Choosing a wedding photographer for a wedding photographer

After all the months and months of planning, the big day finally arrived. Filled with excitement and joy, he came and went. What I didn’t realize is that even though I was the bride, I had still missed parts of my wedding. I was working on a tight budget and decided not to hire anyone to film my wedding. A friend volunteered to take my wedding portraits and photograph all the great moments: the reception line, the wedding party photos, the first dance, us cutting and eating our cake, etc. Everything seemed perfect. It wasn’t until I received the photos that I realized that the friend didn’t take very good photos. She didn’t understand how to operate the camera other than simply point and click. I didn’t understand shutter speed or F-stop. My photos and the chance to capture that memory for a lifetime were ruined.

So how do you really choose a photographer to shoot your wedding? Should you hire someone? Should you ask your friend / relative who will not change you to film the wedding?

Professional photographers know their equipment like a chef knows his kitchen. Your camera becomes the means by which you create what you see in your mind. Wedding photographers in particular specialize and are experienced in knowing what to look for on your special day. Our job is to ‘see your vision’ and make it come true. We will capture the ‘essence and feeling’ not just the memory of your big day.

Searching for the right photographer can be a lot of fun, and you can get a lot of great wedding ideas along the way. I would say that the first question I am often asked is “how much do you charge?” Price is important, but most of us wouldn’t buy the cheapest dress, shoes, stylist, flowers, food, or venue. Instead, we look for things that we love or that mean something to us and then ask how we can budget for them.

Wedding photography is hard work. It’s high pressure with many things at once and no second chances. Once the wedding day has passed, you won’t be worried about how many photos you have received for the money; you will be thinking about how much you love them. So, in addition to price, choose your photographer based on quality, personality, experience and reliability. The quality of the shot is HUGE! Again, you only get one change to photograph that moment. That is why we always have 2 photographers. If you are not comfortable with the photographer, will you look or act the best you can in front of the subject? Also, look at the style of the photographer. Does your portfolio tell a story? Is it traditional with lots of formal poses? Is it more whimsical? Will the photographer allow creativity and try new things? You want the best photos possible – a photographer with a style you love and a personality that makes you feel comfortable in front of their camera is sure to deliver the best finished product!

So if you’re still looking, give us a call or email us. We are happy to meet you, talk about your dreams for the wedding day, and help you achieve exactly what you want! Happy hunting!

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