What to Look for When Booking Your Wedding Photographer
As a wedding photographer with over 12 years of experience, I know just how important and memorable your wedding day is. But with so many photographers out there, how do you make the right choice? It’s not just about scrolling through portfolios; there are key qualities and considerations to keep in mind when selecting a photographer who will truly meet your needs. Here are a few things to look for when sorting through wedding photographers to pick the best one for you and your fiancé.
1. Experience in wedding photography
Not all photographers are created equal, especially when it comes to weddings. Being a wedding photographer involves much more than simply taking pictures. Weddings are fast paced, filled with fleeting, once-in-a-lifetime moments that require constant readiness. A seasoned wedding photographer knows how to anticipate those key moments, stay calm under pressure, and flawlessly capture the essence of your big day without missing a single detail.
Look for a photographer who has photographed multiple weddings and is familiar with the flow of a typical wedding day. Don’t be shy to ask how many weddings they’ve photographed or if they have worked at venues similar to yours.
2. A portfolio that matches your style
Wedding photographers often have a signature or specific style to how they take/edit photos. Some specialize in a more natural, true to life look, while others may focus on a more moody, dramatic look. The key is to choose a photographer whose style resonates with the vision you have for your wedding day.
When reviewing portfolios, the biggest thing to look for is consistency. Do the photos tell a cohesive story? Are they skilled at both indoor and outdoor lighting? Do they capture emotion well? When chatting with photographers, ask to see full galleries of weddings that are at a similar venue to yours – you’ll get an idea of how they handle different lighting situations, posing and consistency in their editing throughout the day.
3. A full-time wedding photographer vs. a general photographer
Ideally, when looking for a wedding photographer, you want to hire someone who’s full time job is being a wedding photographer. Why is this so important? Here are a few reasons:
Focused Expertise: A full-time wedding photographer practically lives and breathes weddings. They understand the unique challenges of the day, such as unpredictable lighting, tight timelines, and managing large groups of people. Their expertise in weddings means they know how to handle all of this seamlessly, while a general photographer might not be as well-prepared for the nuances of the day.
Commitment: A full-time wedding photographer is more likely to be invested in ensuring your day goes smoothly. Since this is their primary business, their reputation hinges on delivering high-quality results. In contrast, a photographer who photographs weddings as a side gig may not be as dedicated or available for all your needs. If you’ve spent any time on a wedding Facebook group, you’ve probably seen multiple posts about vendors cancelling before the wedding day or not delivering on promises made. These posts always make me really sad but strengthen the fact that doing your due diligence is key.
Preparedness: Weddings are unpredictable, and a full-time wedding photographer has likely encountered many unexpected situations. Whether it’s a last-minute change to the timeline or a sudden weather shift, they will be better equipped to adapt quickly. General photographers may not have the same level of preparedness for these types of high-pressure scenarios.
4. Testimonials and reviews
Personal recommendations and online reviews are a valuable resource when choosing a wedding photographer. Check for feedback on sites like Google from previous clients, particularly on how the photographer handled the wedding day itself. Did they make the couple feel comfortable? Were they professional and punctual? How was their communication before and after the event? A photographer who has a strong track record of happy clients is likely to deliver the same level of service for your wedding.
5. Chemistry and comfort
Fun fact: You spend more time on your wedding day with your wedding photographer than your spouse-to-be.
With this in mind, it is essential that you feel comfortable around your wedding photographer. If you feel awkward or uneasy, it can (and will) show in the photos. During your consultation, take note of how well you connect with the photographer. Do they make you feel relaxed? Are they friendly and approachable? Do their reviews say anything about making the couple feel comfortable? The better the rapport, the more natural and candid your photos will be.
6. Backup plans and contingencies
Weddings are live events, and things don’t always go according to plan. A professional wedding photographer should have contingency plans in place. Ask if they have backup equipment in case something malfunctions and whether they have a second photographer or assistant. Additionally, inquire about what happens in the unlikely event they are unable to make it to the wedding due to illness or emergency. A seasoned wedding photographer will have a well-thought-out plan for these situations.
7. Clear contract
When it comes to your wedding, you want to make sure everything is clear and in writing. Ensure that the photographer provides a contract outlining what is included in your package, how many hours of coverage you’ll receive, the delivery timeline for your photos, and any additional costs that could arise. Before signing the contract, make sure you read it over and ask the photographer any questions that arise.
8. Pricing
When budgeting for your wedding, photography is often one of the largest investments, and for good reason. In Michigan, if you're looking for a full day of coverage, you should expect to pay at minimum $6000 for a professional wedding photographer. This price is not arbitrary; it reflects the experience, quality, and service provided by seasoned photographers who specialize in weddings.
At first glance, you might come across photographers offering their services for far less, and it can be tempting to go with a cheaper option to save money. However, when it comes to wedding photography, you often get what you pay for. Here’s why investing in a photographer within this price range is worth it:
Quality of work: Photographers charging around the $6,000 to $10,000 range offer high-quality work that reflects years of experience, advanced skills, and premium equipment. They have mastered the art of lighting, composition, and editing, which allows them to produce timeless, beautifully crafted images. Cheaper photographers may lack this level of expertise or access to top-tier gear, resulting in lower-quality photos that may not live up to your expectations.
Time and effort: While a photographer might be at your wedding for 8-12 hours, their work starts long before and extends long after the wedding day. From the pre-wedding consultations and engagement sessions to the hours spent editing and curating your final album, this process can take weeks or even months. Photographers in the higher price range account for this extensive post-production time, ensuring every image is perfectly edited and delivered to you in a way that tells the story of your day beautifully.
Reliability and professionalism: A photographer charging premium rates is likely running a well-established, full-time business. They have experience managing timelines, working with vendors, and adapting to changes on the fly. You’re not just paying for their ability to take photos but also for their professionalism, reliability, and the peace of mind that they’ll handle your wedding with care. A lower-cost photographer, particularly someone who may do weddings as a side job, might not have the same level of commitment or infrastructure to guarantee that everything goes smoothly.
Backup and security: One of the major differences between budget photographers and those in the $6,000 to $10,000 range is the level of preparedness. Experienced wedding photographers usually carry backup equipment and have plans in place for unforeseen issues. This means if a camera breaks or a memory card fails, they have contingencies ready to ensure nothing is lost. Budget photographers might not have the resources to provide these backups, which could leave you with missing moments or subpar quality.
9. The risk of a "great deal"
While it can be tempting to go with a photographer who offers services at a significantly lower price, it’s essential to consider the potential risks involved. Wedding photography is not something you can easily redo, and cutting corners could lead to a lack of quality and professionalism.
Inexperience: Lower-priced photographers might be newer to the business and lack experience in wedding-specific scenarios. While they may excel in portrait or landscape photography, wedding days are dynamic, and inexperienced photographers may miss key moments, struggle with lighting in difficult venues, or fail to direct groups for important shots.
Missed moments: Weddings are filled with fleeting, emotional moments—your partner’s reaction when you walk down the aisle, your parents’ proud glances, the joy and laughter of your guests. A seasoned photographer in the higher price range will have the experience and skill to capture these moments instinctively. A cheaper photographer might miss these details or fail to deliver photos that truly encapsulate the spirit of your day.
Your wedding photos are one of the few tangible things that will remain after the day is over. They will serve as a reminder of the love, joy, and connection you felt, and you’ll likely cherish them for years to come. This is why it’s worth investing in a photographer who has the skill and experience to capture your day beautifully. In Michigan, that typically means working with a photographer whose rates reflect their dedication to the craft and the years they’ve spent honing their abilities.
Choosing the right wedding photographer is about more than just their ability to take beautiful pictures. It’s about finding someone who is experienced, professional, and dedicated to capturing the essence of your special day. By considering these factors, be well on your way to preserving your wedding memories in the best possible way.
Sydney Marie Photography is a wedding photographer based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
