Choosing your wedding vendors can be stressful, but it doesn't have to be. Use these tips and expert-suggested questions to ask your wedding photographer about their experience, style, and overall plan. Their answers will help you book the best photographer for your style and needs.
In this guide, we'll look at how to:
Define your wedding photography style
Compare packages and what's included
Review portfolios and testimonials
Ask the right questions before booking
Time your booking for the best results
Here's everything you need to know about choosing the right photographer.
Plan Your Dream Wedding With Modern Moments!
Planning the perfect wedding takes lots of time and tons of research. Luckily, Modern Moments offers wedding planning services to help you bring your "I do" dreams to life. Whether you're looking for picture-perfect moments outdoors or prefer the cozy backdrop of our indoor venue, we have you covered.
Define Your Wedding Photography Style
Start planning your wedding photography by deciding what look you're going for:
Photojournalistic: Think of photojournalistic images as documentary-style shots blending editorial and candid styles.
Editorial: Editorial photos are like the pages of a major magazine, coming to life. They emphasize light and posed shots.
Fine art: This style of wedding photography is similar to editorial but with more romance, light, and soft filters.
Traditional: Choose traditional wedding photography to emulate the timeless shots in your grandparents' wedding album.
Candid: Candid wedding photography captures moments on the fly.
Talk with potential vendors about their specialty and whether you can blend a few styles to get images that capture your unique style.
Compare Packages and What's Included
Wedding packages come in all shapes and sizes. Review each photographer's packages and look for information about:
Coverage. Some packages are priced by the hour. Others include all-day, flat-rate coverage.
Number of shooters. Ask how many photographers and/or videographers will be included in each package.
Number/format of images. Know how many images you'll receive and whether they'll be digital, printed, or a combination.
The cheapest package isn't always the best option once you consider printing, additional edits, and the overall quality of the photos.
Review Portfolios and Testimonials
Just because you love a photographer's images on Instagram doesn't mean you should immediately sign on the dotted line. Take the time to do additional vetting by:
Looking through full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels
Reading reviews and testimonials on multiple sites
Watching out for red flags, such as inconsistent edits or negative comments on social media
Ask the Right Questions Before Booking
Your consultation is the perfect time to dig deep and really get to know your photographer. Take the time to ask important questions so you know exactly what you're getting on your big day:
How many weddings do you shoot per year? You want a photographer who's experienced but not so overbooked that they may miss your wedding.
What's your backup plan for illness or equipment failure? If your photographer gets sick or breaks a camera, it's good to know how they'll handle the hurdle and help your day succeed.
Will you be the one shooting our wedding, or will it be someone else on your team? If your photographer is sending an assistant, ask about their credentials and experience. You may want to meet with them to ensure you're all on the same page.
Time Your Booking for the Best Results
Whenever possible, book your photographer as soon as you have a wedding date. Booking early can impact pricing, availability, and your peace of mind.
Many experts suggest booking around 9-12 months before your wedding date. You may need even more time if you want an in-demand photographer or intend to ask them to travel. Booking early also allows you to plan an engagement shoot and explore alternatives if your top choice is unavailable.
Capture Every Moment With Modern Moments!
A picture is worth a thousand words, and your wedding is worthy of a million photos. Having the right photographer on site for your big day could help you capture all the best memories from this once-in-a-lifetime event. At Modern Moments, we take great pride in offering planning services to help your event run smoothly. Reach out to learn more about our charming and versatile space and how you can work with your photographer for an Instagram-ready result.