How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
One key step in the wedding planning process is choosing a wedding photographer. Trust me, you’ll be so wrapped up in the moment during your wedding that it will go by in a flash—having a photographer there ensures you’re able to look back on those memories for years to come! So what should you look for in a wedding photographer and how can you book the one who is right for you? Start with this guide!
Why Hire a Wedding Photographer?
You may be wondering if you even need to hire a wedding photographer at all, and I get it—with all of the details that go into planning a wedding, you may be looking for ways to trim the budget and the planning burden. That being said, there are some important reasons you may want to hire a wedding photographer if you’re on the fence about it:
- Keep Precious Memories for a Lifetime. Your wedding is arguably one of the most special days of your life, and one you’ll look back on fondly during every anniversary and beyond. Wedding photography is also a way of preserving your family during that moment in time—in the future, you’ll love having photos of members of the older generations who made it to your wedding but aren’t around anymore.
- Show Off on Social Media. You’ve probably liked and commented on dozens of photos on social media of people you know getting married, and now it’s your turn, so why not show off? You’ll get gorgeous, professional photos of you and your spouse at your best, which you can share on social media as throwbacks year after year. #LOML
- You’ll Want a Professional Taking Your Photos. Sure, with cell phone cameras anyone can take a photo these days. But there is a huge difference between a photo taken by a friend and one taken by a professional. A professional wedding photographer will have high-quality equipment, will know all there is to know about lighting and posing, and will be able to edit your photos so they come out just right. This is the kind of service worth paying more for!
- Relax and Enjoy the Day. With a wedding photographer along for the ride, all you have to do is relax and enjoy the day while you let them do their thing. You’ll end up with some gorgeous photos without having to lift a finger. Plus you’ll get to see what all of your friends and family members were up to while you were making the rounds or participating in your ceremony and dances—photos are ways to experience the moments you may have missed because you were caught up in the magic of it all!
- You’ll Probably Regret It If You Don’t. Honestly, you’ll regret it if you choose not to have wedding photos taken. That’s because your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, and the one time you get to really celebrate and honor your love with your friends and family around.
- They’re Wedding Pros. Perhaps the most underrated reason to hire a wedding photographer? They know a lot about weddings! And since they’ll be around for some of the planning and most of the special day, they’ll be able to calm your nerves and help everything run smoothly.
What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer
Sure, as a wedding photographer myself I’m a little biased, but not all wedding photographers are created equal. Make sure to do your research and find the right one for you. Here are some tips of what to look for in a wedding photographer as you search:
- Lots of Experience. Anyone can claim to be a photographer these days, but you’ll want to hire someone with proven wedding photography experience. It should be pretty easy to determine this—check their website for photos of weddings they’ve worked, and look at their reviews.
- A Style You Can Get Excited About. Photographers are artists, which means each has their own style of photography. That can manifest in different ways, from the photograph lighting and editing to the poses, angles, and more. When you’re finding the right wedding photographer for you, check out some of their work to see if their style is a fit for your vision. You want to be thrilled with the photos you get!
- Rates You Can Afford. There are so many different vendors you’ll have to spend money on when planning a wedding that you need to be really mindful of your budget. So before you even start looking for a wedding photographer, get a sense of what you can afford and look for someone whose rates are within your budget. There’s no worse feeling than falling in love with a photographer’s work only to see that they’re beyond your means…
- A Personality You Get Along With. Don’t underestimate the importance of vibing with your photographer! They’ll be around you for much of the day, maybe in the room when you’re getting ready, when you’re on the dance floor, and when you’re exchanging your vows. So make sure that they’re someone you’d be happy to have around!
- Expertise to Turn To. Some photographers may just show up, get the work done, and leave, but it’s even better when you can find someone with expertise to share. I always love to help the couples I work with, whether that’s recommending a venue or vendor, guiding you through my wedding photography packages, or something else.
How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer
Now that you understand why it’s important to find the right wedding photographer, here is a step-by-step guide to finding and booking the photographer of your dreams!
- Get Some Details Pinned Down First. Before you choose a wedding photographer, you’ll want to have some other details set, like the wedding date, for starters. That way, you can find someone who is definitely available when you need them. Knowing the venue may also help you make the decision—maybe the photographer you find has worked at that venue before or their style matches the vibe of the place.
- Look Through Portfolios. A portfolio will tell you a lot about the photographer. You can see their photography style, find photos of theirs you love and want to use as inspiration, and get a sense of what the photos they take of your wedding might look like.
- Compare Prices. Wedding photography prices can vary wildly, so make sure you have a budget in place before looking for a photographer so you can find one whose work you can afford.
- Reach Out and Get to Know Them. After you’ve followed the first three steps, it’s time to narrow down the pool and reach out to the photographer/s you like. You can see if they’re available for your dates but also get to know them—you’ll be working closely with this person on your most important day, so make sure they’re nice to interact with! (Also, if you’re looking for a Colorado wedding photographer for an outdoor adventure wedding—like one that involves hiking or skiing—make sure you find someone up for strenuous activity!)
- Make a Decision Based on Your Needs and Desires. At this point, you’ll probably have a sense of who you want to photograph your wedding. This should come down to someone who fits your dates and other needs as well as someone whose work you and your fiancé/e love.
- Book Them in Advance! Don’t waste any time once you’ve identified your wedding photographer! Photographers can book up quickly (especially in high seasons like during the summer), so make sure you put your request in as early as you can.
If you’re looking for a Colorado Springs wedding photographer or wedding photographers in Colorado in general, have a look at my work, my process, and my wedding packages—reach out with any questions!