If you can’t decide whether spending thousands on a wedding photographer is worth it, you’re in the right place. Today, we’ll talk about why choosing the right wedding photographer is so important. And we’ll go over tips to help you decide who to hire. You’ll need to think about your priorities and what wedding photography is worth to you. Let’s find out!
What Is a Wedding Photographer?
A wedding photographer specializes in weddings and formal events. They’ll have experience with formal family photos and action shots of the ceremony and reception events. These photographers will know how to shoot intimate vows and high-energy parties.
They’ll be attentive to the bride and groom and the other action happening during the event. Wedding photographers should also have an eye for detail, from rings and flat lays to centerpieces and shoes.
Why Are Wedding Photographers So Expensive?
Wedding photography can be very expensive, mostly because of the time. Usually, family photo shoots take an hour or less. But weddings are usually all-day events. That means some wedding photographers will work from dawn to dawn.
Some people hire them for the getting-ready photos that morning and expect them to shoot until the send-off that night. Most photographers have an 8-hour max to avoid overworking. It is difficult work to be on your feet all day and crouching in different positions to get the best photo.
This type of photography can also be expensive because of all that it entails. Usually, you can get a full day of photos, high-quality editing, and hundreds of photos for the price. The editing can take a long time and requires additional skills. Additionally, camera equipment and software aren’t cheap.
Photographers still need to run a business. This means buying tons of storage cards, hard drives, editing software, lighting, cameras, lenses, flashes, and tons of other equipment. All that, in addition to travel expenses to get to your wedding venue and more.
Why Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer Is So Important
But why is wedding photography so important? The right wedding photographer can make or break your wedding. It’s not all about price. You’ll need to consider several factors when choosing a photographer. Here are five reasons why finding the right one is so important.
Will Capture Your Most Important Day
First and foremost, your wedding is likely the biggest and most important event of your life. At least it’s the only one you’ll spend thousands of dollars on. If your wedding is such a special event, you’ll want quality photos.
If you think about it, the only thing that will really last from your wedding, apart from your love and spouse, are your photos. Your dress may yellow, your flowers will die, and the memories may fade without those precious pictures.
You’ll likely want those memories and photos for years to come and for your children. If you hate your wedding photos because they’re bad quality, you may end up with bad memories surrounding that day. You want pictures you can proudly hang in your home. Thus, getting the right photographer is key.
Will Ensure You Get All the Right Photos
The right wedding photographer will also ensure you get all the photos you want. You may want certain photos with your spouse, your mom, or your grandparents. Perhaps you want to make sure you get fun pictures with your wedding party. Maybe you really want good photos of just you.
And you’ll likely want all those candid moments, capturing your best angle. Your photographer should talk to you about all the photos you want and then provide those. You don’t want to get your photos back and realize you didn’t have any photos with just your mom or your great-aunt who raised you.
Will Deliver
The right photographer will deliver. And I don’t mean food. They will go above and beyond to capture your special moments. They’ll pay attention to detail and the crowd. And when all is done, they’ll provide the best quality work they can. The right photographer will deliver a good time, quality photos, and timeless memories.
Will Match Your Style
The right wedding photographer will also have a style that you love. Do you want vintage photos or airy ones? Do you like bright or moody? Do you enjoy warm or cool tones or black and white? You’ll find many different styles out there.
The right photographer won’t just take photos. They’ll edit them in their own way — hopefully, in a way you love and will want to look at for years to come.
Will Help You Feel Comfortable
Finally, the right wedding photographer will help you feel comfortable in front of the camera. Whether you like getting photos taken or not, they can make your experience magical. They can hype you up, make you feel beautiful, and get you smiling.
They can also help make guests feel comfortable too and smoothly transition through family group photos. This person will be a part of intimate and special moments. You want to ensure you feel comfortable with them being there for it.
How to Know Which Wedding Photographer to Hire
Now that you understand how important a good photographer is, how do you go about finding one? Let’s break down some of the things you should consider when choosing someone to capture your big day.
Experience
You might overlook whether a photographer you like on Instagram has experience doing the type of photos you want.
For example, you may love a photographer’s style, but perhaps they have never shot a Latter-day Saint wedding. Do they have experience taking pictures at the temple? Do they know how to guide a large family group?
Additionally, do they have experience doing all-day weddings from the temple to the reception? And do they have experience doing wedding videos or editing things out of your photos?
You’ll want to ask a prospective photographer about their wedding experience. Dig into what they feel comfortable doing and have done before.
Personality
Once you feel they have the right qualifications, get a feel for them as a person. Do you feel comfortable talking with them? Do you think your personalities will clash? They will be a part of the intimate moments of your wedding day.
You want to ensure you feel at ease with them being there, even just in the background. Additionally, their attitude and personality can really help others feel comfortable in photos and get people laughing.
Team/Equipment
A good question to ask a photographer is if they have a team. Having a second photographer can help you get more moments, such as the reaction of your guests when you say, “I do.” You may also ask about the type of equipment they have. For example, do they use a backup memory card?
The main card could crash and lose all the photos. Having a backup in the camera can ensure you don’t lose any of your precious memories. You can also ask about reflectors, lights, and editing equipment to understand what they might use and what you can expect the day of.
Price
Even if everything looks great, the right wedding photographer will also have the right price. Don’t hire someone you can’t afford. However, don’t go cheap if good wedding photos are important to you. Good-quality photos won’t come cheap, but they’ll be worth it.
You need to consider what feels worth it to you. You can find many great photographers in a range of budgets. They may also have payment plans, discounts for different seasons, or packages.
Package
Photographers will often have wedding packages. Sometimes, this will include getting ready photos or bridals. Some people want to do a first look, a temple session, and a reception. Some photographers may only cover 8 hours in one day.
Others may include different sessions in their packages. Also, some may include a short wedding video or other videography packages. Let them know what you want and ask about what services they offer.
Style
None of the other things will matter if you don’t like their photography and editing styles. Many photographers have their own preset filters. Take a look at their portfolio to determine if you like the look.
Also, look at what kinds of poses and angles they use. Some people prefer moody, others light and airy, and some vintage. Determine how you envision your wedding photos and ensure your photographer can deliver that style. If not, keep looking. You’ll find plenty of other options out there.
Availability
Now that you’ve determined good prices, packages, and styles, make sure they have availability. If you already have your wedding day scheduled, find a photographer far in advance. Most photographers book their sessions a minimum of 6 months out. But some need even more time than that for weddings.
Also, consider if you want to do a bridal session or first look before the wedding day. You’ll also need to make sure they have availability for those sessions.
Finally, once you determine the availability and schedule the day, don’t change it. You could lose your photographer if you switch days or even times.
Reviews
Many people find their photographers by friend referrals, which is great. Make sure the photographer has good reviews. You don’t want to book someone and find out later that they delivered photos late, don’t communicate well, or have other mishaps.
Read reviews and ask previous clients, if possible, about their experience with the photographer. You can avoid a lot of issues by ensuring you hire a good quality and trustworthy photographer.
One photographer I highly recommend is McKenna Murdock Photography. She doesn’t shoot weddings but she should be your first choice for your bridals, formals, and first looks. You’ll love her warm and bright photos and stunning compositions.
And what’s more, she likely become your best friend. She has the kindest and funniest personality and will make your shoot a party! Take a look at her website for more information.
The Right Photographer Will Make or Break Your Wedding Experience
The right photographer will make or break your wedding experience. Brides have cried for days because they hated their wedding photos. Do your research and really examine potential photographers before you book. Following these tips will help you avoid heartache. But hiring the right one can make your experience special.
This is an important day in your life. Having those memories and loving your photos will take a special place in your heart. A good photographer can ensure you can remember the amazing and special parts of this big day.
Are you looking for a photographer for your wedding? We know a few! Let us know what you’re looking for below. And if you are a photographer, send us a message. We may feature you in your very own Love Letter!
I loved our wedding photographer! And I hope you do, too!
Love, Laurel
