Through the years I have found that there are really three variables that couples use to pick the right photographer for them; Product, Price and Personality. Ironically the one that is by far the most important (personality) is often the last that a couple really worries about. Let me give a little background on each of these so that when it comes to finding the right photographer for your wedding you can make the right decision!
Product
You have to like a photographers work! It’s very easy to simply visit a photographer’s website, Instagram feed or Pinterest page to get an idea of their style. Make sure that their general body of work matches what you want your photos to look like. Every photographer is going to put their best photos up on their website. Every blog post that goes up and every photo posted to social media is their “best of the best.” Dave’s Tip: ask to see a full gallery from an actual wedding. You want to see not just a photographer’s best work but a FULL representation of their work; you want to see what that photographer gave to the Bride and Groom. A blog post is usually around 50-80 images, a full wedding gallery is 700 - 900 images. To recap, make sure you like their full body of work and that you see at least one full gallery (ideally from a wedding that you pick, not one that they select for you).
Price
No one likes worrying about money; photographers despise pricing as much as couples do! Sad to say, price is one of those key things that every couple has to consider when selecting their photographer. The old adage that you pay for what you get is very true. If a photographer is super cheap, there is a reason for that; they might just be starting out or they could have a bad reputation they are trying to overcome. On the other hand if a photographer is insanely overpriced you might be purchasing more of a name to brag about then a quality experience. Dave’s Tip: Worry about product and personality first and then let price distinguish between your final choices. If you find someone whose work and personality you love, you will be able to find the money.
Personality
There are few people that have more of an impact on how your day will go then your photographer. Your photographer is with you from when the curling iron first gets plugged in until you and your fiancé are cutting a rug on the dance floor. Your photographer really does have the opportunity to make your day a laid-back, relaxed day or a chaotic stressful mess. Dave’s Tip: get to know your photographer. It is very important that you meet your photographer face to face and really get to know them. Have a cup of coffee (or a beer) and try to imagine what it would be like having them photograph you as you are getting ready on your wedding day; if your initial consultation is awkward how do you think it’s going to be when you are in curlers and a bathrobe?
Dave’s Tip: look at their reviews online, this is another great way to find out their reputation and what they will really be like on your day. Hire a photographer you can be excited about, that you know is going to add to your day not take away from it!
Finding the right photographer for your day does not need to be stressful. Dave’s Tip: if you start getting stressed in the wedding planning process, drop what you are doing and go out for a date night with your fiancé! Follow up tip: on that date DO NOT TALK ABOUT THE WEDDING! Have fun and remember why you are tying the knot!
You do need to compare pricing and make sure you are paying for what you get. Obviously you need to like the photos that the photographer produces, otherwise you wouldn’t even consider them for your wedding. But, the most important thing you need to remember when choosing your wedding photographer, personality really does matter and goes a long way to making your wedding day a great one!
Contributing Writer Dave Bigler
Learn more about Dave and his team at www.davebigler.com
