Photo by Nicole Harnois Photography

Did you know wedding photographers have a different way of doing things? We aren’t one size fits all and there is beauty in that! There are so many things to consider before going through with booking your dream photog for your big day. I know you’re super excited to get the ball rolling so here are some things to consider when finding your perfect photog match!

#1. PERSONALITIES. 
If you can, meet up with your photographer beforehand. A lot of photographers will do consults at coffee shops, restaurant, or even their own home or yours. Meeting, calling or Face Timing before booking is a great way to get to know your photographer before moving forward. Do you have similar personalities? Is this photographer going to be someone that can get along with your family or guests? Are they going to bring out the best of you + your boo with their common interests, sense of humor? Are they not afraid to get up in front or do you want someone who is more laid back? Having a personality that alines with yours and helps make you comfortable can make all the difference.

#2. EDITING + SHOOTING STYLE.
You need to decide what kind of style fits you and your day best. Light and airy? Moody? Emotional? Candid? Posed? Unposed? Mix of both? Once you decide what kind of style fits this can help cut down some of your options. Every photographer has their own way of doing things and not a single photographer is one size fits all. The beauty in having your choice when it’s your wedding day is making sure you’re surrounded by people that are going to make your day a better experience for you!

#3. HOW DO THEY BACKUP THEIR IMAGES?
Okay, I know this is going to sound crazy because the last thing you want is to worry about all the things that can go wrong during your wedding, but things happen. It’s much better for you to be fully aware that if something can go wrong you’ve hired the right people to handle it, so much so that you won’t even know anything happened! Technology is truly amazing but it’s also not perfect. Cameras freeze, SD cards break, batteries die and things just happen. Setting yourself up with someone who knows what they’re doing, how to handle a situation as it arises and has back up’s for their backup’s can help you rest easy in knowing you’ve left your big day in good hands! DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT hesitate to question any vendors you have. What will they do if something breaks? If something fails? Do they have back ups? Are they prepared for such things? Stuff just happens, it’s okay to want to be prepared for that! I personally have a camera that writes to two cards (just incase something happens to one), then when I get home I save your photos to two different hard drives, thats 4 backups! Because you just never know!

#4. WHAT DO THEIR PACKAGES INCLUDE?
We as photographers offer different packages based on what we like to shoot or cover and what past clients have expressed interests in. Do you want a photographer that includes an engagement session? Do they charge travel fees? What does their booking process look like? Do they include products? How many hours of coverage? Look into what each photographer offers in their packages and what best fits you. Don’t forget that if you see a package you like but it doesn’t include everything, some photographers have add ons that can be added additionally onto a package as well.

#5. HOW DO THEY INTERACT WITH COUPLES?
This one is easy to forget but can be key. When you show up to your engagement session or even wedding what should you expect? Some photographers have lists of poses they do or certain locations they shoot. This also goes into styling as well. Do you want to be posed or prompted? When I meet with my couples I get to know them as a couple. I personally don’t like posing my couples because I want them to be in the moment. Now posing is different than leading, I’ll make sure you look good like always, but my sessions are all about connections and hanging out. I’ll ask you to tell your favorite things about each other or talk in an accent, etc. Now if that’s not your thing, that’s okay! That’s the beauty of having a choice, if being posed for some beautiful fine art images is your thing there is an amazing photog out there for you!

Here are some other questions to consider or ask your photographer:

• Are you available on my date?
• Do you require deposit?
• Refund / Cancellation policy?
• How long have you been in business?
• Are you insured?
• Have you shot at my venue before?
• Do you have backups/what do you bring on a wedding day?
• How long does it take to deliver a wedding gallery?
• Can I see some wedding galleries you’ve done?
• Is it okay for my family and friends to take photos while you’re taking photos?
• Do you have an assistant / second shooter?