If you recently got engaged and photography is something you value, you may be searching for your perfect wedding photographer. There are many things that cross your mind when you shop photography but we want to make sure you consider the important things because your wedding photographer can make or break your day and it’s the ONE thing you walk away from your wedding day with, in hand. The images are so important to document your day. They hang on your walls and sit on your shelves forever. They don’t get replaced each year with the current year. And, they become more endearing with time as you pass by them. They’re showcased at your 25th anniversary and even your funeral. Yep, I know. Sounds morbid but they’re IMPORTANT. I’ll even share some ways I’ve seen some very creative brides save money where they can to afford the wedding photographer of their dreams as bonus tips below.
Things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer
1. Personality
You’re hiring a person that will be with you during the majority of your wedding day, longer than your spouse sometimes. Your photographers personality can set the tone for your entire day. With planning, an engagement session and album designs, you’ll typically work with your wedding photographer for over a year. It’s important to choose a photographer that you connect with and have things in common. A perfect fit should feel exciting, like your favorite Lululemon leggings that may have been expensive but fit so well and make you feel like a million bucks and last much longer than those from another store.
You should be able to have a good conversation with your photographer about anything other than weddings. They don’t have to be your best friend but a connection is important.
BONUS TIP: Reading reviews may also give you an insight to a photographer’s personality. Check out our reviews on The Knot. I have over 96 five-star reviews and most of them speak to how relaxed and comfortable we make them feel or how much fun they all had during portraits. A reoccurring theme speaks volumes.
2. Price
While price is always a factor when choosing anything, it should never be the only thing that matters when choosing your wedding photographer. We understand a budget always exists but experience and photographic knowledge are priceless for couples that value photography on their wedding day. Also consider what’s included, ie. albums, etc. A wedding album is your first family heirloom!
With that said, know the budget you have in mind and how firm that budget is before contacting photographers. This will not only help you narrow your photographer down, you’ll also save yourself a ton of precious, wedding planning time.
BONUS TIP: The average guest is $130 per person and 25% rsvp no, leaving you a huge chunk of extra budget to spend where it counts!! OR, I know a past bride didn’t invite 10 people to make her wedding photography budget work for her. Not only was I humbly blown away at her confidence and determination in having me photograph her wedding day but I now photograph her family photos every year and she has never, NOT ONCE, regretted not inviting those last five couples. In fact, when I visited her home for a newborn session, she had more of her wedding day photos on her walls than I do. And that speaks volumes!
3. Style
Understanding the style you are looking for in your wedding photographer can go way beyond the portfolio. You should also discuss the style of your wedding photography in terms of how much posing and direction you prefer on your wedding day, your timeline preferences and professional editing styles. An experienced photographer is there to assist with all of these details to make sure you enjoy your wedding day!
4. What’s included?
As you navigate through pricing, you’ll also want to know what you’d like included. Packages sometimes differ by products included. Things that affect pricing in packages most are engagement session, digital images, albums, and the number of photographers included. Think about what you want before purchasing your wedding package.
BONUS TIP: Adding products to your pricing before your wedding day usually saves some money by grouping it all together.
I hope these points help you choose your perfect wedding photographer that becomes your lifelong photographer!
Congratulations if you’ve recently become engaged. Get in touch with Heather at 913-948-3918 or email heather@heatherbrulez.com to check our availability for your wedding date.
