3 Keys to Choosing the Best Photographer for Your Wedding
Decades after your wedding day, the memories that remain will be prompted by the talented work of your wedding photographer. As important as the florals, catering, and dresses are on your special day, only the photos will endure—-even beyond your lifetimes! Given the unique and critical importance of wedding photography how can you be confident that your photographer will capture the special moments of your day?
All photographers are not equal; some are more technically astute, and others are more artistically gifted. All artists, including photographers, must begin their careers at some point but it is remarkable how many bridal couples choose a “friend who is cheaper” than an experienced professional to capture many of the most important images of their lives.
Here are three critical considerations when choosing your wedding photographer.
First, make sure the “Chemistry” is a good fit. Quality, intimate photos that reveal emotion result from the intangible chemistry between photographers and couples. Photographer Will Carson explains, “Chemistry is very important when choosing a photographer. You want to work with someone who can direct you and take charge (especially during large group photos). Typically, you find out a lot about one another in the initial consultation.” Another photographer with hundreds of weddings to her credit says, “I would say that the comfort you feel with your photographer is just as important as their skill and experience level. Your wedding day is one of the most amazing, yet stressful days of your life. Having an experienced photographer that makes you feel comfortable relieves you of a lot of that stress. Your trust and comfort level allows you to enjoy your day and relax and that will shine through in your photos. You spend nearly your entire wedding day with your photographer close by your side, snapping photos during very emotional, private moments” advises Brandy Angel an Atlanta area-based photographer. Advice? Choose a photographer you like, who you feel comfortable sharing intimate moments with. You will never regret getting this chemistry right. Adds experienced photographer Joanie Clay, “If you don't mesh with each other it can make for an uncomfortable day. You want someone who gets you and understands your vision for the day because they are going to bring out your best side and create the most beautiful images possible.”
Second, Match the specific Style you want. Not all photographers are created equal. Brandy counsels. “I think every photographer is like a snowflake, we are all artists doing the same job but no two are quite the same. We all have different aesthetics, skill levels and personalities. Some are more of a quiet observer that captures memories from afar. Some, like myself are far more outgoing, adventurous, think outside the box and will do anything you can imagine. Styles vary a lot, some are more matte, muted, soft and airy, while others are more bold, bright and full of contrast.” Adds Joanie, “I tend to think of photography in terms of dramatic photography verses light and airy. Difference in styles is a good thing because people have different tastes and there's a style of photography out there for everyone”.
Third, Establish Expectations early in the process. Are engagement photos included? How many hours is the photographer on site? Is there a second shooter? Did you want drone video? These and other questions are critical to get answered early in the booking process. Brandy says “Every photographer is different so I can only speak for me but my couples are all given a questionnaire to fill out and return to me before our final consultation, which is usually the week before the wedding. I use those answers to construct our final timeline with my couple, gather any final details I may need to know, as well as inform my couple of anything I need from them”. And Will agrees “Expectations should be set early on. I always tell my couples to expect their photos within a month of their wedding day with little sneak peeks along the way (we have to do something for their mental health!)”. Bottom line? The more clearly you communicate your expectations to your photographer….the better job they will do for you.
At Bogle Farm we have seen dozens of photographers and they are not alike! It is worth the investment in time and money for you and your partner to pick the person to shoot your pictures who is the “perfect match” for your personalities and your unique style. Remember—these are one of the few choices that will endure from your wedding day for the rest of your lives!
Many thanks to these talented professionals for their contributions to this blog post!
www.brandyangelphotography.com