How to Choose the Right Photographer for You and Your Needs


This is a question I get asked pretty frequently. So, how does one choose the right photographer? Is there a wrong photographer?


Lets explore these questions.


Starting with is there a wrong photographer? The answer is simply, yes! Not that a particular photographer is bad or something like that, but they just might be the wrong photographer for you, and that's ok! Not every personality is going to mesh with every person. The style of shooting might be not what you are wanting, or they may only shoot for an hour when you want a 2 hour session. So many things can make the partnership between a potential client and a photographer wrong. These are what I would look for in a photographer when considering hiring them:


  • Do their images match my idea of how I want to remember my wedding?
  • This could be color, grain, depth, or even the style from which they are photographed.
  • Did they respond in a manner that mirrors my inquiry?
  • Did they respond in a chill manner because your inquiry was chill? Were they very professional because your inquiry was professional? Did the mood match? This is important, because this is an early detection on how you will get along. If you are funny and joking and playful, but your photographer is strict and professional 100% of the time, you two might not vibe well, resulting in images that aren't want you wanted.
  • Can I afford their services and/or do they have a payment option?
  • Say you absolutely love the images this photographer does, but they are out of your budget. Don't be afraid to ask for a payment plan. Most of us offer them! We might be able to put a package together as well to fit your budget. Always ask, you never know.
  • The saying "You get what you pay for" is very true. You can get amazing images from the more affordable end, but that usually comes with missing photos you wanted, due to lack of experience with your photographer. Mostly, you will end up with images that Aunt B could've taken and you end up being very upset. So invest in your memories. Save up to have your memories captured the way you want them too.
  • Am I comfortable with this photographer?
  • It is extremely important to be comfortable with your photographer. You need to trust them. If you are unsure, it will show in your images. If you're uncomfortable, you'll have that look on your face in your photos. I always treat my clients as if they are my friends, and most become my friends! You want your day to be special and free to be yourself. Keep that in mind when choosing your photographer.


In the end, it is YOUR wedding day. You should have it your way. This does not mean you get to boss around your photographer, but it does mean you should be comfortable with them, trust them, and enjoy the experience. A great photographer is not only being interviewed by you for your wedding, you are being interviewed by them as well. I will not agree to photograph a wedding where I do not get along with the couple. The experience will just be bad for everyone and my clients deserve to have a great experience, just as much as I do. It must be mutual to ensure the best outcome of your images. So don't be afraid to ask questions and to be yourself. Set your boundaries too. Its ok, the more information the better!


Happy shopping and I hope, you will give me a shot at photographing your wedding one day.