Choosing a wedding photographer is generally overwhelming. There are a lot of options, a lot of styles, and a lot of different prices out there. But beyond those things, what should you be considering?

Finding a photographer who you’re comfortable with.

As simple as it sounds, being comfortable with your wedding photographer is so important for so many reasons, but before I really dive into it, let’s start with an example photo…

We’ll be close to you all day. Like really close.

Being a wedding photographer means being where the action is, and that means following you around all day. We’re there when you’re getting dressed, when you’re crying those happy tears, and when you toast with all of your closest friends. We’re with you on one of the biggest days of your life.

To have a stranger there for all those things can be, well… uncomfortable. Not only that but imagine a stranger sticking a camera in your face for 8 hours? No thanks. Getting comfy with your photographer allows for your real emotions to flow and the day to feel natural. It changes the dynamic from stranger watching you to friend documenting your special moments with you.

When you’re uncomfortable, it affects the photos.

If you’re attracted to a more candid, laid-back style of photos for your wedding day, it is especially important that you vibe with your wedding photographer because it greatly affects how the photos turn out. I always tell my clients that if you’re uncomfortable in a pose, it shows. To get those genuine emotions captured on camera, they have to be genuine! And that kinda thing just doesn’t happen when you feel awkward as hell.

Keep your fond memories fond.

This one should go without saying, but if you don’t like your wedding photographer, you’ll likely have that in the back of your head when you look back on your big day. Wouldn’t it be awful to walk by your gorgeous wedding photos on the wall and have a bad taste in your mouth because of a poor experience with your photographer? While that example might seem dramatic, I think it’s important to remember. Instead of feeling a little * cringe * when you look at your wedding photos, you should feel thrilled! You don’t wanna remember how awkward you felt in front of the camera. You want to remember the bliss of being married.

Trust.

Overall, you want to be able to trust your photographer. You should trust them to be where they need to be. You should trust their vision, advice, and support. You should trust them to get the shot.

If you can’t trust your photographer, it’s uncomfortable for everyone involved (photographer included). Let’s be real, if your photographer feels like a stranger then your smiles will be forced, your poses stiff, and your candid moments a little too aware! Take a little extra time to connect with your photographer and it will make the experience exponentially more enjoyable for you and for the artist (and great photographers will take the time to do the same for you).

“But Courtney, how do I find a photographer I vibe with?!”

Well let me tell you!
When you’re choosing a photographer for your big day, the first step is to make sure you like their photos. Really go through someone’s website (not just their Instagram) and make sure you love their work.

The second step would be to either talk to them on the phone or meet with them in person if possible, before signing the paperwork. When you chat, think about if you’d be friends with this person! Or if you’d at least be comfortable introducing them to your entire friend group.

Lastly, get your engagement photos done. Sometimes people want to skip that part to save money or because they don’t have time, but there is so. much. value. in having an engagement session. It gives you a chance to hang out with just your photographer before the pressure of the big day, and it gives you a sense of their posing/shooting style. Plus, it’s another excuse to have some super cute photos of yourselves before the big day. Once you’ve had your engagement photos done, when your photographer shows up on your wedding day, you already know how it’s going to feel in front of the camera and you can focus on more important stuff like, you know, getting married.

I consider myself a relationship-based photographer. I love building pure connections with my clients, starting from the first email all the way to family and anniversary sessions. If the photos come out that much better and your special day is elevated, then it’s worth it.

If you want to find out if we’re a good fit, let’s get to know each other!

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