1. Most importantly: Personality.

Make sure their personality matches yours, or makes you feel comfortable.

Why?  Simply put, your photographer will be with you most of your wedding day. If they make you feel uneasy, it will show in your photos. If you feel your photographer doesn’t have a strong work ethic or is lazy, expect missed moments.  If the photographer gets on your nerves you will be less likely to enjoy the day, and if you’re not enjoying your day,  your guests can sense that. Guests want to see you having the time of your life.

2. Look at their portfolio.

Photography is an art in itself. Different photographers have different shooting styles.  Examples are landscape, portrait, action, posed, candid, documentary, airy, Spray and Pray, and so on. It doesn’t matter what style the photographer uses, if you don’t like their previous work you probably won’t be crazy with your results either. Find someone’s work you love, AND make sure your personalities click!

3. Budget.

Keep your budget in mind.

Ultimately your budget will play a big role in which photographer you hire. I have encountered photographers on all price whose work I admire.  At the same time, I have encountered photographers at all price points questionable skills at best, and found their work less disappointing.

Money is a touchy subject but it needs to be discussed.

Under $500; have low expectations for their work.

$500 – $1000 Clarify your expectations and hope they can be met.

$1000 – $2500 Here’s the sweet spot where most “Pro” photographers sit, expect a “Pro” but always ensure by seeing their portfolio.

$2500- $5000 These are the high end experts, typically the cream of the crop (but not always, so check reviews and references on any one of these categories). With these photogs your vision is what is conveyed back to you in the end, without fail. Always look at their work, and pay as much as you can.  It’s money well spent.

4. Contract with your photographer to take photos for as long as possible on your big day.

I can’t tell you how many times a photographer has left, and something awesome happens. Dad breaks out a dance move you had no idea he could do, like the worm. Your fiancé is crowd surfing the dance floor. Grandpa who never dances is up on the floor with grandma giving it his best. Maybe Mom who is super reserved and shy leads the charge and starts a conga line randomly. Those are moments you will want preserved and captured. Moments that won’t be captured if your photographer leaves early. Some photographers book per hour, while others book per project. Decide what best for your event beforehand.

5.  Ask lots of questions.

Read their contracts carefully, look at lots of work, ask for references, and make sure your photographer is insanely interested in you and your special someone. Your pictures will show it.

If you found this helpful check out “How Much Does A Wedding DJ In Indiana Cost”

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