Your wedding day is one of the most special and memorable days of your life, and finding the right photographer to capture every moment is a big decision. With so many talented professionals to choose from, how do you decide who’s the best fit for you? Here’s a guide to help you pick the perfect photographer for your wedding day.
1. Consider Their Photography Style
Photographers often specialize in a particular style, so choosing one whose work resonates with you is crucial. Here are three common styles to consider:
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Moody: Known for rich tones, dramatic contrasts, and a more artistic feel, moody photography is perfect for couples who love emotion-packed images with a cinematic edge. Keep in mind the colors you’ve chosen for your day and ask your photographer to send samples from a wedding with similar colors. One thing couples might not realise is some of these styles, especially the “moody” way of processing images can change the colors of some things! That red rose may seem more dark burgundy in a moody style or vibrant purple may appear more plum.
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Light and Airy: Bright, soft, and romantic, this style emphasizes pastel tones, glowing light, and a dreamy atmosphere. It’s ideal for whimsical, fairytale-inspired weddings. Remember to take into account your enue. We’ve had couples come to us wanting a “light and airy” feel to their day but their reception space is a dark wood paneled ballroom.
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True to Color (THIS IS US!): This style stays as close as possible to real-life tones, ensuring that colors are vibrant and accurate. If you want timeless images that look exactly as you remember, this might be the right choice for you.
Browse portfolios and notice what style feels most “you.” A great photographer will have a consistent look across their gallery, giving you confidence in what your final images will look like.
2. Personality
Your photographer will be by your side for most of your wedding day, so their personality is just as important as their skill. During consultations, ask yourself:
- Are they someone you feel comfortable around?
- Do they seem genuinely excited about your wedding?
- Can they help put you at ease in front of the camera?
Having a photographer whose personality meshes well with yours can make a big difference. They should make you feel relaxed and confident while also seamlessly guiding the day. If you’re laughing and chatting during your engagement session or consultation, that’s a great sign!
This is where an engagement session comes in handy! Not only will you get images of the two of you in non-formal attire that you can use for your save the dates, socials, invitations, etc. you’ll get a first hand idea of what your wedding day will feel like with your photographer. It’s a good time to try out some poses and ideas and then let your photographer know what you liked and didn’t like – so you can avoid those poses/prompts on your wedding day and spend your portrait time wisely.
3. Experience Matters
While every professional has to start somewhere, experience can make a big difference when it comes to capturing a wedding. Look for photographers who have been in business for several years or have a portfolio of REAL weddings.
Experienced photographers:
- Know how to adapt to different lighting conditions and venues.
- Have a plan for every part of the day (and a backup plan).
- Can anticipate moments before they happen, ensuring no special memory is missed.
Ask them about their background, the types of weddings they’ve shot, and if they’ve worked at your venue before. If not, experienced photographers will often visit venues in advance to familiarize themselves with the space.
Styled Shoots and Content Days are great ways to gain images for your portfolio but not a real example of how a wedding day will actually unfold. Sure, they can get a great portrait while a model couple is set up in a particular spot allowing everyone ample time to capture them and try different things – but on a REAL wedding day that moment moves so much faster and you have to know what you’re doing in order to nail that shot in time before everything moves on to the next event.
We love attending Styled Shoots and Content Days to get to network with other professionals, work with planners and venues we haven’t had a chance to yet. But we’ve been in weddings for 16 years so we have the ability to capture the same moments with models as we do with our couples.
4. How Many Weddings Do They Take Each Year?
It might seem logical to assume that a photographer shooting dozens of weddings each year is the best choice, but that’s not always the case. Many seasoned photographers limit the number of weddings they book each year, focusing on quality over quantity. We only take on a max of 17 full weddings each season and 10 mid-week elopements (Max of 1 a week during our peak season)
Taking fewer weddings often means your photographer:
- Has more time to devote to your wedding, from preparation to post-production.
- Can provide a more personalized experience, responding to questions and customizing their approach.
- Is less likely to feel burnt out, ensuring their creativity and energy shine through on your day.
Whether they shoot 10 weddings a year or 40, what matters most is their ability to give your wedding the attention and care it deserves.
5. Trust Your Instincts
Once you’ve narrowed down your options, trust your gut. If you love a photographer’s work, feel comfortable with their personality, and are confident in their experience, you’ve likely found the perfect match.
6. Ask the Right Questions
Before booking, don’t hesitate to ask questions like:
- What is included in your packages?
– You’ll receive our full pricing and info guide immediately! - How do you handle unexpected situations (bad weather, delays, etc.)?
– We roll with it! Some of our favorite images were captured during a rain storm or immediately after incliment weather has passed. We come with all the ideas and tools in our tool kit to make magic happen regardless of weather, delays, or any other hiccups that happen. - Can you share testimonials or reviews from past clients?
– Absolutely! Here’s a link to our Reviews - How long will it take to receive our photos after the wedding?
– You’ll get a same day sneak peek, a full highlight post in 2 business days, fully finished gallery within 8 weeks (video in 10 weeks)
Their answers will help you feel more confident about your choice.
7. Capture Your Love Story Perfectly
Your wedding photos will be cherished for a lifetime, so take the time to find a photographer who aligns with your vision and values. By focusing on style, personality, experience, and their approach to wedding bookings, you’ll find someone who not only captures beautiful images but also enhances your wedding day experience.
With the right photographer, your wedding day memories will live on as stunning, heartfelt images you’ll treasure forever.
Brittany and Dean are creative Maine Wedding Photographers who loving having fun with our couples. We work together and separately to capture every emotion and angle on your wedding day. Two Adventurous Souls storytelling style will capture your surprise proposal both in candid and naturally posed images. Whether you’re looking for Maine Wedding Photographers, Costa Rica Wedding or anywhere in New England or the world we will be there for you! For more info please contact us about your wedding videography! Maine Wedding Photographers
