Understand the style you want.
Photographers are not all created equal. This goes for everything from budget to the shooting style to the editing style of the photographer. If you are a big fan of a particular photographer’s style, hire them or find someone similar.
Don’t choose your photographer based solely on budget.
We all have a budget and it’s important to stick to it, but don’t price shop. This goes for far more than just wedding photography but hiring a photographer solely because they fit within your budget is a recipe for disaster. You want to hire a photographer with whom you meld well, appreciate their style, and feel comfortable around.
Grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine!)
Meet with your photographer in person, so you can get to know each other, make sure you’re on the same page about expectations and are a fantastic fit for working with each other. If in person isn’t an option, then FaceTime or a phone call are the next best thing. You want to find a photographer who is invested in your wedding from start to finish, isn’t afraid to round up your wedding party, but can also just let you and your love enjoy a moment naturally without posing you through every second of the day.
Your Photographer is a Pro – Let them do their job.
Words that make every photographer cringe – “I have a friend/cousin/uncle/dog who is going to do our photography. Thanks, though!” I can’t tell you how many time people who went this route have later told me they regretted it immensely. It’s your wedding day. Hire someone who knows how to handle photography and the wonderful craziness of your wedding celebration.
When you hire a professional, you aren’t just paying for their photographic expertise, but for someone who knows how to handle a wedding from booking to sparkler exit, and how to edit your images to gold. Be prepared to spend a sizable portion of your wedding budget on photography – you are paying for the photographer’s time, post-processing, your photographs and products that come with it. And remember, hiring vendors you trust means you get to enjoy your day.