How to Hire the Right Professional Photographer
Why Your Wedding Budget Should Prioritize Hiring A PROFESSIONAL Photographer
It’s no secret that a wedding day flies by. Amidst all the merriment and partying, a couple and their guests experience a huge range of things - fluttering hearts, full-belly laughs, breathtaking moments, uncertainty and a little chaos, and deep, achingly beautiful love (yes, I know, it’s cheesy, but it’s TRUE!).
Once the day is over, this flurry of emotions is gone, fin, abracadabra, goodbye! The decor will be taken down, the guests will go back home, and your wedding attire will probably find a cozy corner in your cupboard. If not for photos, you won’t be able to relive the incredible rush of emotions you experienced on that day. Photos capture every single moment and freeze time forever. They matter, a lot, and that’s why finding a professional photographer with a big, fat capital “P” makes a difference.
A professional photographer won’t just take an image of your loved one’s smile…
…they’ll capture the essence of that moment and turn it into a tangible thing for you to hold onto.
“Your wedding is going to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience - don’t give the responsibility of capturing it to just anybody.”
What should you know to determine if you’re hiring the right professional photographer for the job?
There are a few points you’ll want to consider when looking for a professional photographer to document your wedding. To make the process easy for you, I’ve shared them here!
1. Beyond being technically proficient with their camera, a professional photographer has enough experience and…
… Can handle ANY scenario, no matter how unpredictable.
Let’s say some wild weather pushes your wedding inside at the last minute. No problem, they have the lights they need to make your inside photos equally beautiful AND they know how to use them well AND they can set them up in a heartbeat, as the show must go on.
…Will make you and your guests feel at ease.
They can cover the wedding without drawing attention to themselves and will quickly make people forget that they’re even there. If people aren’t overly aware of the photographer's presence, they are relaxed and are able to stay in the moment which allows your photographer to capture the authenticity of the moment.
… Has captured a LOT of weddings.
The more weddings they’ve done, the more scenarios they’ve covered and the more prepared they are for whatever you throw their way. Beyond being able to capture everything, they will do so calmly and with poise.
… Goes above and beyond the call of duty.
As a wedding professional, a photographer can help you tie your tie or pick up your dress and help you navigate the rocky hillside. You will be spending the majority of your day with your photographer, oftentimes more than with anyone else! A photographer is in the position to make sure your day is smooth-sailing, even if that means stepping in to help beyond the scope of their photography work.
… Participates in the planning process ahead of your wedding day.
A professional photographer will make sure they have an understanding of what to expect at your wedding, and they’ll collaborate with you ahead of the big day by answering any questions you have and setting clear expectations of what it’s like to work with them during the day.
… Will deliver your wedding photos in a timely manner.
A professional wedding photographer comes with a good track record of delivering photos when they say they will because you will be almost unbearably excited to get your photos back. Make sure you are clear with whomever you’re hiring on what to expect after the wedding is done. As a bonus, some photographers even provide preview pictures the week after your wedding so you have something to hold on to before receiving your full gallery.
2. A professional photographer will not miss a moment.
We look a bit crazy because the camera is glued to our face pretty much 99% of the time. A professional is alert and ready to aim and click at all times. And, given their advanced knowledge and years of experience, they’ll capture the moment with the correct setting ensuring that it isn’t blurry or poorly lit.
3. A professional photographer will help you prepare a solid wedding timeline that allows you to make the most of your photo opportunities throughout the day.
Or, if not with you, they’ll collaborate with your planner to do so. If you’d like to learn more about this, I’ve created a free, comprehensive guide on building a wedding day timeline with photography in mind that you can find here.
4. A professional photographer doesn’t just show up to take photos, make their money, and leave.
They show up because they care deeply about YOU and the magical day you’re going to have, and they will stop at nothing to create an unforgettable experience.
Now that you understand what makes a photographer a professional, you might be asking,
HOW do I choose the right professional wedding photographer for myself?
Now you are aware of the things you should keep in mind when looking for a wedding photographer, but how can you find this information during your search? How will you determine if they’re truly a professional and if their personality matches with yours? Here are some quick tips to spot that:
Read their bio to learn a bit about them and their experience.
Read reviews on them. If you don’t find any, ask them to provide a few.
Interview them! Are you feeling drawn to their work and connected to them after reviewing their website? Ask for a consultation and interview them. If you can, I recommend meeting them face-to-face or by video chat so you can really get a sense whether you guys click.
Find out here about some questions to ask them and topics to cover during your interview to ensure a good match.
Enjoy Wedding Photography With This Fearless Love
At all the weddings I’ve photographed, time and again I’ve had to step out of my role as a photographer and offer help in some other area. I’ve pinned many boutonnieres, saved hairdos, helped cut cakes, held dress trains above muddy grounds, sacrificed countless bobby pins and the occasional jacket to help my clients, and much more. I’ve noticed that taking these extra steps helps my clients’ day go by smoothly, and they are much happier looking back on their wedding day. Once I realized that, the focus of my business shifted to center around wedding photography as an experience, not just a service.
I firmly believe that hiring the right professionals can make or break your day. To all my lovely readers out there - if you or someone you know is also looking for an unforgettable wedding photography experience in Colorado, I’m here and ready to help! If you’d like to chat about the photography services I offer, shoot me a note. Or, if you’re curious in general about anything wedding photography related - or heck, anything wedding related at all - shoot me a note as well! I can be reached by email at savannah@thisfearlesslove.com or 720-460-1919 (call or text!).
Also take a glance at my Facebook,Instagram, and Pinterest for more tips and tricks to create an intentional and memorable wedding day.
Cheers dears,
Savannah
