After the champagne has been consumed, vows have been said, and the dancing has ended, all that’s left are the wonderful memories and the footage captured throughout the wedding day. Because of this, many brides put photography on the “must splurge” list. Finding the right photographer for you and your wedding takes time. We asked one of the pros to share what to look for when selecting a photographer.
As a bride-to-be (and Little Black Book wedding photographer) herself, Kristine Herman shares her pro tips for getting the best wedding photos possible.
Seek Unique Skills
A good photographer utilizes multiple skills and techniques to bring out the beauty and creativity of each photo. Whether it’s how they edit, what camera they’re shooting with, or what their overall style is, it’s important to feel that you’ve found a photographer who has multiple creative elements.
Kristine says, “I shoot film and it is really important to me that my photographer shoots film or is a hybrid photographer as well.” Explore the photographer’s website to get a feel for different angles, times of day, subjects, and more. “A photographers ability to capture the joy and candid moments during the day as well as the light they capture in their images is very important to me. Photography is hugely based on light and being able to have a photographer who uses it to create dreamy images no matter the time of day or weather is crucial,” she says
You’ll be able to tell if the photographer uses different techniques with their camera, shooting, and editing tools. If you’re unsure from the website, simply ask.
Ask the Right Questions
You won’t be able to trust your photographer to capture your wedding day unless you’ve talked with them thoroughly and asked questions so that you understand their process of taking and editing the photos.
“As the day gets closer, there will be a few things I will need to talk to my photographer about to make sure we are both on the same page. The first will be to work on a photography timeline for the day. With my coordinator’s help, we will make sure there is enough time for all the events of the day.”
“The last thing I will make sure is to tell my photographer any small important details that are significant and unique to me. An example of this is I’ll want to make sure she captures my grandmothers ring so I will let her know beforehand. I won’t be giving her a big photo list to capture everything on the wedding. Again, it is super important to trust your photographer and know they will capture the beautiful moments of the day,” says Kristine.
Once you understand the process of the other photographer and get on the same page with types of photos, lighting, shooting location, and editing style; you’ll feel more comfortable with giving them the creativity and control they need.
Step Back
As a bride, you want to rest assured knowing you selected the right photographer for your wedding. Essentially, you want to get out of the way and eventually allow them to do their job using their expertise. This will give your photographer the opportunity to take ownership of the wedding photos and use their unique way of taking photos. It can be difficult to relinquish control but for some, it’s what they prefer.
Kristine says, “I want to enjoy my day as a bride and I will know that the photographer I hire will be able to capture the moments without me having to worry or do any work.”
No matter how involved you plan to be in your wedding photography, finding your level of comfort and someone you trust can allow you to relax and enjoy your wedding day the way you should…completely immersed in the moment!
Style Me Pretty Contributor – Kylie Thompson is a freelance writer, blogger and marketing professional from Grand Rapids Michigan, where she resides with her husband and golden retriever. When she isn’t working, you will find her exploring Grand Rapids’ newest culinary establishments with her husband, or traveling up and down Lake Michigan’s coast.