Are you wondering how to choose a wedding photographer to capture your day? Where do you even start? What should you look for? How do you choose the right photographer?

Wedding photos are forever. They are the one thing from your wedding day that really captures it all. They will become the one thing you have to look back on your wedding day. Your wedding dress hanging in the back of your closet, freeze-dried bouquet, or sparkly wedding shoes you don’t want to dirty are not going to give you the rush of emotions that looking back on wedding photos will. That’s why choosing the right wedding photographer is so important!

Here are some of my suggestions for choosing a wedding photographer for your day!

Choose a photographer whose photography style you love.

Do you prefer documentary, traditional, or fine art? What do these words mean?

Documentary style wedding photography

is what your photos will look like if your photographer acts like a “fly-on-the-wall” rather than interfering, perfecting, and precisely styling everything. It is a very “catch it as it happens” type of photography and a lot more informal.

Traditional wedding photography

is probably similar to what your parents’ wedding photos would look like. Imagine a very large focus on posed shots where the people are lit up with off-camera lights, like fashion photography.

Fine art wedding photography

is more similar to documentary wedding photography, but with a bit more involvement. Fine art photography starts with the photographer’s artistic vision. Photos are shot with a specific narrative with special attention paid to composition, lighting, and backgrounds.

My photography style is a mix of fine art and documentary. I like to photograph moments as they happen, but put an emphasis on making sure everything looks amazing. One thing I focus on is directing people so they don’t feel uncomfortable with me photographing them.

Check out my Instagram to see if it’s the style you love!

Every photographer’s style is different so make sure you find one who is going to produce images you love, that tell the story you want.

You should choose a wedding photographer whose editing style you love.

After you’ve figured out a style of photography that you love, it’ll help you narrow down the style of editing you love.

Styles of editing can range from dark and moody (found more on documentary style) to light and airy (found more on fine art photography).

My editing is a lot closer to bright and airy but I try to stay true to life and keep everything looking natural!

Choose a wedding photographer you enjoy!

Hiring a photographer that you’re going to get along with is an important step in choosing a wedding photographer.

You are going to be spending your WEDDING DAY with them. So you want to make sure your personalities mesh. A good way to make sure that you’re going to be a good fit is to read up on their “about me” pages. If you still aren’t sure, inquire with them and see if they’re available to hope on Skype, Google Hangouts, or a quick Facetime call!

Check out my “about me” page here, and see if we’ll be a good fit for your wedding day! I can’t wait to chat!

It’s important to choose a wedding photographer who fits your budget!

There are wedding photographers out there who will fit every budget! A professional photographer with ample experience usually runs in the range of $2500+ for wedding day photography, so budget accordingly.

And remember, you get what you pay for! I have had friends who hire someone ‘just starting out’ photograph their wedding for free and had them hate their wedding photos. Then I’ve had other friends who hired someone who had been doing wedding photography for years, paid thousands for their photos, and had a great experience.

You can find my pricing information here if you’d like to chat about your wedding photography needs!

Oh, I also offer payment plans so that I CAN fit in everyone’s budget!

Most of all, you should choose a wedding photographer who is experienced!

This is not just experienced in photographing weddings. A photographer who knows the industry and can point you in the right direction when you’re looking for other vendors. Someone who is going to make sure your day is focused on YOU as a couple. And especially someone who is ready for anything. You could even find someone who has been married, and knows how stressful it can be to plan a wedding!

I have entire blog posts dedicated to wedding planning tips and engagement photo tips, up on my blog for brides to check out! And, there is even more available after you’ve booked me as your wedding photographer in my client portal!

I hope you found this helpful! Finding someone to match your vision is so important!