Hey there, lovely bride-to-be!
I know the wedding planning process can feel like a whirlwind, and I can totally understand why choosing the right photographer might feel like a huge task right now. With so many talented photographers out there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and that’s completely okay. You’re not alone in this! I’ve been in the industry long enough to see many couples go through this same feeling, and I’m here to help guide you through it.
First, take a deep breath. You don’t have to have it all figured out in one go. Finding a photographer that’s the perfect fit for your wedding day is about more than just picking someone with a nice camera. It’s about choosing someone who understands you, your vision, and the vibe you want to capture.
Here’s how I recommend approaching this decision—and hopefully, it’ll help clear up some of that overwhelm!
1. Start with the Feel of Your Wedding Day
Your wedding day is one of the most personal and emotional days of your life. Think about the moments you want to treasure forever. Is it the tears as you walk down the aisle? The joy and laughter during the reception? The quiet, intimate moments during your first dance?
Look for photographers whose portfolios reflect the emotions and style that resonate with you. Are you drawn to soft, romantic images with lots of natural light? Or do you prefer bold, dramatic photos that make a statement? Don’t feel like you have to settle for a “one-size-fits-all” style. The right photographer will know how to capture your love story in a way that feels authentic to you.
2. Find Someone Who Speaks to Your Heart
This isn’t just about checking off a list of technical skills. Your photographer is going to be with you all day—sometimes more than anyone else, even your maid of honor! So it’s essential that you feel comfortable and connected to them. If you can, try to schedule a consultation or at least have a chat over the phone or video call. I love getting a coffee with my couples after the initial meeting or inquiry. This will give you a sense of their personality and help you gauge whether you click.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do they listen to your ideas and make you feel heard?
- Do you feel comfortable around them?
- Do they make you feel relaxed and confident?
If you find someone who puts you at ease and makes you feel like they truly get what you’re envisioning for your day, that’s a huge win.
3. Don’t Get Caught Up in the Numbers
When it comes to wedding photography, the investment can feel overwhelming, but remember this: the photographer you choose is the one who will be capturing memories that last a lifetime. While it’s important to stick to your wedding investment goals, don’t make the decision based purely on that alone. A photographer who may be a little outside your budget but aligns perfectly with your vision can be worth every penny.
That said, I know it’s tempting to compare packages and try to figure out what’s “the best deal,” but remember that photography is an investment in your memories. Your wedding day will be gone in a flash, but those photos will be with you forever, allowing you to relive each precious moment. Make sure you’re choosing someone whose work you adore, and who you feel confident will take care of you on the big day.
4. Trust Your Gut
It sounds cliché, but your intuition is so important. If you feel good about a photographer—if you can imagine them with you on the day, seamlessly capturing those moments, making you feel at ease—that’s a sign. Trust that gut feeling! You want someone who isn’t just talented, but also someone who you feel comfortable with and trust to document such a monumental moment.
At the end of the day, there’s no “right” photographer out there, just the right photographer for you. It’s about finding someone who understands your vision, makes you feel comfortable, and most importantly, someone whose work you love. The perfect photographer for your wedding isn’t the one who checks off every box on a list—it’s the one who captures your unique story in a way that feels natural, joyful, and true to you.
I hope this helps take some of the pressure off. You’ve got this, and when you find the right photographer, it will feel like a weight lifted off your shoulders. If you have any questions or want to chat about your wedding photography vision, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always here to help!
With warmth and excitement,
Rachel Yearick
Wedding Photographer