I totally get it. You're getting married for the first (and only!) time. You've got to visit a ton of venues, go to dozens of cake-tastings and fittings, send out hundreds of invitations... the list goes on. But how do you choose the right photographer when you've never had professional photos taken before? The process of picking any vendor can be stressful, but with a little bit of planning you can really break it down into a few simple steps.
1. Look at Photos, Choose a Style.
To the naked eye, perhaps it seems as though all photography is the same. We all capture the ceremony, reception, family formals, bridal party and romantic couple portraits, and you may be looking at photographers that seem to offer the same packages and deliverables. What differentiates these photographers from each other is their style. The more portfolios you look through, the more you'll notice the difference in colors, tones and brightness. Start by settling on a style of editing and focus on photographers with portfolios that match that style. Keep in mind that just like styles of clothing, some styles of editing are timeless, while others tend to fall in and out of fashion.
2. Evaluate Your Budget
After the guests have left the venue, the cake has been eaten, and the DJ has spun their last record of the night, you still have your photos to remember the best (and most expensive) night of your life. I'm a firm believer that no one should go into debt when planning their wedding, and fortunately, there are so many fabulous photographers at different price ranges. If photography is important to you, set aside what you realistically can and be open with vendors about your budget.
If you have $1,000 or less to spend on photos, you may want to look into students, or new photographers who haven't yet shot their first wedding. In this price range, though, you run the risk of hiring someone who may not show up, may not have experience directing complex photoshoots or might ghost you after the wedding. Check out our other blog post about how to avoid getting scammed by your wedding photographer.
Upwards of $1,200, you're more likely to find a photographer who has shot a few weddings and may have a broader portfolio of their work for you to examine. They may be more experienced with photography and have an established business, but likely lack the years of experience that would aid in running a smoother wedding, or the confidence in their product that a professional would have.
At the $2,500 and up range, you'll find someone with plenty of experience, reviews, and maybe even print products that come with your package. For a premium price, you often get perks such as two photographers or all day coverage, as opposed to options that would be limited at lower price points. For someone very experienced with a legit, professional business, you can spend up to $6,000 on the right photographer's deluxe package.
3. Find Some Local Photographers
Now that you've picked a style you love and have decided how much you can afford to spend on photos, it's time for your search to begin. There are over 700 wedding photographers in the Metro Detroit area alone, so you'll have the best luck starting your search online.
Beware of websites like Wedding Wire or the Knot. While the photographers on that website are sure to be legitimate professionals, the ones on the front page are usually paying a premium fee (hundreds of dollars a month) to be featured there, so they're not necessarily the highest rated photographers (though they certainly can be).
Apart from Facebook groups such as Brides on a Budget, Michigan Brides to be, and Michigan Photography Network, make sure to ask any recently married friends about their experience with their own photographers, and whether they would recommend them.
My favorite place to find local, professional photographers though, is at Bridal or Wedding Expo's. At these conventions you have a chance to meet photographers (and other vendors) in person, ask them questions, and see their prints and products in person. While there are free expo's that are worth checking out, I recommend visiting events that have an entrance fee as well. Often the fee is only $5-$15, and you'll not only have access to more premium vendors, but you'll also be there to try food samples, watch fashion shows, and enter some excellent giveaways.
4. Book an Engagement Session
Now you've found your style, your budget, and (what you think may be) your photographer. If your photographer offers an engagement session with the package you're interested in- great! If not, it's worth splurging to pay for the extra session. You'll have a chance to see how the photographer communicates with you, if they give you enough posing direction, and if they make the shoot fun. This will be the person shadowing you your whole wedding day, so you want it to be fun - or at the very least, not stressful. After the session pay attention to how they communicate. Are they difficult to get ahold of? Did they deliver your photos within the time frame specified? Do your photos look like what you've seen in their portfolio? Also make sure to have a consultation, either in-person or on the phone, to confirm what you can expect before, during and after the wedding. If at any point during this time period anything appears to be a red flag, don't be afraid to move on to another photographer.
Photography is important, and choosing the right fit for you can be overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Give yourself plenty of time to book, review your options, and don't be afraid to ask questions. The right vendors will have all the answers you need, great reviews, and killer galleries for you to see and make just the right decision.
Please reach out if you could use any other tips on how to choose your vendors or what questions you should ask your photographers before booking them for your wedding day!
