1. NAIL DOWN YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY BUDGET

Remember that you have to start by figuring out your budget. When you start the search for a photographer in the market, you will see an obvious variety. From professional to beginners, each offering you something unique.

Here’s the thing; the professional photographers have unmatched quality, while the beginners will have cheaper packages. I’m not implying that you can’t have vice versa, but it’s going to be difficult.  So make sure that have a clear picture in your head about the price that you would pay for a photographer, and the quality  you expect. Remember, a true professional photographer will cost more than an amateur, but in photography, you often get exactly what you paid for. There are no do-overs on a wedding day, and no room for errors.  Photography is usually one of the larger pieces of the budget, but it’s worth it because it is the ONLY thing left after the wedding day to treasure the memories.

2. BROWSE THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S PORTFOLIO

You can’t just be satisfied with looking at two photos that you might find off the internet of the photographer you are interested in. If you want things to head in the right direction, make sure that the next step you take after setting your budget is shortlisting the photographers that tick off all the boxes on your “must-have” list. This can be done by properly browsing through the photographer’s portfolio.

When you are surfing through portfolios, you are not just looking at examples of the pictures; you are looking at the different styles and different approaches of every photographer you might be considering. So, when you look at pictures that resonate with your style and approach, you will know you have found “the right one!” If you love their style, set up an appointment and meet them.  The next step is seeing if you click with them!

3. KNOW YOUR RIGHT STYLE

There are some things that contribute to making the right professional photographer. They know which moment needs to be captured, and when. They have a certain way with distinguishing the subtleties of shooting a wedding. They know when to photograph the bride, they know exactly when and how to capture the groom (usually crying) while he sees you walking down the aisle, how to get that perfect confetti shot, or what to do when it starts raining. Photographer’s flexible and creative approaches often lead to the most brilliant and breathtaking shots, and that is exactly what you are looking for.

Therefore, it is important that you know exactly what style you are looking for, documentary, fine art, natural, contemporary, or traditional.

Additionally, each wedding photographer adds their own spice to their portraits with their editing style. Look at their portfolio hard, you should see consistency, and a theme of a style. Do they edit everything dark and moody, or muted and toned down, or do they prefer natural and light and airy? You might find yourself stuck in a loop of various choices, which is why its necessary that you have at least an idea of what type of style best fits your needs.

4. SHORTLIST THE TOP 3, BOTH OF YOU

Variety is everything, and sometimes, you are so pressured that you forget what you were looking for in the first place. This is why the bride, and the groom, both must do your homework. Each of you has to search through their blogs, their social media profiles, their reviews and their portfolios. Only then will you be able to shortlist the BEST photographers. Make sure that each of you a maximum of three choices. Decide together; scope out the quality and the range of skills each photographer has. Surely, there will be the one you both will agree on!

Once you both find mutual ground, the rest of the process is comparatively easier. Start by scheduling an appointment with the photographer, from there, you can ask the photographer to show you full portfolios and wedding albums. Make sure you ask questions, anything that might be popping in your head, for example, at what time they would arrive, or if they have any suggestions regarding the locations or specific shots, etc. Lastly, but most importantly, make sure that both of you are comfortable with the photographer. The friendlier they are, the more open they will be to your needs. Plus, you also need suggestions from their side as the professional, because even though your wedding day lasts for a few hours, these memories last a lifetime. And you need them to be perfect.

The last thing I want you to remember is to follow your instincts. If you think, “This is it!” then go with it, because there is nothing worse than having to fork out your money but having nothing to look back on.

This is me, wishing you… Good luck! I, too, have had my fair share of wedding photography in Shelbyville, Louisville and Frankfort and surrounding areas, so feel free to contact me. I might have exactly what you need!