The Non-Negotiables When Choosing A Wedding Photographer
Wedding photography is an extraordinary personal decision. Don’t make the wrong decision by simply choosing based on numbers. I think a lot of couples get fixated on wedding day issues that maybe aren’t the most significant in the big picture. Don’t get me wrong the question of finance and ‘does this fit our budget’ is extremely important. And I believe it’s incredibly wise to follow a budget. But do you really want to spend even $1, let alone hundreds or thousands, on a photographer that fits your budget but you don’t love or even like them???
On one of the most important days of your life you really want to make sure you choose the right photographer. So here’s my opinion on what should be two non-negotiables when choosing a wedding photographer. (1) You should like your photographer on a personal level. (2) You should love their photographic style. Now let me explain why I feel these two things are more valuable then the matter of a budget.
Style & Personality
Personality:
Your photographer is the person you will spend the most time with on your wedding day. Literally they will be following you around ALL day! Does your photographer have the right energy? Does their personality mesh with yours? How do they engage and interact with you? Do they make you feel comfortable? It’s so important that you feel comfortable and trust the photographer to do their job while you relax and be yourself. You should feel comfortable on a personal level and secure on a professional one. You should feel confident in how they direct you and advise you on your day.
I believe you should feel excited to see your photographer on your wedding day. Just like your family and guests, you’ve invited your photographer to be there with you on your wedding day. Yes, you’ve hired them to provide a service, but your photographer is going to experience every intimate detail of your day right along side you. Is the photographer you chose worthy of your company. Some things in life simply can not be bought, good morals and manners are among them. I believe its more important to choose a wedding photographer who you have a personal connection with then just choosing one who just fits the budget.
Style:
Each wedding is unique and different photographic styles will yield different results. Your wedding photographers style should match the style of your wedding day. Most professional photographers will not change their style or their editing preference based on client request. Many wedding photographers have spent years honing their skills and specialize in certain areas which makes them individually unique. You’ll what to choose a photographer whose photographic style meets the look you love and will appreciate forever. Can you imagine yourself in their photos?
Many factors play into a photographers style. The key factors to observe are their posing style and editing style. There are so many different editing styles now days thanks to technology. Popular styles are light/airy, dark/moody, warm tones, flash/high contrast, muddy/earth tones, and natural/true to color are just some of the options. Film photography has made a come back and provides a unique look. Some photographers are using editing presets to achieve a similar film look at a cost effective rate. Whatever you choose I highly suggest making the decision based on your preference and not the latest trends. You might like the colors now, but will you still love them 10 years from now.
Another really important factor to consider is the posing (or lack of posing) style of your wedding photographer. Some people prefer a lot of direction while they are being photographed. Others would prefer a more candid approach. What is your preference? Most people aren’t professional models so I’ve found that they appreciate more directive posing, especially for big events like a wedding day where time is a big factor. A great way to make certain the wedding photographer you choose is a good fit for your wedding day is by scheduling an engagement session. An engagement session is a great way to build a relationship with your photographer and make sure your comfortable with their posing style. They should make you feel amazing and confident!
Click here to see engagement session inspirations.
Need more help and inspiration for your wedding day? Head over to The Knot, they have so many wedding day resources!
