How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer

Planning a wedding is no easy task. There are countless decisions to make, and you want everything to go smoothly on the big day. One of the most important choices is finding a wedding photographer whose work you love and can envision yourself in. Equally important is ensuring you mesh well with the photographer since they will be with you all day on one of the most significant days of your life. Here are two essential steps to take before booking your wedding photographer to help you make the best decision.

1. See a Full Gallery from a Real Wedding

While it’s easy to fall in love with the highlight images a photographer shares on Instagram, it’s crucial to see a full gallery from a real wedding before making your decision. This step is essential because it shows how the photographer handles the entire day and what they deliver beyond the few highlight images they showcase. A full gallery provides context and allows you to get a sense of the photographer’s shooting style and consistency.

As a wedding photographer and photo editor, I’ve seen wedding days and full galleries from a wide variety of photographers. Every photographer shoots a little differently and has a unique viewpoint, which significantly impacts the images they capture and choose to deliver. Here are some tips for reviewing full galleries:

• Get a feel for what the photographer actually captures and delivers: Look beyond the highlights to see the complete story of the day.
• Ensure the gallery is from a real wedding: Styled shoots, where every aspect is controlled, are very different from real wedding days.

2. Video Call with the Photographer

My second tip is to jump on a video call with the photographer before booking. I do video calls with all my couples before booking because I believe this is the best way to see how well we connect. Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day, so it’s important to feel confident that your personalities will work well together. Here’s why a video call is beneficial:

• Assess personality fit: Your photographer will be a significant presence on your wedding day, so it’s crucial to ensure your personalities align. For example, I am very soft-spoken and prefer to blend into the wedding day and document it as it unfolds. If you’re hoping for someone who gives loud direction, then I might not be the best fit for your wedding day.
• Reveal the connection piece: A video call can help reveal whether you have that crucial connection with the photographer, which is essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding photographer involves more than just loving their work. By seeing a full gallery from a real wedding and having a video call with the photographer, you can ensure that you make an informed decision. These steps will help you find a photographer who not only captures beautiful images but also fits seamlessly into your wedding day.