with ours, I knew she was the one. Go with your gut.

We made a final decision based on 1.) the photographer’s personality and 2.) viewing pics of a few entire weddings (and not just the pretty fave pics that are in their gallery). This gives a better understanding of the photographer’s true style and skill, as opposed to only seeing their handpicked best shots. But one of the main things that sold us on our photographer is that she had photos of a wedding in our venue. We selected an unconventional wedding venue so it was wonderful to see wedding pictures done there. Although the other photographers were good too, they didn’t have pictures in our venue. So that sealed the deal.

We meshed really well with our photographer! We booked her over Zoom during our stay at home order, and she was just wonderful. She made us feel so relaxed about the whole thing, and we really clicked with her. That was at the end of June, and booking her was the best thing we’ve done so far! She has gone above and beyond and we haven’t even met her in person yet!

Their experience, what the package includes, any extras that were offered etc helped us with ours.

Your photographer and you should be a good fit. If price and quality of photos are roughly equal, I'd select a photographer based on who you jive best with and who you think will make you feel the most comfortable being photographed.

Other factors to consider:

1) What is included in the package. Engagement session, wedding album, etc. Is the package pricing clear.

2) What is the plan if the photographer is ill/unable to shoot your wedding.

3) Who is the second shooter (if there is one).

4) Timeframe and method of image delivery.

5) How familiar the photographer is with your venue and how close they are located to it (closer or more familiar = likely to be fewer issues).

6) Other date availability. If the photographer tends to book their schedule solid, you might be out of luck if you have to reschedule due to Covid or another issue.

7) Refund policy and quality of contract. Are there any concerns about what is in the contract?

8) How much experience the photographer has shooting any unique qualities of your wedding. For example, if you are going to have pets are they comfortable and good at photographing animals, do they have examples of images with people with similar skin tones to those who will be in your wedding, are they familiar with any wedding traditions you will be doing and able to shoot them creatively, etc.

9) Quality and clarity of communication and follow up.

I recommend asking all the photographers to send you an example of a FULL wedding gallery from their most recent wedding. that way, you get to see their style/focus throughout the entire day of shooting. seeing a portfolio of all their best photos is one thing, but hopefully one of them will stand out to you after seeing an entire wedding gallery. hope this helps!

View Quoted Comment

Agreed. Any photographer you are considering should show you a full gallery, and ideally it is one of a wedding similar to yours in terms of style and size. How a 60 person more intimate outdoor ceremony with just a MOH and Best Man is photographed will look a lot different than a 300 person, 20 member wedding party event at a big indoor event space.

His portfolio is what helped us make the decision. The quality was far above and beyond anything else we had seen.

The reviews from previous couples is what helped to sell me.