Wedding Planning 101: Photography

Mar 22

After a memorable {and celebratory} engagement, there are a few wedding planning steps that should be completed ASAP. Securing your fabulous photographer is definitely one of them! As seasoned {wedding} vets, we are confident that we know just the questions and things to look out for when selecting yours! Of course, milling on various photographers’ websites seems like a quick {and easy} selection method. However, there are many factors to consider when selecting your wedding day photographer.

Of course we understand that all couples have a budget to cater to, but if there is one vendor worth a little extra penny stretching, we believe it’s your photographer {and a wedding coordinator!}. After all, wedding day photos last you a lifetime, so you deserve to look back at these photos with an undeniable smile on your face. When choosing your photographer, it is important to remember that you will be spending a lot of time with him or her. Often times, we remind our couples to choose somebody they feel comfortable with, somebody they could imagine sitting down and having a cup of coffee or glass of wine with. Think of your photographer as one of your wedding day “besties”!

We hear all the time that couples want that photojournalistic style, but styles differ within and it’s important to pay attention when scanning the albums. Do you prefer muted colors and a romantic feel, or do you prefer true-color images? Do you like a more artistic twist to your images? Classic edits or funky filtering?

Once you find a photographer that meets your style, we recommend asking about the style of editing taken to your photos. You can get a clear sense of a photographer’s editing methods by looking at sample wedding albums. Wedding photos should be flawlessly finished without bright, distracting exit signs in the background and blemished bridesmaids. Skin tones should look milky and bright, not as if everyone just received a bad spray tan.

Of course, as planners, we live for the details. While looking at sample albums, we encourage you to dig deep and pay attention to the little things that can make a big difference. For example, did the photographer straighten out the boutonnieres on the groomsmen and make sure shirts are tucked in before snapping? What about the alignment of the chairs? You’ve put so much time {and money} into this big day and the photos should show how beautiful it really was!

Before signing on the dotted line, check into the package features. Make sure to ask how many hours are included in the package. Often times, couples underestimate how much wedding day coverage they need. An engagement session is the perfect opportunity for you and your fiancé to practice feeling camera-ready and comfortable. And, as you already know, there are so many elements that go into a wedding day and it is important to have the second set of eyes {and hands} to capture those details in the room while the other is snapping family portraits. A second shooter is a must!

The best photographers book early so get going! There are hundreds of photographers, so the task can appear daunting, but keeping these tips in mind will ensure you find a photographer that is a match made in heaven!