How do you choose a photographer for your day who suits your needs, style, and budget? It can be a daunting task finding an elopement photographer for your wedding who ticks all the boxes, but trust me – it’s doable! With the right know-how and tools, you can find a creative who fits your vision perfectly. Perhaps I’m biased, but choosing the right photographer can be one of the most important wedding-planning decisions you make. Once your wedding day is over, it will be those photos that you look back at whenever you want to reflect on your day. But with so many talented photographers out there, how do you choose the right one for you? Fear not, lovebirds! Keep reading for some tips to help you decide.
Chat with your partner about what your top values are when booking a photographer.
Before you start reaching out to elopement photographers, it’s important to have a conversation with your partner about what your top values are when it comes to choosing a photographer. Some things to consider …
- Are you looking for someone who is fun and energetic or someone who is more reserved and professional?
- Do you want to book a photographer with an extensive portfolio, or are you open to hiring someone who’s new to the game?
- Do you have a strict budget? How much leniency are you comfortable with if you find a photographer who feels like a perfect fit?
- If you’re eloping, what will your day look like? Do you need a photographer who’s willing to hike and adventure?
- Do you want your wedding photographer to photograph your engagement photos as well? If so, perhaps you should consider booking someone who includes an engagement shoot in their packages.
- How many hours do you want to book your photographer for on your wedding day? If you find a great fit but they don’t live near your venue, are you willing to pay for their travel and lodging?
- And let’s not forget about the most important question of all: Will they bring snacks?
Knowing your top values will help you narrow down your search. Then, you can find the photographer who is the best fit for you. I recommend writing down your answers so you have them on-hand for reference as you search for potential options!
Figure out what general photography style you like
It’s important to decide on a general photography style that you like before you start inquiring with photographers. It’s a waste of your time (and those you inquire with) if you go through the whole inquiry process before realizing that you don’t connect with their artistic style. Do you prefer a classic, timeless style, or something more contemporary and creative? Are you drawn to light and airy photos or moody and dramatic shots? Once you have an idea of the style you like, you can start searching for photographers who specialize in that specific style.
Check reviews and references from their past clients and industry peers.
Before you hire someone to capture the most important day of your life, you want to make sure they’re not just winging it. Once you’ve found some elopement photographers who fit your style and values, it’s important to do your due diligence and check their reviews and references. Now, take this guideline with a grain of salt! Why? Because everyone has to start somewhere! Find a photographer you like but they don’t have an extensive list of reviews and references? It isn’t necessarily a red flag. It could just mean that photographer is new to the game.
However, if they’ve been working in the industry for a while there is no resource more useful than good old-fashioned reviews! Read what past clients have to say about their experience working with the photographer. If applicable, ask the photographer for references from industry peers. This will give you a better idea of what it’s like to work with that photographer and how they handle different situations. You wouldn’t hire a chef without checking out their Yelp page, right?
See if you click with them emotionally
It’s important to choose a photographer with whom you feel comfortable and connect with emotionally. After all, they’ll be following you around all day. So, you don’t want to be stuck with someone who’s a total snooze-fest. Set up a meeting or video chat to see if you have good chemistry. Bonus points if they make you snort-laugh.
Make sure you feel good about their professionality and their booking process
Once you’ve found a photographer you vibe with, it’s time to get down to business. In addition to connecting with the elopement photographer emotionally, it’s also important to make sure that you feel good about their professionalism and their booking process. Ensure they have a clear contract and pricing structure and are responsive and timely in their communication. You want to make sure that the photographer you choose is someone who you can rely on to deliver quality work and who is organized and reliable.
Clearly communicate your vision for your day, and see if they feel like they’d be a good fit
Finally, it’s important to clearly communicate your vision for your day to the photographer and see if they feel like they’d be a good fit. Make sure you discuss your timeline, any specific shots you want, and any unique aspects of your wedding or elopement. If they’re not excited about your vision, move on. You want to make sure that the elopement photographer you choose is someone who understands your vision and who is excited to bring it to life. You deserve someone who’s just as jazzed about your day as you are!
Finding the right photographer is like finding your soulmate. It takes time, effort, and a lot of swiping left and right. But it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! By following these tips and trusting your instincts, you can find the photographer who is the perfect fit for you and who will capture your special day in a way that you’ll cherish for years to come.
If you’re looking for an awesome, cheerful, adventurous photographer with loads of experience in all styles of settings, look no further. My name is Samantha, and I’d love to make your vision come to life! Check out my portfolio here! If you’d like to get in touch you can do so via my contact page. Hope to chat soon!
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