How to Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer (7 Steps)

Slavik Yasinsky - Northern California wedding photographer

You've found the love of your life and now it's time to plan the most important day of your life…

One of the most crucial decisions you'll make during the planning process is choosing the perfect wedding photographer. After all, your wedding photos will be treasured for years to come and will forever serve as a reminder of your special day.

Choosing a wedding photographer can be overwhelming, but we'll show you exactly how to find the right one. These 7 steps will help you find the perfect photographer who will capture your wedding memories in the most beautiful way possible.

Without further ado, here are the seven steps to finding the perfect photographer.

1. Do Your Research

We cannot emphasize enough over this point. Do Your Research. To find out what is out there in the market and what goes with your style and preference is one of the fundamental actions to be taken while choosing a wedding photographer.

Read reviews

View portfolios

Compare their styles and pricing.
View photo galleries

Look for photographers who specialize in weddings and have experience capturing similar aesthetics to your vision.

Look through their website, search for reviews, go over galleries, analyze them, and then decide. This process takes time, but it’s definitely worth it.

2. Check The Portfolio

While doing research according to your checklist, don’t forget to thoroughly visit photographers’ portfolios. You can find one on every quality photographer’s website and/or social media page. If you don’t find one, consider looking for someone else.

Feel free to check out my portfolio on Instagram. @slay.photo.film

3. Set a Budget

Determine your budget early on and find a reasonable price for a professional.

Research average prices in your area and remember to prioritize photography as an important investment.

Look for hidden costs

Couples sometimes forget to consider additional expenses such as travel fees, album production, or overtime charges. To avoid surprises, discuss these potential costs with your photographer and ask for a comprehensive breakdown of their pricing structure.

4. Define Your Preferences

Each couple has their own vision for their wedding, so pick a photographer whose aesthetic complements that. If you don't specify your preferences and style beforehand, you may be unsatisfied with the results.

Think about your preferred style of photography; traditional, candid, or maybe artistic. Let your photographer know how you want the photos to look.

5. Meet The Photographer in Person

Arrange a face-to-face meeting or schedule a video call with potential photographers. Use this opportunity to experience their personality, professionalism, and communication style. Building a connection with your photographer is crucial for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

6. Have Clear Communication

Having clear and open communication with your wedding photographer is the key to a successful collaboration between the both of you. Discuss your expectations, timeline, budget, and specific shots you want.

Here are the things to look for when communicating:

Make sure they are keen and attentive to your ideas and desire.
Are they able to provide valuable input to your ideas?
Make sure they are supportive and in tune with your vision.

These are a few of the many points that will make communication between you and your potential wedding photographer more clear and more open.

Northern California Wedding Photographer

7. Don’t Interrupt Their Creativity

It is one of the most common mistakes couples make, that they don't let the photographers give in their own input to the shoot. Trust is crucial when it comes to hiring a wedding photographer. When shooting with a photographer, couples should trust their creative contribution to direct the photoshoot sessions.

Professional photographers are usually very artistic, aesthetic, and naturally talented when it comes to shooting and directing in specific conditions.

They have amazing ideas and valuable insights to make the shoot work. It is advisable to give them a slightly free hand after communicating with them so that your shoot would turn out like no other.