1. Style and Aesthetic:

The first step in choosing a wedding photographer is determining your preferred style and aesthetic. Do you prefer traditional, classic portraits or a more candid, storytelling approach? Do you find yourself leaning more towards tones and lower exposure, or towards bright and low contrast photos? Look for photographers whose style aligns with your vision and make sure their portfolio showcases that consistency in their work. This will help you narrow down your options and find a photographer who can deliver the aesthetic you desire.

2. Social Media & Their Marketing:

This could possibly be an unpopular opinion, but if you are not impressed with a photographer’s social media aesthetic or their website.. you may not want to waste your time. Everyone is different, of course, and everyone has different styles and aesthetics they gravitate more to – so use this to your advantage and make sure you find the prospected photographer’s marketing and social media pleasing to your eye. Odds you vibe with them as people and enjoy the product they create are much higher if you keep this in mind.

3. Portfolio and Previous Work:

When researching potential wedding photographers, take the time to review their portfolios and previous work. Look for consistency in their style, quality of images, and their ability to capture emotions. Pay attention to the composition, lighting, and overall aesthetics of their photographs. This will give you a good sense of their skills and whether they align with your vision. Wedding photography is an art that requires technical skills, experience, and an understanding of the unique challenges that come with photographing weddings (example: lighting and flash). So make sure that you are seeing enough of that in their portfolio in your research stage.

4. Meeting with Potential Wedding Photographers:

Once you have a shortlist of potential photographers, it’s essential to meet them in person or schedule a virtual consultation. Another unpopular opinion, after inquiring with photographers, THEY should be initiating that consult right away in their inquiry response email. Video consults &/or in person chats will allow you to gauge their personality, professionalism, and communication style. It’s crucial to build a rapport with your photographer as they will be spending the entire day with you and your loved ones. You should feel comfortable with them and desire to work with them. During the meeting, discuss your vision, ask questions, talk pricing, and decide if they are the right fit for you and your significant other.

5. Asking the Right Questions

When meeting with potential wedding photographers, be prepared with a list of questions to ask. Some important questions to consider include:

– Do you have backup equipment in case of technical issues?

– Do you have a dual slot camera? (this is essential incase of faulty SD cards)

– How long will it take to receive the final edited photos?

– Who is your second shooter, do you trust them to work on their own?

– What is your approach to capturing candid moments?

– How do you handle challenging lighting conditions?

– Can you provide references from past clients?

Asking these questions will help you gain a better understanding of the photographer’s process, professionalism, and ability to meet your specific needs.

6. Understanding Pricing and Packages:

Wedding photography pricing can vary significantly based on the area and who you inquire with. It’s essential to have a clear understanding of the photographer’s pricing structure and what is included in their package(s). As a wedding photographer myself, I find the pricing structure & inclusions to be one of biggest things that sets Jayna Jones Collective apart from other photographers in the Evansville, Indiana area. This might be true for photographers in your area as well. Pricing structures and starting prices can widely vary. While I have you here, let me remind you that wedding photography is an investment, and it’s crucial to allocate a reasonable portion of your budget towards capturing the memories of your special day.

Researching

So, I talked a lot about research in the previous section, so let me help you figure out the best way to research photographers! Begin by asking friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations. Their personal experiences can provide valuable insights, personally a lot of my inquiries come from referrals and truly, as a photographer, WE LOVE TO SEE IT. The best compliment to us! Additionally, utilize online resources such as wedding directories, social media platforms like instagram and facebook, and even a simple google search! If your photographer is showing up on google, you can assume 2 major things:

• They have invested time and money on SEO and Google Analytics and Ads
• They are popular in their area or certain areas of distinct venues

Take your time to explore different photographers’ websites and social media profiles, as they often showcase their best work there.

Pro tip: you can also find select photographers through hashtags on Instagram, Facebook, and Tiktok!

Trust your instincts and choose a photographer who not only meets your requirements but also makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. Once you have made your decision, communicate with the photographer promptly to secure your wedding date and finalize the contract. Be sure to read the contract carefully, understanding the terms and conditions, including any cancellation or rescheduling policies. Clear communication and mutual understanding will set the foundation for a successful collaboration.

So, with that, I’ll leave you with this…

Choosing the right wedding photographer is an important decision that requires careful consideration. By researching, reviewing portfolios, meeting with potential photographers, asking the right questions, understanding pricing, reading reviews, and making an informed final decision, you can ensure that your wedding photos will be nothing short of perfect. Remember, your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and selecting the right photographer will ensure that the memories are captured in a way that you can cherish for years to come.

Let Us Document Your Wedding

Love, connection, and having fun – that is our jam. We just enjoy making sure you know you have us in your corner making sure your day runs perfectly. Getting to love on you and capture your engagement/wedding day truly lights us up and brings us both so much joy. If you’d like to inquire, please reach out through our contact form right here! We cannot wait to hear from you!