How to select a wedding photographer | Skagit County Wedding Photography

Besides being a photographer, I’m also a wife and a mom. A little over a year ago, my daughter got engaged and was married six months later. Within that span of time, I learned ALL about planning a wedding and, of course, I wanted my daughter to have beautiful wedding photography (no, I didn’t take the photos; I wanted to relax and enjoy the day!).

Like most others, our budget was definitely a big consideration, but to tell you the truth: we were willing to curtail expenses on some things that wouldn’t last beyond a day so that we would have more money for the photography–the ONLY thing they’d have to preserve the beautiful memories of their wedding day.

Think about it: your wedding only lasts one day, but you’ll want to hold onto the pictures forever. Unfortunately, statistics show that many brides take big risks with their memories . . . by simply not knowing what to look for. To help you select a photographer who will make your wedding story one-of-a-kind, try these suggestions:

Interview several photographers. Ask questions about their styles. Most wedding photographers offer either traditional, posed portraits or a candid photojournalism style. Some offer a combination. You should also ask if the photographer specializes in black and white or color photography.

Look at samples. Ask to see albums that show wedding coverage from start to finish. This will give you an idea of both the style and quality each photographer provides.

Ask about backups. Always ask if the photographer carries back-up equipment. Also, make sure the photographer has a ready replacement who can photograph your wedding if he or she becomes ill.

Develop a relationship. Look for a photographer who you are comfortable with. Remember, you are not hiring someone to simply take pictures, but to tell the story of your special day. A skilled professional will want to know about the bride and groom – your personalities and preferences.

Communicate. Make sure the photographer has a clear understanding of your expectations. Take the time to sit down and discuss the services provided and the fees involved. This helps avoid any future misunderstandings.

Photo or video? Photography and videography are two distinctly different fields—both requiring extensive training to produce high-quality results. Depending on your personal taste and budget, you may want both photo and video coverage of your wedding.

Ask about credentials. Membership in a professional association, certification or a photography degree shows a level of commitment to the profession and their photographic art. These types of credentials can help you determine which photographer is right for you.

Check references. A friend’s recommendation, the Better Business Bureau, and professional associations are excellent sources of information.

I’ll be honest: I became a photographer (after owning a freelance graphic design business), because I love beauty, art, connecting with people, and the thrill of blessing my clients with something that will bring them joy for years to come. Wedding photography combines all of that and more.

My goal as a creator is to make your heart skip a beat, bring tears to your eyes (or at least make your chin wobble), make you laugh or bring a smile to your face every time you view the images you cherish. This is my passion, it’s what I do, and I want to do it for you! If this sounds intriguing to you, please visit my contact page and let’s talk!

What’s a picture worth? Everything, when it’s your wedding. 🙂

Portions of this article taken from recommendations of the PPA.