TOP 5 TIPS HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER TO CAPTURE YOUR MEMORIES
You may soon find out that the months leading up to your wedding, the planning that goes into the big day, and the day itself move quicker than you thought.
All of a sudden, the last of the champagne bubbles have run out. The sparklers have finished. And you and your partner are driving away from your perfect venue.
It’s a bittersweet moment, but there’s great news! It’s not over yet. In fact, with an incredible wedding photographer to capture the day’s events, it never has to be over.
That’s why, when it comes to how to choose your wedding photographer, you’ll want to put plenty of thought into it.
Here are my top 5 tips on how to choose your Niagara or Toronto wedding photographer to best capture your memories that last a lifetime:
When Should You Start Deciding on Your Niagara or Toronto Wedding Photographers?
Before we even look toward the 5 tips on how to choose your wedding photographer, it’s best to know when you should start your search.
Most wedding vendors book well in advance of the official wedding date, especially your photographer. The larger the vendor’s role on your wedding day, the earlier you should plan to book them. So, my top 3 vendors to invest in first are (in order):
Your Dream Wedding Photographer
In my years of experience, I’ve found that booking your wedding photographer early on in the planning process is the best way to make sure you can work with the perfect fit for your day. Remember you’re going to be spending 10-12 hours with this person or team on your wedding day. So, you want to ensure you work well together!
Once you’ve invested in a wedding planner, and we’ve taken initial steps in determining your style and budget, it’s a great idea to start researching and reaching out to wedding photographers, especially those you follow on your social media accounts.
For many couples, that looks like finding the perfect fit 12- 18 months before the date.
5 Tips on How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer
With the time frame established on when you should choose your wedding photographer, the question then becomes how to choose your wedding photographer.
Here are my top 5 tips, as a wedding planner and designer, on deciding on the best Toronto wedding photographer for your GTA or Niagara wedding!
Work with Your Wedding Planner to Determine a Wedding Photographer Budget
It can be overwhelming trying to decide on the amount you should spend on a wedding photographer. One of the best ways to do this is to decide your top 3 biggest priorities, other than your wedding venue. I suggest your wedding photographer be one of those top wedding wants, as this is how you’re going to be able to relive your day over and over again!
The wonderful thing about investing in your wedding planner first is that we can help you create a wedding budget for every component of your day.
With years of industry experience, I can help you determine an appropriate range for each vendor you want to invest in, along with finding the perfect candidate to capture your special day.
2. Opt for an Experienced Wedding Photographer
It may be tempting to go with a cousin or an uncle who “has a camera,” and can “take great photos.” After all, you’d be saving a portion of your overall budget if you did that.
But after the last toast on your wedding day, one of the few things you’ll have forever are your wedding photos.
Because of that, I always recommend finding an experienced wedding photographer. Someone who has at least a few years of knowledge, such as shooting weddings on their own, or second shooting for a well-known photographer, where they have learned and experienced wedding days first hand. Doing so means you’ll have artistically curated moments that tell the story of your special day.
Not only that, but many of us aren’t professionals in front of the camera. A seasoned photographer can expertly direct you both, your wedding party, and your guests so everyone feels comfortable in your photos.
And finally, an expert wedding photographer has the equipment, editing software, and skills necessary to make sure your photos match your incredible day!
As you research for the best candidate for your wedding day, I recommend searching on social media for photographers you already follow. Then, be sure to peruse their Google reviews, WeddingWire reviews, or The Knot reviews to make sure they’re capable of meeting your expectations.
3. Decide On the Editing Style You Like for Your Wedding Day
Just like with other design vendors, such as your floral designer, photographers have their own style.
It’s important to discuss with your wedding planner the aesthetic and atmosphere you’re wanting for your wedding day. Once you have that established, you can better select the perfect photographer to capture and edit it based on that style.
For example, if you’re hoping to have an ethereal, romantic vineyard wedding with a touch of whimsy, then a bright and airy photographer may be perfect.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more modern, downtown Toronto wedding, then a dark and moody style might be an excellent choice.
There’s also no ruling that states you must choose your wedding photographer’s style based on your wedding day’s aesthetic. If you’d prefer to have a more moody photographer for your vineyard wedding, then that’s your prerogative! But being aware of the different shooting and editing styles is crucial in finding the perfect photographer.
4. Research Wedding Photographers and Their Services
Once you’ve determined the style of photography you prefer, it’s time to begin researching some of the best Toronto or Niagara wedding photographers that can capture your day.
Take a look at local photographers’ websites and peruse their service options. Usually, photographers offer different service packages based on the hours of coverage they provide.
You’ll want to think about what kind of service is best for your wedding. Do you want someone there all day, so they can capture the getting ready portion, as well as the entirety of the reception such as speeches and special dances?
Do you want someone there for half of a day? Would you rather have someone at both the rehearsal dinner and the wedding day?
Determine what you need in a wedding photographer, and then find out who meets those requirements.
5. Meet in Person or Via Online Video to Make Sure You Connect
Finally, when you have a handful of top contenders, it’s a great idea to meet with them in person or via Zoom meeting. Maybe that’s meeting over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine.
Maybe you go just as a couple or you take along your wedding planner to help you!
Either way, meeting with wedding photographers in person or through online video lets both parties get a feel for each other. It helps you determine whether or not you’ll be a great fit to work together. You can also get a sense of how comfortable you are with them.
If they can make you feel comfortable and at ease, then more than likely your wedding photos will be incredible! The more relaxed you are in front of the camera, the more natural your photographs will be.
Determining how to choose your wedding photographer is a major step in the wedding planning process! And having a wedding planner on your team can help you make the best decision possible.
If you’re in the beginning stages of planning your wedding, and you’re needing more inspiration, then peruse my other blogs. I’m sharing more advice from how to plan a budget to choosing the perfect venue!
