When looking for your vendors, it can feel like you’re lost in a sea of Google searches. You may not know what to look for when you’re browsing through gorgeous websites and emailing vendors.
I’m going to write specifically about things to look for when hiring a wedding photographer, but these principles apply to ALL of your wedding day vendors.
You should be looking for…
1) Consistency
When you look through their portfolio, is the editing consistent? How would you describe their work? Light, airy, and romantic, or dark and moody? Whatever their style is, make sure it looks consistent across their galleries. You want to know that the product you’re getting matches the work they’re showing.
2) Experience
Find out how many weddings they’ve photographed. You want someone who has handled dozens of unique situations and has problem solved and championed through them all. Read testimonials from other brides on their website or on sites like The Knot.
3) Prestige
Look for published work and ties to the industry. Most pros have been published in wedding magazines and blogs. Some write guest posts for wedding planners, some hold yearly wedding professional retreats. Whatever it is, make sure you see a few awards, community ties, or published real weddings (not just styled shoots).
4) Legitimacy
Do they have a certificate of liability insurance to give to the venue? Are you signing an official contract that protects you both? Do they have backup equipment? Do they have plans in place if you reschedule the date, if a hurricane hits, etc? Don’t gloss over the legal stuff. It’s there to help you both!
5) Personality
Technically speaking, your photographer will be with you for more hours than your SPOUSE at your wedding, not to mention countless hours of meetings, emails, and phone calls leading up to 2 years leading up to the big day. You should really like spending time with this person!!! You don’t want a stiff, awkward photographer calling the shots on your wedding day. Make sure they mesh with your personalities well, whether you’re shy and reserved or bubbly and outgoing.
6) Transparency
Trust is everything! You need to trust your photographer 1,000%. You know that feeling when you get your car fixed and you’re realllllly not sure you needed those extra 7 things and your face is just like ? That’s the opposite of how you should feel. If you have questions about pricing, want to see full wedding albums, or want to talk to past brides – your photographer should be able to happily assist you with all of these things.
It all comes down to trust and love – love their work and personality, trust their creativity and professional expertise, and your wedding day will be a SUCCESS with the best photos ever!
