6 Tips for Hiring a Great Wedding Photographer
Now more than ever before, the barrier to entry to becoming a photographer is at an all time low. Between advances in camera technology, the abundance of educational resources, and access to great website templates and marketing plans, it’s easy for virtually anyone to learn the basics and set up their own wedding photography business.
So, how can you be sure that the photographer you are considering hiring for your wedding has the professional know-how to produce the quality photos you expect? Here’s a list of 6 tips and factors to consider when hiring a wedding photographer that will be the right fit for capturing the moments of your special day.
Tip #1: Hire Someone Passionate About the Art of Photography
While it’s easy to learn the fundamentals and technical aspects of photography, there are some things that just can’t be taught. You’ll want to hire a photographer for their talent as an artist and their unique vision. The best photographers have a combination of having an “artist’s eye”, dedication, and passion for the art of photography to successfully sustain a photography career.
Don’t be afraid to talk to your prospective photographer and ask them how they got into wedding photography. By having an organic conversation, you’ll be able to tell right away whether their heart is in it or not. In addition, you can also ask to see their personal work. A photographer who has a true passion for the art will do more than just what they’re hired to do and is likely to have a collection of personal projects they are proud of.
Tip #2: Your Photographer Should Be Able to Quickly Adapt to Any Lighting Situation or Setting
Compared to other genres of photography, wedding photography is unique in that the photographer is expected to create images in a variety of situations, even when the lighting and settings are not always ideal. A good photographer will know exactly how to make the right adjustments at a moment’s notice in order to produce the best photographs under any circumstance.
It’s easy to pull a small selection of images from an entire wedding day, but delivering an entire gallery of anywhere between 600-1,000 images is much more challenging. To see how a photographer adapts their photography strategies to different conditions throughout the duration of an event, always ask to see a full gallery of images from a wedding, not just the highlights. That way, you will be able to see how a photographer handles a variety of situations, including posed family photos and indoor lighting for wedding receptions. Often, these are not photos you can find in a website portfolio or on Instagram.
Tip #3: Find Out What Others Are Saying About Them
Research the business reputation of the photographer. You’ll want to be sure that even though they may be a great artist, they can manage a solid business and are personable to work with.
When you are planning a wedding, you will need consistent communication, reliability, and trustworthiness. You can measure these things by asking for recommendations from friends who are recently married or by talking to your other vendors such as caterers, venue managers, and florists. Online reviews from sites like WeddingWire and The Knot can also be helpful.
Tip #4: Consider Whether the Photographer’s Style Will Fit Your Unique Needs
You may find yourself overwhelmed with a list of talented photographers who are objectively good at photographing weddings, but are they the right fit for your wedding? The philosophy and approach of your photographer, as well as your personal needs, will determine the kinds of photos you get from your event.
For example, some photographers are very involved with the choreography of a wedding, while some like to step back and let events unfold as they happen. Some are better at photographing exclusively outdoor weddings, while some are skillful at both indoor and outdoor photos. Do you feel comfortable in front of the camera or do you prefer to spend very little time doing portraits?
Also, don’t forget that the venue you’ve chosen, as well as the time of day your wedding will be held, may determine the type of photography you need rather than the type of photographs you want. These are good things to discuss with your partner and/or wedding planner. During your interview with the photographer, provide them with the specifics of your venue, timing, and a rough timeline of how the day will unfold, and ask them to walk you through what a typical day of photo coverage looks like.
Tip #5: Find Someone With Experience in Keeping Up With the Pace of A Wedding
Some photographers like to stage wedding photos to provide ideal portfolio pieces to prospective clients, but they are not necessarily representative of the quality you can expect given the hustle and bustle of a typical wedding. Be sure to pay attention to whether the images were made for staged sessions or real weddings.
Styled sessions or editorial projects are images created in ideal lighting with plenty of time and are only meant for inspiration. They are not a realistic representation of the kinds of photos you will get from your wedding. Don’t be afraid to ask about the examples the photographer has in their portfolio.
Tip #6: Always Factor in Your Budget
Prices for wedding photography can vary widely and are based on variables that aren’t easily measured. It’s good to think about photographers as you would a musician—what you might pay to see a concert held in a big arena versus a small theater has to do with your connection to their music, personal preference, and budget. The same is true for photographers.
You are hiring the artist for their art in both of these scenarios. If you narrow it down to two photographers who are close in pricing, go back to the images to make a final decision. After all, you’ll ideally be keeping these photos forever, so make sure you’ll be happy with the end result with no regrets.
Your Wedding Photos Are Yours Forever, Don’t Be Afraid to Be Picky!
I’ll leave you with this thought: You want to hire a photographer who cares more about their photography than their marketing. A lot of issues many couples encounter when shopping for a wedding photographer can all be boiled down to a photographer not putting their clients’ needs first and instead trying to be a “one size fits all” vendor. Your ideal photographer will work closely with you to ensure you get the most from your experience and have a photographic record of memories you will cherish for a lifetime.
At Love Life Images, we have a collective of over 30 years of experience and come from a variety of backgrounds, but all share a passion for photographing the happiest moments in a person’s life. If you’re still shopping for your ideal wedding photographer, check out our portfolio of work and get in touch with us to discuss how we can capture the memories of your special day.
Are you looking for wedding photography in Maryland, Washington, DC or Virginia?
Send us and email at info@lovelifeimages.com or click here to book a call to talk about photographing your wedding or having engagement photos taken. We can’t wait to hear from you!
