Besides booking your venue, wedding photographers are the most important purchase you'll make for your wedding day. Some would even say it is THE most important investment (shoutout to those who decide to elope and don't even book an official venue!).

Let me first start by saying that I've been shooting weddings for several years now. I've seen many--and made a few myself--mistakes that photographers and couples alike make without knowing any better. So I'm here to give you some information that will hopefully help keep you from making those same mistakes!

As a new bride who doesn't have much experience in planning weddings aside from attending one or two as a guest, it's hard to understand the importance of a photographer who maintains professionalism, quality work, and a great personality.

Ask yourself these 5 questions as you're searching and interviewing photographers:

1. Does this photographer communicate clearly and in a timely manner?

I hear WAY too often about photographers who never respond to couples. Or they take weeks to respond. Or they have poor grammar. Or just simply confusing communication that isn't clear and concise. If your potential photographer can't respond in a reasonable time frame to an inquiry, what makes you think that they will be an efficient communicator when the wedding gets closer? Also, be sure to actually TALK with the photographers you are considering to hire! Don't just keep it to emails or messages. Hearing a real voice will tell you a lot about them as a person!

2. Does this photographer have a contract?

Wedding photography contracts are not just in place to protect the photographer. While that is VERY important, contracts are also in place for you, the bride and groom! As a client, you have rights! And it is important to have those rights clearly outlined so that you are protected should something arise (trust me, it DOES happen from time to time!). I could honestly write an entire blog on just wedding photography contracts, and I may just do that soon! But for now, just know that a clear and concise contract is of utmost importance for you and your photographer. Without one, there are way too many scenarios that could go awry. Let the fate of your wedding photos lie in the hands of a photographer who is professional enough to have a good contract in place.

3. Does this photographer have a diverse portfolio?

As photographers, most of us have a brand or style that we try to maintain. We like our Instagram feed to have a consistent feel across the board. For example, my style is light and bright and colorful--but that doesn't mean that I can't shoot in low light situations (like your wedding reception and sparkler send-off!). I may not have those examples up front and center of my website, but they ARE in my galleries! I want any inquiring couple to know that I'm fully capable of shooting in any lighting scenario. Weddings are complicated and diverse! And their portfolio should show you that they are prepared for any situation on your wedding day.

4. Are their photos consistently focused and well exposed?

Okay, bare with me...I might get a little technical with my terms here. But as a professional photographer, at the bare minimum, we should be able to accurately and correctly take a photograph. I'm talking about in-focus, clear, well composed, and well exposed (not too dark or bright). Maybe it's just my photography professors speaking to me as I'm typing this, but if your photographer cannot consistently capture a technically correct photograph, then you may need to look elsewhere. I know, sometimes we really want to hire our friend because they cut us a great deal and we want to support them as they are starting out in their photography business, but if you get your images back and only half are "usable" or aesthetically pleasing, you'll be regretting your decision instantly. It doesn't mean that as photographers we don't make mistakes. But those times should come few and far between.

5. Do you LIKE your photographer as a person?

I'm not saying you have to be best friends with them. Although, I have made some really sweet friendships with the couples I’ve worked with!! But try to imagine working with this person on your wedding day. Do you guys communicate well with each other? (Again, this is why I stress actually TALKING to them before booking.) Do they understand what you're envisioning? All of this goes a long way on a wedding day. Do you feel like this person is trustworthy to capture your wedding day? Do they seem confident? Do they make YOU feel confident and relaxed? Being a wedding photographer takes a certain amount of versatility because weddings are so unique!

Hopefully these questions help you as you search for the right wedding photographer. I know, it’s a daunting task. There are A LOT of us. But trust your gut and follow these simple guidelines and you will be WAY ahead of the game!

As always, I’m here to help you in any way that I can. I’m a photographer, yes. But I’m also a major advocate for my couples. I want you to feel like the wedding planning process is as easy as it can possibly be. And it is my heart’s desire for you to not have a single worry when it comes to their wedding photos on the big day.

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5 Questions You Should Ask Yourself When Searching for a Wedding Photographer

1. Does this photographer communicate clearly and in a timely manner?

2. Does this photographer have a contract?

3. Does this photographer have a diverse portfolio?

4. Are their photos consistently focused and well exposed?

5. Do you LIKE your photographer as a person?

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