How to find the right wedding photographer for you
Wedding photography is one of the most important elements of your wedding day. As the rest of the day fades over time, your wedding photographs are the one thing that last and will be passed down through generations. As a little girl, I can still remember looking through my Grandmother Por’s wedding album and feeling the magic of her wedding day held in a different time (long before digital cameras and social media!). The photos represent her spirit and style but also the beginning of our family. Wedding photographs are cherished and selecting the right photographer to capture these moments, is important to get right and should not be an afterthought.
Whether you’re having an intimate elopement or an extravagant affair, you should prioritise your wedding photography. Infact, it should be one of the first things you budget for, research and book in (along with your venue). Photographers, especially sort-after ones, often book out more than a year in advance as we only shoot a limited number of weddings (around 20). Remember, the most expensive photographer may not be the right choice for you.
I have put together a list of what to consider when choosing the right wedding photographer for you.
book a professional wedding photographer
Yes, you might have keen family members who own a camera and would love to shoot your wedding but have a good think of whether they’re a good fit for you. When you book a wedding photographer you are booking someone with experience, who can guide you through the day, having done it countless time before. They can give you valuable advice in the lead up and guide you throughout the day when you’re feeling uneasy in front of the camera or not sure what to do next.
Also, a wedding photographer will be able to capture all of those moments another photographer/or amateur photographer would miss. They will be standing by anticipating those beautiful and intimate moments, ready to capture the natural, unguarded you and your love.
A wedding photographer will notice the stolen glances, the ethereal way your gown flows down the aisle, the discreet tear running down your parent’s cheek or the loving way your partner squeezes your hand. A wedding photographer will capture all of those stunning decor details you have been painstakingly organising since you became engaged.
Choose a photographer you feel comfortable with
While the style of wedding photography is a large part of the decision to book, you also need to ensure you get along with and feel comfortable with the wedding photographer you’re booking. They will be the one person at your side the whole day (if you’re opting for an all-day package) from getting ready in the morning through to the reception at night. You want them to make you feel at ease in their presence. The easiest way to see how you feel with them is to book an in-person or online meeting. Chat to them, ask them questions and you’ll know right away how you’ll feel about them on the day.
Make sure their work resonates with you
When you come across a photographer whose work resonates with you, you will know. Look through their website and blog (this is recommended over their Instagram highlight reel so you can get a good idea of how they shoot an entire day). Does it make you feel something? Do you like how they capture a couple’s story?
Asking a wedding photographer to change their style to fit the style you want won’t work and you will be disappointed with the outcome. Instead, look at their work and see how it will fit with your style and you as a couple.
You should be confident with them on the day to let them do their thing. You will get the best results that way. When moments are captured organically and naturally, that is when the magic happens.
Lei x
If you resonate with my work, I would love to hear from you about capturing your day!
