How to Find Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
Your camera-holding fairygodmother on how to find the best wedding photographer!
Your wedding day is a grand adventure, and usually a once-in-a-lifetime event you get to dream about and savor again for years to come. There’s so much pressure to capture it just right, and finding a wedding photographer is such a journey of real trust, communication, and magic (it’s in there somewhere, I promise.)
As a long-time wedding photographer, I'm here to be your fairy godmother in the realm of capturing this special day! Together, we'll explore the key steps that will lead you to a photographer who understands the magic of your romance, embraces authenticity, and has a gift for capturing the true essence of your special day.
Look Beyond Bridal Shoots: Discover the True Story
When searching for your photographer, remember that bridal shoots only showcase a single facet of their talent. To truly understand their magic, delve into their complete wedding portfolios. These albums can show you how they capture the real emotions, tender interactions, and enchanted moments woven throughout a wedding day. Take the time to immerse yourself in their storytelling and ensure that their style resonates with your own fairytale vision.
It can be helpful to scroll through their website or feeds to see what coverage they have of the actual wedding - the ceremony, the reception, the first look, etc. Make sure they actually have the types of photos you’d like to see during your big day!!
Bridals can be so, so fun and lovely- but not all great portrait photographers are great event photographers- and you do NOT wanna discover that the hard way!
Roam Their Blog: Unveiling Their Fairy Dust
A photographer's blog is like a portal to their world, offering glimpses of their vision, values, and vibes. Wander through their stories, immerse yourself in the featured weddings, and see if their images transport you to a world of love and wonder.
I always want my blog posts to share how I believe that love should be free-spirited and effortless. I always want my people to feel at ease, and aware of all the magic that goes into photos themselves. My attention to detail ensures that no magical moment goes unnoticed, capturing the intricate elements that make your story unique.
Seek a photographer whose work reflects their attention to detail, genuine connections with couples, and a commitment to capturing the extraordinary in the ordinary.
Blogs also give photographers a great place to share about their favorite types of photos, their shooting style, and just their general personality. And all of this can be so crucial when it comes to your wedding day!
Try an Engagement Shoot: A Whimsical Chemistry Test
If possible, consider an engagement shoot with your potential photographer. This not only allows you to experience their creative prowess but also helps you see their vibes and how you mesh.
You'll discover if their presence makes you feel like magic, or maybe kinda meh (hey, it happens!) Embrace this opportunity to dance beneath the moonlit sky, laugh amidst blooming meadows, and create breathtaking images that portray the magic of your love story - all while checking out photographers.
It’s also a great way to see how much time they need for shoots and ideas. Time is precious, and so are the enchanting moments of your wedding day. I’ve always been proud of being able to swiftly capture the most whimsical moments while ensuring that you have ample time to revel in the joy of your celebration.
Make Instagram Your Treasure Trove
Take some time and follow multiple photographers whose work speaks to your soul. Immerse yourself in their realm, so you’ll naturally see their vibe, style, and personality on your feed. It might be great to interact with them a bit, check they post the kinds of photos you adore, and keep an eye out for any free wedding destinations they might offer! (It happens!)
Define Your Wedding Photo Style: Unleash Your Inner Muse
Embrace the power to define your own wedding photo style. Browse Pinterest and Instagram feeds to get some ideas of what sorts of photos really speak to you.
Close your eyes and envision the enchantment you wish to convey. Is it the editorial allure that draws you in, or the harmony with nature that calls to you? Would you rather big, sweeping panoramas, or closer, more intimate shots of your love? Flash or no flash? Wild party vibes or gentle, cottagecore energy? Do you prefer more candid, in the moment photography, or someone who’s gonna be good at elegant poses and the more structured moments?
All of this matters when finding the right photographer for you! A good photographer will be able to do a mix of styles, but it’s good to really consider what you’d love to see at the end of your day.
Picture yourself twirling in a moonlit garden or sharing an intimate moment by a sparkling lake. A good photographer aims to create an atmosphere where you feel safe to be yourselves, where love is celebrated, and where the truest versions of yourselves emerge.
In your quest for a wedding photographer, trust your heart and don’t be afraid of a little soul-searching. Seek the one who not only captures breathtaking images but also understands the magic, embraces the authentic, and celebrates your unique love story.
Remember that your wedding day is an extraordinary chapter in your own enchanting story- so it’s a search that deserves some real love and care! May you find a photographer who will create images that transport you back to that whimsical day, capturing the essence of your love for generations to come.



