A Step by Step Guide

How to select your wedding photographer


Planning a wedding is an exciting yet challenging journey, and one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is selecting the right wedding photographer. Your wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime, capturing the essence of your special day. Here are some essential tips to guide you in choosing the perfect photographer for your wedding:


1. DEFINE YOUR STYLE

Before you start your search, identify the photography style that resonates with you. Do you prefer traditional, posed shots, or are you drawn to a more candid, photojournalistic approach? Some photographers specialize in a particular style, so knowing what you want will help narrow down your options.


2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Take the time to research photographers in your area that have the style you are looking for. Websites such as Google, Instagram, and wedding-specific platforms like Zola can be valuable resources for finding top-rated photographers. Look at their portfolios, read reviews, and check their social media profiles to get a get feel for their work and reputation.


3. SET A BUDGET

Wedding photography can be a significant investment, so it's essential to set a budget early on. Keep in mind that prices can vary widely based on experience, package inclusions, and location. Be clear about what you can afford and look for photographers who offer packages within your budget.


4. START CONNECTING

Once you've shortlisted a few photographers, reach out to them. Most photographers have a contact form on their website that you can use to start the conversation, but after that I highly recommend speaking on the phone and/or meeting in person or via video chat. This way, you can gauge their personality and see if you feel comfortable being around them. Believe it or not, your photographer is the person you spend the most time with on your wedding day, so it's crucial to choose someone you trust and feel at ease with.


5. CHECK AVAILABILITY

Be sure to ask about their availability early on in your conversations. Photographers book up quickly, and they may not be available on your wedding day. If they are unavailable, ask if they can recommend another photographer with a similar style to theirs. Photographers often collaborate or follow other photographers with similar style.


6. REVIEW FULL GALLERIES

Many photographers have a portfolio on their website that showcases their best work. But portfolios don't the whole story. Before making any final decisions on a photographer, it's important to review at least one full wedding gallery of theirs to get a comprehensive view of what a wedding day looks like from start to finish to make sure it aligns with what you are looking for. Because full galleries are not featured directly on their website, you will often need to request it directly from the photographer.


7. ASK ABOUT PACKAGES AND INCLUSIONS

Photographers offer various packages that may include different services such as engagement shoots, second shooters, and albums. Make sure you understand what's included in each package what may cost additional.


8. READ THE CONTRACT CAREFULLY

Most things will be addressed through conversation ahead of time, but before making a final decision, ask to look over their contract. You may find additional information in it that could be important that may not have come up naturally in conversation, such as additional hourly rate or privacy and marketing policies.


9. MAKE IT OFFICIAL

Examine all the information at hand, trust your instinct, and decide on who you want to hire. Reconnect with that person right away and let them know you've reached a decision. Most photographers will require a deposit to be paid before they will reserve your date on their calendar, so acting fast is important so you don't miss out.


Choosing the right wedding photographer is a significant step in preserving the memories of your special day. By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to hire a photographer who you will love. If you found this guide helpful and would like to learn more about wedding photographers, check out the rest of my blog, here. To learn more about why LaVonda Gale Photography a five star Middle Tennessee Wedding Photographer, click here.


Lots of Love,

LaVonda Gale