Tips to find the photographer who’s right for you & How to make your decision easy
How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer
Hey there! If you’re reading this, you’re probably in the middle of planning the biggest party of your life—and you’re probably feeling pretty overwhelmed right about now. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding, is to find and choose the perfect photographer to capture every joyful, love-filled moment. But with so many options, where do you even start?
How to find the Perfect Wedding Photographer
Where to Start Your Search
Oh, how do you find the perfect wedding photographer for you? It can feel a bit overwhelming, but it’s all about taking it one step at a time. Here’s a guide to help you on your way:
- #1 Gather Names:
- Start by jotting down names. Ask your friends, family, or anyone who’s recently tied the knot for recommendations. They’ve been in your shoes and can offer some great insights.
- Search Google for Your Venue:
- Google your wedding venue (or location) and see which photographers have worked there. Familiarity with the venue is a bonus—they’ll know all the best spots for those “holy smokes, is that really us?” photos.
- Look at Portfolios:
- Dive into those portfolios and note your gut reactions when looking at photographers work. If their work makes you feel something, that’s a good sign you’re on the right track.
- Read Reviews:
- Reviews are your best friend here. Check out sites like WeddingWire, Google and The Knot to see what others are saying. Pay special attention to comments from couples who share your laid-back, easy-going vibe.
- Did they feel relaxed, put at ease and well taken care of? If so, you’re on to something.
#2 Make a list of 5-10 names, then evaluate each using the 4 key elements below
What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer when choosing the perfect one for you
As you narrow down your list, focus on these 4 key elements:
- Style That Resonates With You:
- You want a photographer whose style feels like a perfect match for your vision, venue and theme for your wedding. Whether it’s high fashion or artistic, candid and natural, light and airy or dark and dramatic.
- Look for consistency, emotion, and a good mix of posed and candid shots.
- Do their images feel staged or natural, fun and comfortable?
- A Personality You Click With:
- Your photographer will be by your side throughout your wedding day, so it’s important that you genuinely like them. If you’ve never been in front of a professional camera before, that’s totally okay! Look for someone who makes you feel at ease, someone who feels more like a friend guiding you through the day. When you’re relaxed, your photos will be more authentic to you and real, capturing the true essence of your celebration. TIP: You should be able to get their vibe from the first conversation.
- Do you have anything in common? Look at their about page. Do they mention anything other than photography?
- Can you envision hanging out with them?
- Do you resonate with, not just their images, but the words on their website?
- Experience and Professionalism:
- Trust is key. You want someone to help you feel comfortable and ensure the day flows effortlessly, so you can focus on what really matters—your love and the celebration. TIP: A photographer with many years of experience capturing weddings, knows how to keep things running smoothly – regardless of wether they have photographed at your venue or not.
- Are they organized? Good with larger groups of people?
- Can they handle tough family dynamics?
- Will they make you more stressed or relieve your stress?
- That something extra:
- Is there something about them that sticks out from others? Do they specialize in anything you desire?
- Do they focus on beautiful details or emotive candids?
- Is there something about the style or images that speaks to you?
“What’s your something extra, Audrey?”
Well, I think my clients say it best …
Many of my past clients say my style is natural and unobtrusive, but directive when necessary. They love that my images are vibrant and true to life—no gimmicks, no trends. They also appreciate how I capture the small moments and big emotions, and that I bring an extra pop to magical sunset photos with my skillful use of flash. I’m not just your photographer; I’m there to make your wedding day an amazing experience. From capturing those once-in-a-lifetime moments to creating gorgeous heirloom art pieces that your parents and future generations will cherish, I’ve got you covered.
Trust Your Photographer’s Expertise
Here’s the thing—trust your photographer when it comes to timing. They’ve done this countless times and know how long it takes to get all the perfect shots on your list. By trusting their expertise, you won’t feel rushed or stressed. Instead, you can relax, enjoy your day, and be fully present in each moment. When you’re relaxed and at ease, your photos will naturally reflect the joy and love of your day.
*Noting if you can feel this trust, not only from their website, but during a first meeting, is key.
Balancing Portraits and Candid Moments
Just my 2 cents …
Remember, your wedding day isn’t a photo shoot—it’s a celebration, with many moving parts. You want a photographer who understands how to balance those must-have portraits with candid, spontaneous moments. The goal is to capture the essence of the day without pulling you away from the fun. A skilled photographer will get those wall-worthy portraits quickly and also blend into the background, allowing you to soak in every beautiful moment.
Ready to book the perfect wedding photographer?
Wait Audrey, you didn’t mention …
Okay, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—budget. You might be wondering why I haven’t mentioned it until now. That’s because budget varies so much from couple to couple, and those pricing guides on big wedding websites? Yeah, they can be pretty misleading, often reporting lower averages than what’s actually realistic. Instead of stressing over those numbers, the best approach is to have an open conversation with your dream photographer. They’ll help you understand the value they bring and what’s included in their services. An experienced pro isn’t pulling numbers out of thin air; their packages are well thought out and calculated based on their business. After all, these photos are an investment in your memories—a way to relive your wedding day for years to come.
So, start your search, trust your gut, and find a photographer who feels like the perfect fit for your style, personality, and wedding vision. When you do, you can relax, enjoy, and soak in every moment, knowing you are in good hands.
With over 15 years of experience, I’ve learned that the best photos happen when you’re relaxed and being yourself. So, trust your photographer, enjoy your day, and let them capture the magic—just the way you envisioned it.
Good luck – you’ve got this!
Much Love!
Audrey
Contact me below to set up your consult meeting, and let’s get you booked!
This post is part of my Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide. If you liked this post, you’ll LOVE these …
