You’ve done your analysis, you’ve narrowed down the alternatives, you’ve ordered out your pro/con lists…now it’s time to trust your gut and make a decision. that photographer made you’re feeling the most comfortable during your in-person interview? that photographer can you see blending in seamlessly with you and your guests on the most important day? As long as your short list includes credible professional photographers who align with your vision and fit into your budget, you can’t get it wrong. go with your gut.
Ready to begin thinking about the rest of your dream team? Here’s everything you need to grasp about hiring your wedding vendors!
1. CHOOSE YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE
If you’ve never considered your wedding photography style, don’t worry, you’re not alone! We’d be willing to bet most couples don’t notice how many different styles of wedding photography really exist. But, rather like you wish to grasp your wedding style before you’ll begin selecting out flowers or decor, you wish to grasp what photography style(s) you like before you’ll begin looking at photographers. We’ve really got a handy quiz to see which wedding photography style is ideal for you!
Wedding Photography Styles (in a nutshell)
Fine Art — Fine art wedding photographers are actively creating art while capturing the story of your day. Every moment has the potential to turn into a photograph that could be a stand-alone piece in an art gallery.
Photojournalistic — The purpose of being a photojournalist is to unobtrusively capture the wedding day as a whole, not just the planned moments. Photojournalism got its start in newspapers, so remember that you won’t get the posed shots if you hire a true photojournalist. If you don’t like posing or staging, then hiring a photojournalist might be the perfect option for you.
Traditional — A traditional photographer appreciates the staples of a wedding and will capture them for you with art and grace. You can expect a modern take on the posed photos in your grandparents’ wedding album. Traditional wedding photographers typically focus on capturing the details that are important to you, including family photos, décor, and other images that you might have on your shot list.
Editorial — If you love the look of photography in magazines like Vogue, GQ, and Harper’s Bazaar, then you might like your wedding to be photographed with a similar feel. Editorial allows photographers to shoot creatively and over the top. While you won’t find candid moments in this style of photography, everything about the editorial look is dramatic, edgy, and sexy.
Moody and Dark — A moody or VSCO-look means that your photographer edits their photos in such a way as to mimic film imagery (or they might be a hybrid shooter — shooting both film and digital). If you love bright, bold colors and want your photos to look exactly how you remember your wedding day (color-wise), then the moody style may not be for you. However, if you’re looking for an artistic, interesting perspective of your wedding day, then this style might be your new obsession.
Adventurous — Think of this style as more of a personality trait rather than a look. If you and your soon-to-be love to travel and explore and are looking for someone who will follow you wherever your wanderlust takes you, then finding a photographer who describes themselves as an adventurer is a must!
One important thing to know is that most photographers don’t just shoot one style. In fact, most photographers incorporate all of these styles into their work in some way or other. It makes it more fun for them and more interesting for their clients. So, keep that in mind when you start looking at portfolios!
2. CAREFULLY RESEARCH YOUR PROSPECTS
With so many professionals’ websites and social media accounts to pore over, it can be tough to grasp what you’re even searching for. the primary issue, of course, is that they need a website. If the professional is just using Facebook for his or her entire business, that may be a red flag that they will lack expertise or expertness. Once you’re thereon web site, there are a few of necessary pages you ought to browse. the primary is their portfolio, that goes to present you a feel of what they believe their best work is. Here you’ll get a concept of the categories of weddings they fancy manufacturing or capturing, similarly as a compassionate their overall style. you will notice a consistency in their work, and if it resonates with you, keep them on your list! you will conjointly notice that there isn’t a standard thread through the work you’re finding in their portfolio. this might mean that they’re versatile and are ready to change and tailor their work to different clients, or it may mean that they don’t yet have a strong sense of what they’re best at. If you’re interested in seeing more of a certain style, make note of what you liked in their portfolio when you reach out and ask if they have similar work you can take a look at.
The second part of their site you want to peruse is their blog. One of the things you’re looking for here is that it has been recently updated, showing that they’re actively booking clients and putting out exceptional work. Another thing you should look for is yourself. No, obviously you won’t literally be on their blog, but you should look for couples and celebrations that feel like they could be your own. If you’re able to see yourself in this professional’s work, it’s a good chance they’re a fit for your wedding.
3. CONTACT YOUR FAVORITE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Once you’ve found at least five photographers who you would like to contact, it’s time to reach out and ask some questions. Keep in mind that this email is the beginning of a relationship with your future wedding photographer, and you’re making just as much of a first impression as they will with their response. Don’t just blast the same generic email to every photographer you find online. Get to know them, their work, and what you love most about their business. Then tailor each email to the photographers you’re genuinely interested in.
With this first email, you’ll want to be sure to ask the following questions:
-Is your date is available?
-What are their latest pricing, packages, and contract information?
-You might also want to set up a phone consultation, during which you can ask about their approach to their work, what makes them love shooting weddings, and find out what you can expect from them on your wedding day and throughout your relationship. Photographers know this is a big decision, -so don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable and well informed!
4. Face to Face Consultation Trust Your Guts
The only way to truly get to know someone is to meet them in person, which is why in-person interviews are a must when choosing your wedding photographer! What you’re really looking for in this interview is how comfortable you feel with the person behind the business. Like with any interview, the vibe you get from the person is just as important as the questions you ask. Would you feel comfortable having this person follow you around with a camera all day? Do you feel confident when this person tells stories about past weddings they’ve done at your venue? Does this person share a similar design aesthetic?
In addition to bringing some basic questions to the interview, it’s a good idea to bring along a your own note with some details you’ve envisioned for your day. First, you want to know if the professional can execute your vision. Second, you need to know if they can make your dream come true within budget. This one is all about expectations. If the answer is no, either the professional requires more than you can afford in order to bring your ideas to life, or you may need to be more realistic about what can be accomplished within your budget. You’ll get a better sense of which is the case after meeting with multiple vendors!
You’ve done your research, you’ve narrowed down the choices, you’ve laid out your pro/con lists…now it’s time to trust your gut and make a decision. Which photographer made you feel the most comfortable during your in-person interview? Which photographer can you see blending in seamlessly with you and your guests on the big day? As long as your short list includes credible professional photographers who align with your vision and fit into your budget, you can’t go wrong. Go with your gut.