Selecting a wedding photographer isn’t a trivial decision. It’s a process that shouldn’t be rushed. Your photographer will shape how your wedding day is remembered, bringing special moments of your wedding day alive for your kids and grandkids. Picking the right photographer should be a top priority.
Here are the top four considerations to keep in mind as you interview potential photographers.
Portfolio
It’s easy for wedding photographers to impress you by showing you slideshows of their top fifty wedding photos, but this isn’t going to give you a good idea of what you can expect overall. A better approach is to ask to see two whole portfolio from two very different weddings. Maybe one indoor and one outside. Definitely one taken at your venue, if possible. Maybe one with a couple of similar skin tones, body shapes, heights, etc. You’ll want to review everything, from the getting ready and detail shots, to the ceremony, toasts and reception shots.
Style
Wedding photography can vary greatly from one photographer to the next. Spend some time identifying what kinds of images you like and what works best for you as a couple. Consider whether the photographer(s) you have in mind can offer you that style of portrait. For more about various wedding photography styles, check out this blog post by Wedding Spot.
The SDP style is classic, romantic, and timeless. Colors are on the bright and airy side with pops of more vibrant colors. My posing is a combination of the traditional, editorial, and journalistic. Sometimes I post and prompt, sometimes I just let events unfold. It depends on the part of the wedding day.
Personality
Your wedding photographer is going to be by your side for most of your wedding day. The right photographer will make you feel at ease, guide you on how to pose before and on your wedding day, and will always be willing to answer any questions that you might have.
If you don’t feel like you can be yourself, don’t spend your wedding day trying to please someone else. It’s important for you to feel comfortable with him/ her. When you don’t feel comfortable around the wedding photographer, it shows in your portraits.
Experience
You should inquire know the extent of your photographer’s wedding experience and what types of weddings they specialize in. Outdoor weddings? Intimate weddings? Elopements? Destination weddings? Indian weddings?
• Is your venue dimly light? That requires someone who knows how to shoot in low-light situations.
• Are you planning an ethnic wedding? It’s important to find someone who understands specific cultural traditions.
• Will there be special ceremony requirements or limitations?
Make a list of your requirements before you meet with photographers so you can eliminate any potential problems early on.
And about the investment…
While investment/ cost does play a obvious role in planning your wedding and selecting a photographer, basing your choice on the top four elements is far more important. Your wedding portraits are something you’ll treasure for years to come. Take the time to thoughtfully choose a photographer that can best capture your wedding day.
Sarah DeMaranville Photography is a luxury wedding photographer based in the Iowa/ Illinois Quad Cities. We love photographing outdoor weddings, as well as museum, country club, and mansion weddings. Our favorite places include The Morton Arboretum, Company 251, The Bend Event Center, The Armour House at Lake Forest Academy, Providence Vineyard, and the Drake Oak Brook.
SDP regularly books 18-24 months out. Please reach to check availability and learn about how we can make your wedding day portraits magical.
