Though most photographers have websites and social media accounts that show off their photography portfolio, we understand that it can still be nerve wracking to select this vendor as you aren’t able to know EXACTLY what the photos of your wedding will look like! That’s why we wanted to share a few things we recommend considering when hiring your wedding photographer!
As we wanted to focus on things to consider that specifically apply to photographers please note that along with the list below we highly recommend that you also consider your photographer’s cost and how it will impact your budget.
Photo: Derek Wong Photography | Venue: Kahala Resort
Photography Style
The first thing to consider when selecting your wedding photographer is their style of photography! Photographers are artists, they have a certain vision when capturing photos but also when editing them and like many other artists they have a distinct style that can be seen throughout their work. To determine if you like a photographer’s style we highly recommend looking through photos they’ve taken of past weddings to see if their photo technique and editing methods match what you hope to see for your wedding photos!
Vibe Check
Though you definitely want a photographer who has a photography style that you like, you also want a photographer whose vibe and personality is one that matches yours. This is often overlooked but knowing what you want from your photographer in terms of their level of energy and direction will greatly affect the kind of photos you will get and especially how you feel on your big day. Your wedding photographer is one of the few vendors that will be right there with you for practically every moment of your wedding. They will be there to capture the intimate moments of your vow exchange to the fun toasts and games at your reception. If possible, we highly recommend chatting with your prospective photographer or looking at reviews that mention not just their ability to take photos but their personality especially, so that you can get a feel for the kind of person they are and how they will vibe with you!
Photography: Bianca Photography | Venue: Four Seasons Resort in Ko’Olina
Packages/Items Promised
Many photographers offer packages such as engagement sessions, or albums that may come at a discounted price. An engagement session is also a great way for you to get a feel of your photographer’s style and vibe, and can serve almost as a test run. So that by your wedding day you’ll not only have a better relationship with your photographer but you may know the exact kind of photos and poses that you’d want to do after getting to go through it at an engagement session. For items promised these are the items that photographers sometimes state they will provide in their contract such as “at least 200 photos'' or “1 month turnaround”. Though you won’t know exactly what your photos will look like, you'll at least be able to know things such as how many photos you should receive and when you receive them. Taking these items into consideration will help you manage your expectations and know what your photographer will deliver to you.
Photography: Embr Photo
how to find a wedding photographer?
One way to find your wedding photographer or even many of your other vendors is to check with your venue! Many venues have a preferred vendor list. These vendors are ones that the venue trusts and often works with. The benefit with a photographer who is recommended by the venue is that the photographer is comfortable with the venue. They know where the best photo spots are, where there’s great lighting, and if you hire other vendors on the preferred vendor list they most likely have worked together before. And vendors that work well together are a great way to ensure that your wedding day runs smoothly! Along with your venue asking your other vendors for recommendations, especially your wedding coordinator, is a great resource as well. Of course last but not least, we can’t forget to mention visiting social media and review sites such as Yelp, Google, and The Knot!
We hope this helps you in finding your perfect wedding photographer! :)
If you’re still in search of your dream wedding coordinator check out a similar blog we have sharing things to consider when hiring a wedding coordinator!
XOXOXO
Happy Planning!
(A Perfect Day)