#01: FIND YOUR VIBE.
Start off by browsing online - social media being a great resource - to first discover what style of photography you prefer for your wedding. Every photographer shoots and edits differently so decide on what catches your eye, then refine your search from there. Since photography is an artform, don't ask a photographer to change the style of work they provide to suit your vision; Find a photographer that already does what draws your interest with the style they shoot and the way they communicate to the public through their social media platforms. Because, let's be real, photographs are only one part of what you should be researching. The way they engage with their clients and how they operate their business is something that deserves an equal amount of notice if you plan to trust them with your important moments.
Once you have your favorite style locked down and you've discovered a few artists that catch your eye then start digging a little deeper. Go to Google. While anyone can share their favorite customer reviews on their website, Google reviews don't lie. Read about others that have hired them and find out about what they're raving (or complaining) about. Maybe their website and socials are plastered with pretty photos, but its possible those photos came from styled shoots they paid to be at (which is FINE) and they have very little real world experience photographing real weddings (which is NOT fine). Everyone has to start somewhere, we all know that. But if you're jumping in blind and expecting exceptional consistent results from someone new to this line of work, you may be surprised when they know nothing about creating or implementing a timeline, or having the skill to pivot when situations change on a wedding day, whether they're prepared if their equipment malfunctions during an important moment, or when Mother Nature gives unfavorable light they're not accustomed to shooting in (all of these things DO happen). Weddings don't offer re-dos. It's important to find a professional that can navigate through the stress of those things and still deliver images you swoon over.. because, just like I said, we get once chance to document fleeting moments.
#02 : Access to Galleries
Request access to MULTIPLE FULL REAL wedding galleries to browse - NOT just their favorite images, NOT just from styled shoots with models. This will allow you to see the consistency in their work from start to finish. These galleries will allow you to decide if they're capable of mastering multiple environmental changes (like light, locations, weather, stress), if you enjoy their posing techniques and if they edit in a style you appreciate. Make sure their style and editing technique is consistent throughout a wedding day.
#03 : THE FINE PRINT
If your photographer isn't requiring you to sign a contract, consider that a big RED FLAG. A contract not only protects the terms of your agreement, but it lists out any what-ifs in the event changes occur. A contract allows expectations to be black and white so everyone is in understanding prior to making the commitment. Most importantly, it not only protects the photographer but it protects you, as well. Be sure to read through it and ask questions when you need further clarification. I love when my clients pay attention and ask questions! Being transparent is important.
Know how long it will expect the Photographer to edit and deliver your gallery?
What happens if your wedding plans change - will your retainer transfer to a new date? Are there any fees you're unaware of in the event that changes become necessary?
#04 : BACK UPS
Ask what's in your photographers camera bag; Do they bring multiple camera bodies with them to each wedding (it's suuuuper important they do)? Do they have enough lenses in case something happens? It's always best to prepare for the event that something goes wrong.
Another feature that not all cameras have is dual memory slots. This means images are recording to two memory cards at once in case one fails so none of your images are lost in the event one does.
How does your Photographer back up the photographs they take? It's so important that multiple back-up systems are used because technology can fail.
#05 : CONNECTION
Your wedding photographer is going to be your BFF on one of the most important days of your life. It's important you not only love the images they create, but that you enjoy being around them, too. Take some time to get to know them a bit - I highly recommend not just going back and forth in email, but setting up a phone appointment or meet them in person. Do they act in a professional manner? How well do they listen to your requests; Are they adaptable and receptive to your requests and needs? Are they reliable and show up on time? Do they communicate well leading up to your phone appointment or meeting? In order for a photographer to get the best photos, they need to create a sense of calm and comfort for those in front of their lens. Choose your wedding day BFF wisely!
#06 : TIMELINE
Whether you're working with a planner or doing everything on your own, work closely with your photographer to create a wedding day timeline.. and start early on. This helps keep everything on track and allows the photographer to know where they need to be (and when) so nothing gets missed. Your photographer should be confident making recommendations on the flow of your day to ensure your goals are met while keeping the schedule relaxed for your enjoyment. No couple should feel overly stressed on their wedding day - hire vendors that will calm the fire, not feed it.
Outside of the timeline benefits for a Photographer, there's so many benefits with your other vendors, as well. Having a timeline started will allow you to give vendors such as your venue, catering, DJ, hair and make-up, florist and baker a good idea of when their services will be needed.
#07 : LISTS
As a photographer, I personally don't allow clients to provide me with a detailed shot list. This is why I spend so much time creating a solid timeline. After providing multiple full wedding galleries to browse, I anticipate my clients trust me to capture things thoroughly and naturally. When we're giving all our attention to checking things off a list it's more likely to cause things to be missed; We don't want that.
However, a list can be beneficial when it comes to your family portrait groupings. This helps ensure no one is left out! I'm always sure to ask couples if they have any untraditional groupings and if the answer is yes, that's when I suggest a list. Generally when shooting portraits with families I focus on immediate relationships - grandparents, parents, siblings and siblings families. If you want that list extended beyond that to include specific friend groups or aunts, cousins and so forth, it's important those details are provided to the photographer to ensure that happens.
#08 : Understand that a "good deal" may put you in a bad spot.
Now, let's take a deep dive into your budget and where your priorities are. When doing so, always keep in mind that opting for what you think may be a crazy good deal may bring an incredible amount of regret later. In the creative industry, you are almost always going to get what you pay for. To avoid regret and remorse, educate yourself on the topics below and ask the right questions before signing that contract. Enter into your binding agreement comfortable and in complete understanding about what each of your expectations are.
We all understand that everyone has a budget to work within when planning their wedding. Are you budgeting appropriately for a quality experience? When you start the planning process, make a list of the things most important to you. Maybe your venue sits at the top of your list because you want something that can house the amount of guests you need, or whether it can accommodate the season in which you intend to get married in. Do you prioritize being able to revisit the memories? Then a photographer and/or videographer may sit at the top of that list. Maybe you're a foodie and the menu holds significance, in which you'd want to keep catering or your baker a priority. It's always important to feel your best and most comfortable; Maybe that means a higher budget for your dress and tux is necessary. Every wedding is different and there is no right or wrong as long as its focused around YOUR priorities. Prioritize the investments involved in wedding planning that are most important to you and plan accordingly.
Choosing the cheapest or best deal is rarely the best option. You don't get re-do's in a wedding. Your vendors should all have the necessary experience to provide a professional service. Don't end up regretting your choice; Do your homework. If you're working with a lower budget, that's totally okay! Just use the bulk of it paying for the services that mean the most to you.
PRO TIP: Want to find extra money in your budget to put towards photography? Consider a Friday or Sunday wedding and you’ll save instantly on most wedding venues! Often times discounts are given for off-season weddings (winter wedding portraits are just as gorgeous!).
If you have high quality taste and a budget that can be restricting, then you can always consider planning far enough out to budget the expenses so you're not taking as hard of a hit financially all at once. Booking vendors early not only helps you budget for them longer, but it usually offers a wider range of availability, as well.
#09: It's okay (and expected) to ask for help.
To alleviate and avoid stressful situations, know that you shouldn't be doing it all alone. Call in some favors to your wedding party or family members. I'm sure they'd not only be willing, but they'd be honored to be asked for assistance. Be able to delegate some of your wedding day needs to others so you can focus on remaining calm and getting to thoroughly enjoy the day rather than feeling rushed through it all with too much on your plate. You know that term "It takes a village", well that definitely applies to wedding planning. There's only so many hours in a day; "More hands make light work".
Lean on your peers and listen to their experiences from their weddings. They likely have some great advice to give about things they loved or things they wish they would have done differently.
#10: Here's a list of wedding vendors to consider in your planning endeavors:
Venue
Catering
Photographer
Videographer
DJ / Band
Officiant
Florist
Baker
Hair Stylist & Make-up Artist
Rentals (Tents, Tables, Chairs, Linens, Decor)
Graphic Designer / Stationer / Calligrapher (Save the Dates, Invitations, Thank You cards)
