I wanted to put this information out there because I remember how daunting and confusing it was searching for different wedding vendors for our own wedding. I hope this can make your lives easier and help you make an informed decision about choosing a photographer who’s right for you!
Where do I start?
Finding a great photographer can seem a little daunting at first because seriously–where do you even begin? As a former bride, I remember doing countless searches on websites like theknot and weddingwire, which can be great resources for scouting what type of work is out there. But ultimately they are just directories listing websites and contact info. It’s still important to check out the photographers’ portfolios online and read reviews/testimonials to get to know their work a little better.
Another simpler way to find a great photographer is right in front of us everyday: Facebook! After our wedding, we were tagged in almost 500-600 photos by family, friends, and also by our amazing wedding photographers. So if you like what you see by browsing through photos of recently married friends, take a minute to check out their photographer’s websites, blogs or even their Facebook pages. Most of us spend at least a few minutes on Facebook everyday, so why not use it as a resource? That way not only will you be able to see the photographer’s work first hand, but you’ll also have access to a personal contact that can give you honest feedback about their service.
What should I look for in a great wedding photographer?
Experience, professionalism and great talent–that’s a given. But something most of us tend to forget about is the photographer’s personality. Would you want this person around while you’re getting ready or during the first moments you and your fiance are together as a married couple? Can they mesh with your family/friends and also make them feel comfortable in front of the camera? Even if you find the most talented and affordable photographer out there, if you don’t think they can mesh with you and your loved ones this can be a red flag. That’s why it’s so important to meet prospective photographers either in person, over the phone, or some photographers can also set up Skype meetings! This will give you both an opportunity to get to know each other better and just see how well they’ll fit in during your wedding day.
If you have any questions you’d like answered, feel free to leave a comment below!
Coming up in Part II: How to Narrow It Down
