Where do I start?
There are a bunch of different ways to find the ideal wedding photographer. Some of the most common are: via Google, social media, or word of mouth. Getting recommendations from friends or other wedding vendors can be great. Also, there are some wonderful wedding directories out there (with all sorts of vendors) like Auckland Weddings, Together Journal, or Wild Hearts.
STYLE
The more you look at different wedding photos the more you’ll notice different styles. If ten photographers shot the same subject, you’d probably get ten different results. That’s the beauty of every person having their own unique, creative eye, and way of capturing moments. Look at the colour and the mood of the images. Are they following a trend? Are they natural and timeless? How do you want to remember your day? Look at the emotion and moments captured in their work. Notice what you are drawn to. Think about looking back on your wedding in 10 or 20 years and if their style is going to stand the test of time.
Do your personalities click?
I’ve talked about this before but it is so important! You spend a big chunk of your day with your photographer. Do you feel comfortable and click with them? Are they going to fit in and be a welcome presence on your day? Or do they seem a bit annoying, awkward, or overbearing? It is so important that you trust each other, to ensure your day runs smoothly and you feel comfortable in front of the camera. How do you figure this out before you’ve even met someone? Look through the prospective photographer’s website, blog, and social media. See if you can get a feel for what they are like, maybe you have things in common or can tell they really care about their clients. If you have a friend that has worked with them before, ask them what they were like. Once you go ahead and enquire with the photographer, you can set up a video call or in-person meeting to get to know them a little better too. See if they understand the vision for your day and if they would work well with you and get along with you and your guests.
And again I say… TRUST!
As I said above, trust is KEY! You are going to feel a lot more comfortable, less stressed and will be able to fully relax and enjoy your day if you trust your wedding photographer (and all your other wedding vendors for that matter). Booking someone who’s work you love, you get along with and you know they are going to capture all the memories and moments to create a beautiful set of images from your day, is key. Make sure the trust factor is there. Ask any questions you have upfront or during the planning process. A good photographer will be happy to help throughout the entire process, giving any advice or suggestions you need and of course, working with you to help the whole day run smoothly and full of joy!
Narrow down your favourites, then reach out
Narrow your list then go forth and enquire. Of course, your budget will be another important factor to consider in this process and it’s good to figure out different photographer’s pricing and package options to suit your specific day. However, try not to overwhelm yourself. If you’re emailing back and forth with 50 different people it’s going to get overwhelming and confusing. One more thing to bear in mind is to enquire as early as possible. Many photographers and other wedding vendors will book out 12-18 months in advance, especially if you are wanting to get married on a Saturday in the Summer. Get in touch now!
I hope this has helped you on your hunt for the perfect photographer. Of course, I’d always be happy to chat with you if you are interested in finding out more about me or booking me for your special day. I also know there are many incredible local photographers out there, some of who I count as my close friends. Finding one you click with, love and trust will probably be easier than you think!
Check out my IGTV on this topic here.
Where do I start?
There are a bunch of different ways to find the ideal wedding photographer. Some of the most common are: via Google, social media, or word of mouth. Getting recommendations from friends or other wedding vendors can be great. Also, there are some wonderful wedding directories out there (with all sorts of vendors) like Auckland Weddings, Together Journal, or Wild Hearts.
STYLE
The more you look at different wedding photos the more you’ll notice different styles. If ten photographers shot the same subject, you’d probably get ten different results. That’s the beauty of every person having their own unique, creative eye, and way of capturing moments. Look at the colour and the mood of the images. Are they following a trend? Are they natural and timeless? How do you want to remember your day? Look at the emotion and moments captured in their work. Notice what you are drawn to. Think about looking back on your wedding in 10 or 20 years and if their style is going to stand the test of time.
Do your personalities click?
I’ve talked about this before but it is so important! You spend a big chunk of your day with your photographer. Do you feel comfortable and click with them? Are they going to fit in and be a welcome presence on your day? Or do they seem a bit annoying, awkward, or overbearing? It is so important that you trust each other, to ensure your day runs smoothly and you feel comfortable in front of the camera. How do you figure this out before you’ve even met someone? Look through the prospective photographer’s website, blog, and social media. See if you can get a feel for what they are like, maybe you have things in common or can tell they really care about their clients. If you have a friend that has worked with them before, ask them what they were like. Once you go ahead and enquire with the photographer, you can set up a video call or in-person meeting to get to know them a little better too. See if they understand the vision for your day and if they would work well with you and get along with you and your guests.
And again I say… TRUST!
As I said above, trust is KEY! You are going to feel a lot more comfortable, less stressed and will be able to fully relax and enjoy your day if you trust your wedding photographer (and all your other wedding vendors for that matter). Booking someone who’s work you love, you get along with and you know they are going to capture all the memories and moments to create a beautiful set of images from your day, is key. Make sure the trust factor is there. Ask any questions you have upfront or during the planning process. A good photographer will be happy to help throughout the entire process, giving any advice or suggestions you need and of course, working with you to help the whole day run smoothly and full of joy!
Narrow down your favourites, then reach out
Narrow your list then go forth and enquire. Of course, your budget will be another important factor to consider in this process and it’s good to figure out different photographer’s pricing and package options to suit your specific day. However, try not to overwhelm yourself. If you’re emailing back and forth with 50 different people it’s going to get overwhelming and confusing. One more thing to bear in mind is to enquire as early as possible. Many photographers and other wedding vendors will book out 12-18 months in advance, especially if you are wanting to get married on a Saturday in the Summer. Get in touch now!
I hope this has helped you on your hunt for the perfect photographer. Of course, I’d always be happy to chat with you if you are interested in finding out more about me or booking me for your special day. I also know there are many incredible local photographers out there, some of who I count as my close friends. Finding one you click with, love and trust will probably be easier than you think!
Check out my IGTV on this topic here.
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