Choosing a wedding photographer is most likely one of the most important decisions you will make planning your wedding. If you're anything like me, you want a wedding photographer that can somehow charm your in-laws and convince your flower girl to stand still - all while making you look like Angelina Jolie's sister. Finding the photographer that can do all this while also balancing budget constraints can be difficult at best.
Here we will walk through the process of determining who your perfect photographer is and how to find these potential photographers.
The following 3 factors were helpful in determining our ideal photographer:
1. Professionalism - You should trust your photographer to respond promptly, arrive when scheduled, have professional-quality equipment (and back-up equipment!), deliver your images post-wedding in a timely manner, and charge an amount commiserate with their experience. Don't be afraid of seeking out new talent - it's a great option when you're on a budget. Just be sure to vet them with the questions I have outlined below to ensure you're satisfied with the outcome.
2. Style - Your wedding photographer's portfolio should move you. Are you falling in love with the brides in their weddings? Do you find yourself hoping your photos turn out the same way? You should like most, if not all, of the photos you see. Take time to discover the aesthetic that you love.
3. Price - You will want to know what you are paying for. At a minimum ask about the hours of coverage, whether you receive the rights to the photographs, if you will be given a digital copy of all the images (usually on a disk), and anything extra offered such as albums, prints, engagement sessions, etc.
Of course, identifying what you are looking for in a wedding photographer is only half the battle - you now have to actually find the photographer! When I started my search I started a Google Spreadsheet to keep track of the different photographers. An Excel sheet would also work, the point is to ensure that you have a record keeping system.
My top ten techniques to find potential wedding photographers:
1. Your network. Ask coworkers, friends, and family, all of which will have opinions and want to help you find the perfect photographer. As a bonus, someone may offer a friend connection that will result in a discounted price!
2. Google. Your location, venue, state, and style - all of these can help you find photographers in Google searches.
3. Review sites. Weddingwire, Weddingbee, The Knot, Yelp and other review sites are invaluable in making decisions.
4. Other vendors. Ask your other vendors for recommended photographers. As an added bonus they will often know who is easy to work with - they aren't likely to recommend someone who will make their own job more difficult!
5. Craigslist. An excellent place to find new talent and budget-friendly options.
6. Other photographers. Ask other (unavailable or too expensive) photographers whom they would recommend.
7. Social Media. Twitter, Facebook, and blog communities are an excellent way to find potential photographers. Many blogs, such as One Wed and Style Me Pretty, offer recommended vendor lists.
8. Local Schools. Art Institutes and liberal arts colleges are full of enthusiastic photographers working to build a portfolio. With a little luck, you may find an amateur that is both professional and affordable.
9. Wedding Shows. Bridal expos and shows are a great way to meet a ton of photographers in one day. You will be able to get a grasp of their personality as well as view a sample of their work - and there will often be incentives for signing-up at the show!
10. Magazines. While not my first choice, bridal magazines can still be a good option to find vendors. This is especially true for the online version of the magazine.
While daunting at first, finding your wedding photographer is merely a matter of time. And, just like finding a groom, you only need to find that one perfect match.
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