No two wedding photographers are the same—how we handle different situations, the roles we need to play, and how we navigate any issues that arise vary from photographer to photographer.
With that being said, capturing your wedding is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly. As a wedding photographer with 8 years of experience under my belt, I wanted to give you expert tips for hiring a wedding photographer and what specific things to look out for.
Read on to learn more about what you should know when hiring a wedding photographer.
What Differentiates a Wedding Photographer
First, let’s break down what differentiates wedding photographers from other types of photographers:
They are prepared and ready to shoot in any conditions
With your average session, we have some degree of control over things like lighting and the setting we are in. With weddings, however, it’s my responsibility to capture the moments regardless of lighting, weather, and setting.
As a wedding photographer, I understand that there’s no rescheduling or do-overs for bad weather. I have to make the best of the circumstances we are facing, whatever that may look like. I know it’s always possible to find decent, flattering lighting, no matter the circumstance.
Equipment
Each photographer will have different equipment. I’m a Nikon girlie, and having backups is super important to me. For example, I always shoot on two memory cards. Also, I bring along plenty of extra batteries. There’s always a risk of tech failure, but I’ll do everything I can to protect your memories.
I also have lighting equipment to make sure I can capture the moments, even in dark reception halls. A large portion of most weddings take place after sunset. Remember, an experienced photographer can light any situation.
Structure and flexibility
Your wedding photographer needs to be organized and able to follow a timeline. Furthermore, they also need to be flexible and able to adapt when things go sideways.
I’m constantly on my toes and ready to adapt to any circumstance at any given moment. Wedding photography is high stakes. When it comes to wedding photography, there is no rewind button.
Flexibility is also important because it shields the newlyweds from wedding day stress. Knowing that someone else is in charge and can solve any problems means that you can fully relax, knowing you’re taken care of.
They take on different roles
My job as your wedding photographer isn’t just to capture the big moments during your wedding. Sometimes, I will play the part of the documentarian, blending in and capturing moments as they unfold. Other times, I will take on the role of a director, gathering up your friends and family members for photos and also guiding posing throughout the day.
Also, as your wedding photographer, I will spend a lot of time being a fly on the wall and problem-solving behind the scenes. This could look like navigating a challenging family dynamic with a smile or taking photos of your guests and keeping them occupied if the food at your reception is running late. I’m here to anticipate any problems that may arise and solve them discreetly.
Your day should be about you and enjoying it, not figuring out where your mother’s second cousin wandered off to when it’s time for a big family photo!
I’m also someone who almost always has a first aid kit, a spare bobby pin, or a pair of scissors when the need arises.
Weddings are also not a one-person show. Plenty of other vendors will be around throughout the day. I’ll work with each of them to ensure that everyone gets what they need so that you can have the celebration of your dreams—no matter what.
What to Look for When Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Hiring a wedding photographer is a big decision. It is not something you want to rush into or feel like you’re settling. So, as a wedding photographer myself, here are a few qualities I suggest looking for to make sure you get exactly what you want out of your wedding day!
They have backup equipment
This should be an absolute must! Make sure that you double-check during your consult call how your photographer prepares for weddings. This could mean their physical equipment and things like SD cards or backing up your images.
While issues like this aren’t common, the last thing you want is for it to happen on your wedding day and for your photographer not to have a backup plan.
They are a problem-solver
How can you know if the person you want to hire is a problem solver? During your consult call, ask! Have them give you some examples of times when they had to navigate difficult situations during weddings. Also, have them explain how they handled it.
You don’t want to end up working with a photographer who is just going to stand on the sidelines or get upset if any issues arise during your celebration. We are here to help and reduce your stress – not add to it.
They have great reviews and testimonials
When considering a photographer, be sure to check out their full galleries. You’ll also want to read their reviews and testimonials. You can read the reviews and testimonials on their website and social media, but also check out Google Business page reviews. You can also check to see if they have reviews on Facebook, Wedding Wire, or The Knot.
The biggest reason to do this is that you get to hear directly from their clients about the entire experience. There’s only so much that we can put on our website or even our social media. Reviews can really give you the big picture of everyone’s experience and all of the little things that happen throughout the wedding process!
You vibe with them
You may love a photographer’s work, but that doesn’t mean that they are the perfect match for you – and that’s okay! You are going to be spending so much time with this person, so it’s important to know that you both get along and that they are someone you connect with.
They need to be someone who can keep you relaxed and calm and who you fully trust. Be sure to get to know the photographer you’re considering before your wedding. You can follow them on social media and, if they live close by, invite them to have coffee with you.
This is one of the biggest reasons I include an engagement session in my wedding packages. You can see how I work, and that will make your wedding day portraits less nerve-wracking. You can also tell me ahead of time if there’s a specific pose you really do or don’t like!
One thing that you can’t fake in photos is comfort. So, if you are not totally comfortable around your photographer, that is going to show up in the photos, and that’s not something we want to happen!
They are hands-on
Get a feel for how hands-on or hands-off they are. You can ask questions during your call about planning. This will help you to get a better idea of how much your photographer can help you with your wedding planning outside of just taking pictures.
You can also ask them if they make timelines. Furthermore, get a feel for what their communication with you looks like leading up to your wedding. These questions will give you let you know what can expect from this person and whether they will truly be a valuable asset to your wedding day.
Now You’re Ready to Hire a Wedding Photographer
Hopefully, these tips on hiring a wedding photographer will help you as you start to plan your own wedding day. Remember, choosing the right wedding photographer is essential to making your investment worthwhile – it is a choice that deserves careful consideration.
And, if you’re still looking for the perfect photographer to capture all the special moments, I’d love to chat. You can click here to learn more about my wedding photography services or head over here to get in touch and start planning your dream wedding!
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