Nobody ever regrets hiring an awesome wedding photographer.
Photos are arguably one of the best spent high-cost items for your wedding. Yes, you can have amazing entertainment. Of course, the food needs to be super delicious. And, you’ll want to look incredible. However, if there are no photos was any of it even worth it?
Let me tell you a true story. My parents had hardly any photos from their wedding. I’m talking like maybe five. Ten, max. They went with an inexpensive, yet friendly, photographer, and none of the photos turned out well. This is something that my mother always wished she could go back and change. They probably had a great wedding, but with no photos, it’s hard to look back on the day.
13 Tips For Hiring An Awesome Wedding Photographer
Because photography is so important, it’s essential that you know the tips for hiring an awesome wedding photographer. A great photographer is more than just the pictures they take. They help enhance your wedding day experience. Awesome photographers are artists, yes. But they are also professional, personable, and will help you be comfortable having your photo taken. They need to command large groups of people, and they need to be efficient.
Let’s get into it!
1. LOOK FOR GREAT REVIEWS
My number one way to hire an awesome vendor? Look at reviews.
Yes, I know this part isn’t that sexy. Or exciting. However, if you type “wedding photographer” into Yelp or Wedding Wire for your wedding location, you’re sure to have tons of reviews pop up. Take the time to read through them. You’ll find some rave ones out there that describe photographers who went above and beyond for newlyweds. And, you’ll likely find reviews that aren’t so great.
Make a list of the photographers with rave reviews, and start calling them to see if they are available on your wedding day. Don’t skip this step for hiring an awesome wedding photographer.
2. KNOW YOUR STYLE
Did you know that there are different types of photographers out there?
For example, there are those who shoot light and airy photos. Those who prefer natural light. Some photographers like to shoot a certain mood or enhance the drama in their photos. Others may be skilled at portraits, or candid shots.
Every photographer has a different style. It’s important to find one that matches yours. Otherwise, you won’t be hiring an awesome wedding photographer for your wedding.
Take some time ahead of your wedding to look at various types of photos and discuss your style with your partner. Then, find a photographer who shoots that style.
3. ASK YOUR VENUE
I say it time and time again. Venues know the most awesome people to work with.
Venues see it all. The caterers who serve cold food. The day of coordinators who constantly run late. Florists who have a bad attitude. Venues know who is great to work with, and who you should run away from.
If you want to hire an awesome wedding photographer, ask your venue for referrals. They may even have a preferred vendor list of people to choose from.
4. ASK YOUR FRIENDS, OR OTHER VENDORS
I’ll share that the photographer we hired for our wedding was awesome. If you want to check out his work, here is his link.
Our photographer was so awesome, we referred him to many other couples after we got married. There were just so many things about his style that worked for us, and we were impressed.
So, if you are looking for an awesome wedding photographer, put the feelers out there. Talk to your friends. Casually ask any other vendors you’ve hired. Put up a social media post for referrals. You’re bound to get tried and true referrals from people you already know and trust.
5. ALWAYS LOOK AT THE WEBSITE
Want to know what every awesome wedding photographer should have? A solid website.
It’s more than just the fact that legit businesses should have a website. It’s that photographers have a visual business. One that should be showcased to those who want to browse. And, let’s be honest. Having your work just on your social media page is plain lazy. Yes, prospective clients will be able to browse your photos, but social media is not a replacement for a website.
Hiring an awesome wedding photographer means checking out their website. Look for how it’s laid out. Find photos that stand out to you. Gather as much information as you can. You should get a good feel for a photographer from the site.
6. PAY ATTENTION TO THAT FIRST IMPRESSION
First impressions matter, people.
Yes, some people are shy, quiet, and reserved when they first meet new people. However, do you want a shy wedding photographer? One that struggles talking to strangers? Or do you want to hire a wedding photographer who commands the room? One that can confidently convince guests to look up and smile for a photo? I’d rather go with the latter.
Look, there’s nothing wrong with a quiet wedding photographer. However, you’ll learn a lot about their interactions when you first meet with them. If you’re uncomfortable (for any reason), chances are your guests will be, too. Your wedding photographer is with you for most of your wedding day. That first impression is a great preview about how it will go. An awesome wedding photographer will jive with you and your partner, and make you feel at ease right away.
7. HAVE YOUR QUESTIONS READY
A key tip for hiring anyone? Have questions for them.
When it comes to hiring an awesome wedding photographer, the answers they give to the questions are important. Ask potential photographers about back up plans in case they can’t come to your wedding. Find out how long it takes for them to get photos back to you. Ask about their style, their experience, and the reason they got into photography. Find out if they provide physical photos or digital ones. Of course, ask about their prices.
An awesome wedding photographer will be able to give you answers that meet your expectations and make you want to hire them.
8. SEE HOW LONG IT TAKES FOR POTENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHERS TO RESPOND
Response time can tell you a lot about a vendor.
If you’re hiring an awesome wedding photographer, they will respond to you in a reasonable amount of time. This is true for inquiries on their website, emails, or phone calls. If a photographer isn’t responsive before you’ve even met and while they still have to work to get your business, imagine how they will treat you once contracts are signed and deposits are sent. Response time matters, and awesome wedding photographers won’t leave you hanging.
9. FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER THAT INCLUDES ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
This is a perk that many awesome wedding photographers provide, and I’m here for it.
Now, there are caveats to this perk. Not all wedding photographers will provide engagement photos in their packages. Meaning, you may have to pay extra for them. And, some wedding photographers may provide different types of photos instead of engagement photos. For example, boudoir photos. Or even rehearsal dinner photos. The point here is that your photographer gives you the opportunity to “practice” or “get to know them” ahead of your wedding. Doing so will help your comfort levels on your wedding day.
If you find a photographer who will not take your photos ahead of the wedding. . . they may not be the awesome wedding photographer you’re looking for.
10. LOOK FOR SOMEONE WHO HAS CONFIDENCE IN THEIR LEADERSHIP SKILLS
Remember earlier when I said that first impressions matter? That it should be clear that you’re working with a photographer who can command a room and have some confidence?
Yeah, let’s talk more about that.
Hiring an awesome wedding photographer means that you’re hiring someone who can take charge. Now, of course, you may not need them to take charge on your wedding day. You may have a day of coordinator or some other vendor who can help with that. However, your wedding photographer needs to be able to lead people in some respect. Even if it’s just to get a large group to look at the camera at the same time. Or to give instructions on how someone can stand so a photo looks better. Confidence in their leadership skills is crucial.
11. MAKE SURE THEY HAVE LIABILITY INSURANCE
Want to know a wedding photographer red flag? Hiring someone who doesn’t have insurance.
Of course, you may be wondering why a wedding photographer will need insurance. Well, there are things that can go wrong. With any vendor. With regards to photographers, there is equipment to watch. They may end up climbing ladders to get shots. Props may be placed strategically, and with guests and drinking, things can happen.
The key takeaway here is looking for a wedding photographer who is responsible and prepared. Liability insurance isn’t that expensive. And getting it in place isn’t that hard. Anyone who is legitimate in their business will have this covered, just in case.
12. HIRE A PHOTOGRAPHER WITH EXPERIENCE
There is nothing wrong with hiring a wedding photographer who is just starting out. This may fit better into your budget, and perhaps you and your partner aren’t too worried about the photos from your wedding day.
However, if you are serious about hiring an awesome wedding photographer, you need to find one with experience. It’s more than just years of experience, too. You’ll want someone who has experience working at weddings like yours. This may be in regards to the size of your wedding. Or the venue. Perhaps you have a dog at your wedding, or kids.
Experience is key for your photographer. It will help them know what to do when issues come up, and help your wedding day experience, too.
13. GO WITH YOUR GUT
Want to know how you’ve actually found an awesome wedding photographer?
Your gut is telling you so.
I’m serious. If you meet with multiple wedding photographers, and they all seem to have the style that you like, and the right qualifications, and you’re having trouble deciding who to go with, ask your gut. What is it telling you? Who do you picture at your wedding, with you? Who do you want to be a part of your wedding day? Your gut will lead you to the right photographer for your wedding.
THOUGHTS ON HIRING AN AWESOME WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
Friends, hiring an awesome wedding photographer isn’t complicated. You do need to do some research, though. Ask your friends, venue, and other vendors for a referral, if needed. Read reviews. Pay attention to how your first meeting went. Bring questions and follow your instinct when it comes to choosing the right photographer for your wedding day. You’ve got this! Happy wedding planning!
More About Photographers Hummingbird Wedding Advice
How To Save Money On Your Wedding Photography
Discounted Wedding Photography (What You Need To Know)
Engagement Photos: All Your Questions, Answered!
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