Once the date has been set, the photographer is often one of the first vendors couples seek out in their wedding planning. The task of finding someone to document your big day can be daunting and overwhelming. Here are three questions to ask yourself when searching for the perfect person to capture the images you will treasure for a lifetime.
1. What style of photography do I prefer?
Photography is an art, and every artist has their own flavor. Some photographers use film, giving the photos a classic and vintage look. Today, many shoot digitally and have the ability to use post-processing to give their photos a signature flare. Some photographers even provide a combination of film and digital.
Spend some time browsing through different wedding portfolios. Are you drawn to light, airy and soft images? Or do you find yourself loving vintage, moody portraits with high contrast? Maybe you prefer natural photos that appear relatively untouched. Picking a style of photography you love will help you focus your search and add personality to your final wedding album.
2. What poses do I like?
In addition to style, pay attention to posing as you search. Do you find yourself ooo-ing and ahhh-ing at tight shots of the bride and groom giggling as they snuggle? Are you drawn to artistic and unconventional poses or traditional portraits with both the bride and groom looking at the camera? If candid photos are important to you, look for photographers that demonstrate they can capture those special fleeting moments before the ceremony or on the dance floor.
3. What parts of my wedding do I want to be photographed?
From getting ready at the hotel, to the groom’s reaction when he sees his bride walking down the aisle to the sparkler send-off, there are countless unrepeatable photo opportunities at a wedding. Think about how involved you want photography to be on your wedding day. If you want photos to help you remember every detail, look for a photographer who demonstrates they have experience photographing everything from portraits to candids to detail shots of the invitations and table settings. If you want a lot of pictures, consider a photographer who works with a second shooter. This will give you a greater variety of angles and allow for greater flexibility for weddings running on a tight schedule.
Keep these three things in mind when searching for your wedding photographer. By having a better understanding of your personal preferences for wedding photography, you will be sure to have images you will treasure for years to come!
Photography Credit: Sarah Kay Photography