Top 10 Tips for Choosing Your Photographer

YOU'RE GETTING MARRIED!

Congratulations on your engagement! If you're here, it might mean you are looking to find a good fit photographer for your big day! I'm here to help offer some advice and give some suggestions that might help you take the leap and make that decision! I'm offering insight and details on what is included in a day of package! You'll just have to scroll to the end to catch all the nuggets of advice! Here's the deal, whether you end up choosing me or not, it's a big decision and there is plenty of photographer love to go around! Just let me know if you need any help or want me to join in the process. To get things started here is my first tip! Tip #1: Enjoy this time and process with your best friend!

Did you find "the one"?

What's next? Picking a photographer can be tough! Especially when you don't have a personal connection to any local photographers. I've heard in the search people will spend countless hours going back and forth scrolling through instagram to decide who will capture their day. Tip #2: Before you shop for photographers first know your venue and have your date in the books. Once you begin your search for photographers the hardest part of the process is figuring out if someone has the right "vibe". Building a connection with your photographer is crucial. After all, you will spend most of your day with your bridal party and the photographer. Good energy between you and photographer can help the day feel more relaxed! Tip #3: To help decide if you found "the one", it's good to set up a call in advance and get to know your photographer! I find the trickiest balance for most people is finding someone who matches your style and is in the price range that makes sense for the big day!

What should you consider?

So you have your venue and your date now. You have selected a few top photographers from instagram. You're ready to reach out and learn more about how they work and their price point. In this process of choosing the right photographer you must know your style. Tip #4: Know what you are searching for and what budget you want to operate with! Knowing these two things can make shopping go a lot quicker! Keep in mind whatever price point you pay is a reflection of the time your photographer will most likely invest. Most weddings are about 10 live hours on the day of the wedding, followed by upwards of 40 + hours to edit and organize photos into albums for you to view. Tip #5: As you consider the range of prices out there, just know how much goes into the work photographers do! Tip #6: Finally, consider how the photographer can help you develop a solid day of timeline. Experienced photographers can give you advice and help create the feeling you want to have on your big day!

Why should photos be a priority?

Tip #7: Determine your wedding day priorities. People prioritize different things on the big day: the venue, the catering, the music, the flowers, the band. So many things feel important when you think about the big day. It is hard to decide how much to "invest" on each thing! As you prioritize how you want to spend money for that day keep photography at the top of your list! Tip #8: If you find a good fit photographer they are pictures that you will hang on your wall and post for years or at least every anniversary! I've heard so many people say we paid xxx amount of money and then never did anything with the photos! Tip #9: Have a plan before your wedding day. Will you make an album or buy a canvas. If you've gotten to know your photographer and know what you want out of the pictures that's what you will get. Consider, if you want pictures of just you and your new partner or do you want details, bridal party, and family shots! Knowing these small things will help your photographer at any level of experience to capture everything in a way that actually becomes useful to you!

Tip #10:

My last and final tip as you select who will take pictures of your big day, is consider if instagram shows you everything! Photographers show that one "magic moment" from each wedding. Instagram is a highlight reel. As you are seeking your photographer make sure you are familiar with all of their work and how they approach a day! Ask if they have a website or a portfolio you can see. These details can help ensure that your photographer has that one of a kind "eye" to capture your big day just the way you and your partner see it!

What does a package with me include?