Googling “Wedding Photographer” is overwhelming. You’ll find websites for local studios, sketchy ads, and pages and pages of listings on The Knot.

It’s…a lot.

If you’re like most brides, photography is important to you, but you’ve never hired a wedding photographer before, so it’s hard to know where to begin! 🤦🏽‍♀️🤷🏼‍♀️

Keep reading to find the top 3 questions brides have when searching for a photographer!

1. What factors should I consider?

STYLE – I list this first because their shooting and editing style is probably what caught your eye. If you can’t stop scrolling on their Instagram, I’d say you love their style!

PERSONALITY – After getting to know them online, ask yourself: “Can I imagine them being there on our wedding day? Do I think they’d be helpful and kind to us and our guests?”

EXPERIENCE – After reading about the experience they offer their brides & grooms, are you PUMPED to have that experience for yourself?? 

SERVICES & PRICING – Most photographers have a range of pricing listed on their website. If their pricing is WAY more than you could afford (I’m talking thousands over budget), than they’re probably not the best fit, even if you’re obsessed with their style. But if their pricing is within the range of what you plan to invest, and they’ve passed the three tests above… what are you waiting for?? Contact them! 🥳

 

 

2. How do I find a photographer who will understand us and our vision?

If this is one of your main questions, than you’re my type of bride! Your photographer will be by your side practically ALL day – more than your other vendors, and actually more than your husband! 🤯 For this reason, it’s really important that you LOVE your photographer!

STEP 1 – Get to know THEM online. Browse through their website and Instagram to get a feel for their personality. Do you have anything in common? If you click through their website and feel like you could have fun drinking coffee (or margaritas!) with them, than that’s a great sign!

STEP 2 – After your first contact them with, how do you feel?

 

the inquiry process – getting to know each other

When a bride inquires with me, I send an email to get the conversation started. The email has two parts:

1. First, I’m excited to get to know you and your fiancé! I love to hear how you got engaged and what you’re most excited about.
2. Second, I provide all the resources they need to make an informed decision on what services fit them best (how many hours of coverage, if they want engagement and bridal portraits, etc.). I point them in the direction of helpful blog posts, Frequently Asked Questions, and briefly describe what the Wedding Photography Experience looks like.

 

If, after this first contact, you feel informed and feel that the photographer genuinely wants to know more about you, than they might be a great fit! Check out their blog and social media posts to see how they talk about their couples. Do they excitedly share details from a wedding and tell real stories about the couple in the photos? That’s also a good sign!

 

 

Pause for a sec

If you love a photographer’s style + personality + experience + pricing + they understand your vision for your wedding, BUT they haven’t worked at your venue before, that is NOT a deal breaker! It usually doesn’t matter at all if a photographer has been to your venue. 

Read more on this >

 

3. Do I need a second photographer?

Talk to your photographer about your timeline, your venue, and the flow of your day to decide whether you could benefit from having a second photographer on your wedding day.

About 60% of my weddings include a second photographer. I recommend it to most couples unless they’re having a destination wedding or a smaller micro wedding.

And don’t worry, your lead photographer will hire the second photographer. You don’t need to worry about repeating this process a second time! All of your communication will be with your lead photographer, and they will likely hire someone who they’ve worked with before and have a great relationship with.

Read more about this >

 

 

Overall, go with your gut

After you understand your photographer options – both their personalities and their work – go with your gut and don’t overthink it. You’ve got this!

 

One last tip – Here are some ways to start looking for a wedding photographer, aside from the obvious places (Google, The Knot).

• Instagram hashtags – Search hashtags like #AustinWeddingPhotographer #AustinBride #ATXWedding #KeepAustinWed #AustinEngagementPhotos
• Your venue’s social media’s accounts  – Venues usually tag the photographer in photos they post!
• Your friends’ social media accounts – First hand experience and recommendations from people you trust is a goldmine!

 

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