HOW TO CHOOSE A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | FIND YOUR WEDDING + ELOPEMENT PHOTOGRAPHER | ROCKY MOUNTAIN WEDDINGS | COLORADO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Hey there! My name is Britt and I’ve been photographing weddings, elopements and couples for quite a few years now and I know we’re coming into a time of year where a lot of couples are getting engaged or maybe you’ve been engaged and are just starting to plan wedding for the upcoming year. So I wanted to pass on some helpful tips to finding your photographer, because let’s be real, there are a lot of us out there and I really believe there is someone for everyone. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a photographer…
STYLE
I’d like to think we all follow a photographer or two on some social media platform and kind of have a style we’re interested in, but if you don’t, take a look around. Even look up the hashtag #weddingphotographer in the area of where you’re having your wedding and see what catches your eye. Do the photos you’re more drawn to have a more posed style? candid? bright and airy? dark and moody? Do they images really cool or warm? After a while you start to develop a preference.
BUDGET
Okay! So you found a style and a photographer you like. Then you went to their website to see their starting price. Maybe they fit right in or maybe you’re finding you have really great taste and quality and they fall on the higher end of your budget. Reach out to them anyway! They might still be within your budget. You might be getting married in a time of year that isn’t busy for them and can work with your budget. You might also feel after talking to them that they are worth the price tag. These are photos for forever!! If they can’t work within that budget, they may have connections with other photographers for you to reach out to.
DO YOU VIBE?
Get on the phone with them! I know what you’re thinking. They want to sell you something. Well…yes. You did reach out to them for a service after all, but it’s so much more than that. Don’t ghost a photographer that wants to get on the phone with you. It’s to see if you jive. You’re photographer is with you more than anyone else on your wedding day. It’s important to see if you could see yourself hanging with them all day and vice versa. Also, to see what they have to offer and possibly some extra insight to your day.
THINK ABOUT WHERE YOU’RE GETTING MARRIED
Has the photographer you’re interested in shot in similar lighting of your venue? Not necessarily the same venue. I think sometimes it can be nice to have a fresh set of eyes on your wedding day. But see if the photographer can send you a gallery or two to see if you like the way they shoot in different lighting situations. Are they versatile?
Maybe you’re eloping. Are they familiar with scouting, timing hikes, time of day, permits, etc…
COLLECTIONS
I build collections specifically for my couples, because I feel like every wedding day is different and every couple has different wants/needs and I try my best to create collections specifically to them. However, it’s not necessary for every photographer to do so. It is, however, important to know what they offer in collections as far coverage, number of photographers, travel, USBs, online gallery, prints and possibly albums. Maybe you have family and friends traveling and you want your photographer to be there for the rehearsal dinner. If they don’t offer some of the things you’re looking for, ask if they can include it when they send over pricing.
ASK OTHER QUESTIONS LIKE….
How would you photograph our day? Hopefully after you’ve chatted with a potential photographer, they’ve asked you about your day and how you see it panning out. They’ve asked what’s important to you and where everything is taking place. Now would be a good time to ask how they would photograph your day. It also can give you a little more insight on just about how much coverage they think you may need and also potentially toss a few ideas your way that you maybe haven’t considered yet.
We need direction. How do you shoot? Realistically, most couples haven’t been photographed since they’ve had senior photos taken. I don’t expect my couples to know what to do in front of the camera. That’s my job! But prior to shooting, it’s important to know how your photographer would make you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Ask them their shooting style!
Do you photograph LGBTQ couples? This may not be important to everyone, but finding a wedding photographer that’s comfortable with photographing LGBTQ couples can be important if you are one yourself. Just because you don’t see any LGBTQ couples in their portfolio, doesn’t mean they won’t photograph your wedding. Maybe they haven’t been given the opportunity or just never got around to blogging (like most photographers). Some photographers won’t for their own reasoning and that’s clearly not your photographer.
Do you have insurance? Backup equipment? Some venues require proof of insurance for liability purposes. If your photographer is a professional, they should 100% be able to supply your venue with proof. Which brings me to the other question. Say a venue’s sprinkler system malfunctions and decides to soak your vendors equipment or your drunk uncle trips or busts a camera lens on their camera (these things happen). It’s important to know if your photographer has extra equipment to improvise AND know what their backup process looks like post-wedding day.
What if we need a permit or need you to scout the location for us? Not all couples get married at venues and it’s equally as important to find a photographer that’s used to scouting out locations in the wild that can accommodate the size wedding you decide. Especially if you’re planning on a destination wedding and don’t live nearby. Colorado is known for needing permits….everywhere. Whether it’s popular locations (generally easy access), state parks or national parks, you will need a permit. National forests tend to be different. It’s a HUGE perk of hiring a photographer that’s familiar with the landscapes to help you with this part of the process.
JUST GETTING STARTED?
Maybe you just got engaged or have been for a while and the planning process has been a little intimidating. I totally get it! Nobody said you had to get engaged and dive deep into the planning process. You can be that noncommittal ex and test out the waters first. Book an engagement session so you at least have some photos together to celebrate and place on save the dates in the future. An engagement session is a great way to test the waters of what to expect on your wedding day. Do you jive with them, feel taken care of and have a fun experience? Book the dang thing!
I hope this was helpful and PLEASE reach out if you have any other questions. I got you! And I’m all about you. Is that weird? Oh well 🤷🏻♀️
