Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important parts of your wedding planning. Whether you want to have a small or a huge wedding, a photographer is a professional who is there to beautifully capture special moments on your busy day. Photographers are artists and creatives who can turn any experience into an artistic and noteworthy photo worthy to hang on your wall and thoughtful enough to cherish for years to come.

Your wedding can feel like a whirlwind of a day from start to finish and your photographer is there to break the business into concrete moments that can be remembered and framed, shared with friends and future generations.

Here are some tips to choosing your wedding photographer:

1. SCOPE OUT THE SELECTION

Once you have a wedding destination planned, search for photographers in that area.. Check out hashtags on instagram like #weddingphotographersavannahga or #weddingphotographersavannah if you’re looking for a good creative in Coastal, Georgia, or search Google for the same to browse some other artists. There are tons of photographers for every style and mood, so keep an eye out for one who strike your eye!

If you are eloping or planing a destination wedding, many photographers are willing to travel. Just reach out and ask!

2. CHECK OUT THEIR WEBSITES AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Once you’ve made it off the main page and have narrowed down your focus, check out the photographer’s social media and websites. Look through all of their photos and see if you like their style. Photographers are artists, and just like other creatives, they have certain styles or ways of creating. Check out their work by looking through all of their sets and making sure you like their individual and unique artist’s voice. Choosing a photographer where your visions align will give you much better photos instead of picking one photographer and expecting them to emulate a different photographer.

3. READ THEIR REVIEWS

Reviews are everything. Make sure to spend some time reading them to find out what type of person the photographer is and how others experience them. Since photography captures life in its many aspects, it’s a very personal job. You want to feel like you could vibe with the photographer and that you’d feel comfortable around them. There are many amazing photographers to choose from, so you want to just choose a photographer where you like their style and like their vibe before reaching out and getting to know them more.

4. REACH OUT

Based on your searches, your research and review reading, narrow it down to a few of your favorites and contact them! Make sure you have a bit of info and questions ready for them, such as how long you’d like to hire them for, whether or not you want an engagement shoot and any inspiration you have for your big day. Photographers are good at turning your dreams into reality, just make sure you communicate clearly to make sure you’re on the same page.

5. BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

Many people plan weddings years in advance, and as such, photographers get booked out fast. Once you find the one you want and you’ve chatted or emailed to make sure you’re on the same page, book as soon as you’re ready to. Consider booking wedding insurance that protects you and the photographer if anything happens on your big day to avoid any cancellation fees.

6. LIST OUT IMPORTANT FAMILY PHOTO GROUPINGS

If you’re having a bigger wedding or inviting family, write out lists of groupings for family photos. An example would be all the cousins or the married party and their parents, but be thorough and name names. Keep it down to about 10 groups or less, and make sure these involved people know they’ll be in photos so they stick around after the ceremony and save you time hunting them down for family pictures.

7. LIST OUT IMPORTANT MOMENTS

Do you have certain photos or moments captured? Do you want a first look photo? A first dance photo?

Do you want photos getting ready, or do you prefer more photos of the reception?

Narrow down what photos are really important to capture. Of course, many candid pictures will be captured throughout, but it’s good to think of which memories might be really special to you that you want photographed. This could be solo shots, venue shots, pictures of your dress and details or any other little details that are dear to you.

8. PLAN FOR YOUR WEDDING DAY

Make sure you have your lists together and have communicated with your photographer about details of when and where they need to arrive. Make sure to tell anyone who will be in group where to meet you after the ceremony, so you can let them return to the party after.

Trust your photographer! At this point, the biggest thing you can do is enjoy your wedding and try to remember to breathe. The day will go by quicker than you could have imagined, and you’re in good hands.

9. CHECK THE FINAL DETAILS

While your photographer can make the most out of however you show up, if you have certain things you want included, make sure you have them all on hand. Did you want them to photograph your grandmother’s ring and a hand written letter from your beloved? Did you want to make sure that they take a shot of you wearing your mother’s veil? Have all your props ready and double check your outfits and accessories.

10. JUST BREATHE!

When your big day has finally arrived, enjoy it! Your photographer has all your info along with their artistic eye to capture your moments naturally and beautifully. Try your best to soak in all the magic of your special day and have fun.

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