By Keven Goh

Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make when planning your big day. A skilled photographer not only captures the beautiful moments of your wedding, but also tells the story of your love through stunning images that you and your spouse will be able to cherish for a lifetime. With so much riding on this choice, it can feel intimidating or even overwhelming just trying to figure out how to find a photographer that’s right for you. Don’t worry– we’re here to help! In this blog, we’ll go over how to find the perfect wedding photographer for your special day. 

1. Define Your Style

Before you start your search for a wedding photographer, take some time to define the style of photography that clicks with you. Do you prefer classic, posed portraits, or do you lean more towards a more candid, documentary-style approach? Maybe you love the dreamy, ethereal look of fine art photography. By identifying your preferred style, you can narrow down your options and focus on photographers who specialize in that overall vibe. Browse through wedding blogs, social media platforms like Instagram, and Pinterest to gather inspiration and create a mood board. This will not only help you narrow down your vision but also make it easier to communicate your preferences to potential photographers.

2. Research and Read Reviews

Once you have a general understanding of your desired style, it’s time to research potential wedding photographers. A good way to start is by asking friends and family for recommendations, and don’t forget to check online reviews! Websites like The Knot and WeddingWire are great resources for finding the best wedding photographers in your area, but social media is also a great way to get connected with potential candidates. Many photographers also use hashtags on Instagram to advertise their business, so it helps to try searches like “#wedding photography” or “#photographer". Pay attention to the feedback from past clients, as this can give you a clearer picture of each photographer’s professionalism, reliability, and ability to capture those special moments. You should also keep an eye out for photographers who have a strong portfolio that showcases their work. A well-rounded portfolio will give you a sense of their versatility and skill, helping you determine if they’re the right fit for your wedding day.

3. Set a Budget and Get Familiar with Prices

Unfortunately, wedding photography is almost never cheap! When looking for your wedding photographer, it’s important to first have a clear understanding of your budget. Photography prices can vary widely based on factors such as experience, location, and the services included in the package. Usually, couples can expect to spend anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 or more for wedding photography. To get a better idea of what you can afford, create a budget that outlines your overall wedding expenses and how much you’re willing to allocate for photography. Don’t hesitate to reach out to photographers for their pricing information and what each package includes. This will help you compare options and ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

4. Schedule a Consultation

After narrowing down your list of potential wedding photographers, you should schedule consultations with your top choices. This is a great way to get to know the photographer directly, discuss your vision, and ask any questions you may have. A friendly and approachable photographer will make you feel comfortable and confident in their skills. During the consultation, inquire about their experience, the packages they offer, and how they handle different lighting situations. Here are some baseline questions that are good to keep in mind: 

• What is your photography style, and how do you approach wedding shoots?

• Can you provide a detailed breakdown of your packages and pricing?

• How many weddings have you photographed, and can you share some references?

• What is your backup plan in case of an emergency or unforeseen circumstances?

• How long after the wedding can we expect to receive our photos?

Also, don’t forget to discuss timelines and any specific shots you want to ensure are captured. This conversation will help you gauge their personality and professionalism, making it easier to choose the best wedding photographer who aligns with your vision and makes you feel at ease.

5. Try out an engagement session

An engagement session is a wonderful opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a rapport with your photographer before the big day. Many photographers offer engagement sessions as part of their wedding packages– it’s a great way to see how they work and how you both feel in their presence. During the session, you can work directly with your photographer to figure out your preferences for different poses, locations, and lighting. This not only gives you some hands-on experience with your photographer, but can also help ease any nerves you might have about being photographed on your wedding day. Plus, the images from your engagement session can be used for save-the-dates, wedding websites, or even displayed at your wedding!

6. Use GuestSnap to Gather Extra Photos From Your Guests! 

Even the most talented photographers can’t be everywhere in your wedding at once! With so many future memories packed into just one day, it can be disheartening knowing that just one photographer can only do so much. And hiring multiple photographers quickly becomes excessively expensive— here’s where GuestSnap can help! GuestSnap is a straightforward, easy-to-use, and reliable way for you and your guests to upload, share, and download your own wedding photos. With everyone having a smartphone in their pocket nowadays, there’s no doubt that your guests will be taking plenty of pictures to fill in the gaps while your professional photographer is busy. By providing a unique QR code that links to a secure shared album in the cloud, you and your guests can easily upload, view, and share each other’s photos. With GuestSnap, there’s no time-consuming or tedious sign-ups, logins, or group chats that need to be created— simply provide your guests with the QR code at your venue, and it just works! We hope you’ll give GuestSnap a shot on your big day, and make plenty of cherished memories.