Find Your Photographer!

So you want your memories of your wedding to stay alive forever in pictures and decide that you need a great photographer. Well. Now what? So many people don't know what to even look for in a photographer or know how to plan accordingly. Here are a few steps to help you on the path to epic wedding photos.

Step one: Finding the photographer of your dreams.

-Look at your friend's wedding pictures, figure out who's you love and who's you don't. These are photographers in your area who's work you know and can trust.



-Just because someone doesn't charge thousands of dollars doesn't mean they're bad photographers, but don't forget: you get what you pay for. That woman you found on Craigslist who says she'll do your wedding for $400 is probably just starting out. She doesn't know what she should charge yet because she doesn't know what she's worth so she probably doesn't have the experience you would want. She might make an excellent supplement, but probably don't put all of your memories in her hands.

-On the other hand, if a photographer is charging $10,000+ he's probably a "fine art photographer." What does that mean? That means he uses your photos from your big day to submit to contests and magazines- this usually costs money and is he's charging you for it. This means that you will probably end up with some AMAZING pictures (have you SEEN some of those pictures in bridal magazines??) but unfortunately, more often than not, the fine art photographer will put his own needs before yours on your wedding day. He'll probably drag you to the locations he wants to go, keep you out much longer than planned, and not take your evenings agenda into consideration.

-Ask to see more pictures. Every good photographer will always have more pictures somewhere. Ask until you feel you've seen enough to trust their abilities.

-Make sure their style matches yours. If the photographer has a different style than you are hoping for doesn't make them a bad photographer, you may even like the pictures, but can you imagine your wedding day documented in this style? Photographers may say they are flexible with their style but it's hard to change your style. That would be like Picasso painting the Mona Lisa, it just doesn't work.

Step two: So I've found my photographer! Now what do I do?

-Get engagement pictures! This is a must! You and your photographer will get the chance to know each other better and really start to feel comfortable. Your photographer and you should have a trust like friendship, otherwise, all of your photos will look forced and unnatural. Your photographer is your friend! Talk to them! Be buddies! This person is going to be following you around your entire wedding day, make sure you're OK with that.

-Let your photographer in on your wedding plans, your photographer can be better prepared if she knows everything from how many people are in the bridal party, what style dress you're wearing and even colors and themes! Let your photographer know who's doing the decorating, flowers, music, officiating, or any other aspect of your wedding. If they've been around a while they probably have met these people before and this will also help them better understand the feel of the day.

-Sit down with your photographer before you make your final timelines of events. They may have some helpful hints in helping you time things appropriately so you can better enjoy your day, and get pictures!

Step three: Wedding day!

-If your photographer is there, cut it out with the selfies... If your friend comes in and wants a picture with the bride, have the photographer take it! Have everyone put their phones down and enjoy this wedding like they did 20 years ago, believe me, it's more fun that way!



-You don't always have to be looking at the camera. Candid pictures turn out better if you aren't posing. So if your photographer isn't actively giving you directions you don't need to be looking at the camera.

-Follow directions if your photographer is giving them to you, and make sure your family and bridal party do too!

-Don't let your family or friends take pictures when you're photographer is taking pictures. Unless you like the eyes going five different directions look, that is.

-SMILE! It's the happiest day of your life!