How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer: A No-Nonsense Guide
Let’s be honest – choosing a wedding photographer can feel overwhelming. With countless styles, packages, and personalities to consider, where do you even begin? As one of the most significant investments in your wedding (and one that will literally last a lifetime), it’s worth taking the time to find the right fit. Here’s your practical guide to navigating the world of wedding photography, minus the fluff.
Understanding Photography Styles
Before diving into portfolios, it helps to understand the main photography styles you’ll encounter. While photographers often blend multiple approaches, most lean towards one of these primary styles:
Traditional
Think of this as the classic approach – clean, crisp images with an emphasis on posed portraits and formal group shots. Traditional photographers typically work from a shot list that includes all the expected moments: the first kiss, cutting the cake, family portraits, and so on. This style works particularly well if you:
- Want to ensure you capture all the formal family combinations
- Prefer timeless images that won’t look dated in 20 years
- Like direction and structure when being photographed
Documentary
Also known as photojournalistic style, this approach focuses on capturing genuine moments as they unfold. These photographers act more like observers than directors, catching authentic interactions and emotions throughout the day. You might prefer this style if you:
- Feel awkward about posed photos
- Value natural, candid moments
- Want to spend more time with guests rather than taking formal photos
Read Steve Gerrard’s post, The Art of Documentary Wedding Photography: A Montreal Photographer’s Perspective for more on this one.
Editorial
This style draws inspiration from fashion magazines, creating dramatic, artistic images that could grace the pages of Vogue. Editorial photographers often play with unique angles, creative lighting, and bold compositions. Consider this approach if you:
- Appreciate artistic, striking images
- Don’t mind spending extra time getting those perfect shots
- Want photos that stand out from the typical wedding album
Film Photography
While most photographers work digitally these days, some still shoot with traditional film – either exclusively or alongside digital cameras. Film creates a distinctive look with rich colours, subtle grain, and a certain warmth that digital can’t quite replicate. Film might be your thing if you:
- Love the nostalgic quality of film photos
- Appreciate the artistry and intentionality of film
- Don’t mind having fewer total images (film photographers typically deliver fewer photos than digital)
The Search Process
Now that you understand the different styles, here’s how to actually find and choose your photographer:
Start Early
Book your photographer as soon as you’ve secured your venue. The best photographers often book up 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak wedding season. Starting early gives you more options and less stress.
Do Your Research
Begin by looking at wedding blogs, Instagram, and photography websites. Save images that resonate with you and look for patterns in what you’re drawn to. But don’t just look at the highlight reels – ask to see full wedding galleries. This shows you how photographers handle different lighting situations and capture the entire day, not just the perfect moments.
Consider Your Budget
Wedding photography typically takes up 8-15% of your total budget. While it might be tempting to cut corners here, remember that you’re not just paying for the actual wedding day. You’re also paying for:
- Years of experience and expertise
- Professional equipment and backups
- Hours of editing after the wedding
- The photographer’s artistic eye and style
- Their ability to handle unexpected situations
If your dream photographer is out of budget, consider booking them for partial day coverage rather than compromising on quality. Six hours with an experienced photographer will likely yield better results than 12 hours with someone who’s still learning the ropes.
Beyond the Portfolio
While loving a photographer’s work is crucial, there’s more to consider:
Personality Fit
You’ll spend almost as much time with your photographer as with your new spouse on the wedding day. Make sure you click with their personality. Are they:
- Calm under pressure?
- Good at reading the room?
- Able to handle group shots efficiently?
- Professional but personable?
Have a video chat or meet in person before booking. This gives you a chance to see if you mesh well and if they understand your vision for the day.
Communication Style
Pay attention to how they handle your initial inquiry. Are they:
- Responsive and professional?
- Clear about their process and pricing?
- Organized with their paperwork?
- Willing to answer your questions?
These early interactions often indicate how they’ll handle the entire process.
The Nitty-Gritty Details
Before signing a contract, make sure you’re clear on:
What’s Included
- Number of hours of coverage
- Number of final edited images
- Rights to print and share photos
- Timeline for receiving your images
- Whether you get high-resolution files
- If there’s a second shooter included
- Additional costs like travel fees or albums
Contingency Plans
Ask about:
- Their backup equipment
- What happens if they’re ill
- Whether they have liability insurance
- Their plan for bad weather
- How they handle unexpected changes
Red Flags to Watch For
Be wary if a photographer:
- Won’t show you full wedding galleries
- Can’t provide references
- Seems disorganized or unprofessional
- Has inconsistent quality in their portfolio
- Isn’t clear about their pricing and policies
- Doesn’t have backup equipment or a contingency plan
Making the Final Decision
After you’ve done your research and narrowed down your options, trust your instincts. Ask yourself:
- Do I love their work consistently, not just a few standout shots?
- Can I imagine spending hours with this person on an emotionally charged day?
- Do they understand what matters most to me about the wedding?
- Am I confident in their ability to handle whatever comes up?
- Does their pricing and process feel transparent and fair?
Remember, while wedding photography is a significant investment, it’s one of the few tangible things you’ll have after the celebration ends. The right photographer will not only capture beautiful images but will also help your day run smoothly and ensure you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a wedding photographer doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts. Focus on finding someone whose work you love and whose personality puts you at ease. With the right photographer, you’ll have images that bring back the joy, laughter, and emotion of your wedding day for years to come – and you might even enjoy the process of being photographed along the way.
Further Reading
WTF is an Alternative Wedding Photographer?
10 Reasons to Hire a Wedding Planner in Montreal
Our new favourite wedding filmmakers
