How To Find The Right Wedding Photographer

Set your budget

The first thing you really need to do is set your wedding photography budget. This will allow you to know where you are before inquiring. One of the most common mistakes brides make {from my own experience and what I hear in the wedding world} is that brides inquire without really knowing their budget. They waste their time and the time of others by doing this. This is also a surefire way to become disappointed quickly.

I actually did this when I got engaged. I looked up two amazing photographers. One was priced at $6500 and the other was around $4000. I didn’t even know my budget and jumped the gun. I sat down in person with the higher priced photographer. I was so impressed and excited only to find out that there was no way I could spend that much. I was really disappointed in the end. I ended up going with the photographer that was $4000 and while I was happy, I wish I had known my budget ahead of time. I could have saved the extra cash and hired my #1. I basically wasted an entire hour of this photographers time along with the time they spent getting ready, emailing me back and welcoming me into their home. I know. This is part of the job for photographers but I could have been more prepared. I also would have most likely spent more time browsing photographers that fell within the budget as well.

Ask about an associate. Not all photographers offer this service, but this is a great way to work with that company and receive the same experience and imagery as if you were working with the lead photographer.

Another common mistake I see is not communicating with the photographer once you know their starting price or see their collection sheet. Just because you don’t see what you are looking for initially, doesn’t mean that the photographer won’t work with you on something custom or more aligned with your budget. You just need to communicate. Always seek a custom quote before you give up working with your chosen photographer.

Choose your style

What is your style? If you already know, seek photographers with the style you love. If you aren’t sure, browse instagram using hashtags relevant to your wedding venue. Or google search using “{your city or state} wedding photographers”.

Once you have a good feed or a few websites to browse through, start by asking yourself these three questions:

Do I love dark and moody, bright and airy, real film?

What characteristics, as far as aesthetic, are you seeking?

What posing styles do I love the most?

Do I love romantic images, super silly fun images, editorial style images? What do you want to look like when you look at your wedding day images? This is huge when it comes to selecting the right photographer. I once had a bride inquire telling me how much she loved my photographs. We started chatting on the phone and she said “I love your work but is there anyway that you can edit with a vintage style look?” I was floored. I’m not a vintage style photographer. There is nothing anywhere on my social media or website that shows that I have that style at all. You really need to hone in on the style that you love before considering any photographer.

Inquire with photographers

After you’ve made a list of possible photographers from instagram or websites, inquire with them. Who did you feel connected with just by their reply email? What does their starting price look like? Do they offer already made collections or do they offer custom pricing? Do they offer all that you want and need such as coverage, two photographers, add on options such as hours, albums, rehearsal dinner etc? Did they want to connect with you on the phone to get to know you or simply send you pricing? These are all key factors when considering your wedding photographer.

Connect by phone or zoom

For my business, this is imperative. We will never book a wedding without at least a phone call or zoom with a couple. There are things you should be looking for from this call. You want to make sure there is a connection with this photographer. Did they walk you through their process and make you feel comfortable? Did they answer all of your questions? After each call, rate how you felt about each of your choices.

Narrow down by offerings

Now, narrow down your possible photographers by offerings. Are you looking for just coverage? Rehearsal dinner too? Engagement session? Book, album and prints? Consider all that you want and what it will really cost you. Also consider that if your budget is $5000 and the quote from your favorite photographer is $5500, communicate. Most likely, an agreement can be made. Maybe you need to save a little extra money. Maybe, they are willing to be flexible. You just never know unless you ask. I’m definitely NOT saying that most photographers will bring down pricing that much because that’s not the case. But if you really want to book with your preferred photographer, all it takes is some communication. Occasionally, you will find out that your preferred photographer has an associate available and can give you the same wedding day experience and style that you love!

Choose your photographer

Yay. Hard part is over. Now go set up a coffee date with the photographer of your dreams!