Finding Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
What is the number one thing you look for when you're searching for the perfect Wedding Photographer? Is it style, personality, price, all of the above? If you've been looking for even a short while, you've probably realized that it can be a little overwhelming due largely to the fact that there is such a wide range of pricing and style when it comes to wedding photography. As a wedding photographer on the Eastern Shore of Md with over 20 years experience, I have helped many couples decode the mystery behind what to look for when finding the perfect wedding photographer for them and have created this guide to help you make sense of the chaos.
1. Style
Every photographer is trying to find their niche and most of the time that translates into different editing styles. The thing to ask yourself is if this style is just a trend or will you appreciate the look twenty years from now? Will you want to remember the color of your bridesmaids dresses and the details in your wedding dress? Often times trendy styles blow out details and aren’t true to color which you might appreciate now but not later. A more timeless look captures the scenes naturally without over-processing the image. A skilled wedding photographer will utilize both natural and artificial light to capture the scenes and people based on each lighting situation throughout your wedding day.
2. Full Day Wedding Galleries
This one is super important in my opinion because it shows you the quality of a photographer’s work throughout the entire day. How do they light a dimly lit reception hall? Wedding photography encompasses many types of photography; product and macro (ring photos), architectural (wide reception hall photos of everyone dancing and of the set up before the party starts), photojournalism and of course portraiture. Anyone can post a few good photos on social media so always ask to see full day wedding galleries to ensure you are getting what you’re paying for.
3. Experience
How long has the photographer been shooting wedding professionally? How many weddings have they photographed? Do they have and know how to use lighting equipment so images aren't dark or blurry and don't look like your cousin took them? How many weddings have they done? This matters a ton because newer photographers will typically be more timid in posing and herding guests during family portrait time. This can also slow down photo time which can mess up your timeline. Lesser experienced photographers will often be much cheaper, but it can be a red flag for these reasons. Skill level really shows through experience too. Aside from lighting experience, there is also attention to detail and great compositions as well as level of creativity.
4. Equipment
This ties into experience, but if they have the professional photo equipment, they are far more likely to produce professional results worthy of your money. Words to listen for include, multiple DSLR cameras, dual card slots, speed lights, strobe lights, and a range of lenses with different focal lengths. You want to make sure they have at least 1 wide angle lens, 1 telephoto lens, and other fixed focal or zoom lenses. Do they take at least 3 DSLR cameras with them to every wedding? While uncommon cameras do malfunction and you want to be sure they have a backup or better yet two backups. At Arbor Lane Studios, this is the minimum equipment required for all lead photographers to bring to each and every wedding because we feel so strongly about being over prepared for any and every situation.
5. What Can You Do With Your Photos?
Sometimes even though you get the digital images, it doesn’t necessary mean you get the reprint rights. Don’t assume just because your collection includes digital files that you have the right to print them anywhere you choose. While we at Arbor Lane Studios always provide the digital images with reprint rights, we take it a step further with full service delivery. For us this means doing Photo Reveal / Design Consultations 4-6 weeks following every wedding. This involves snuggling up with your new spouse on the couch with a glass of wine to see your photos for the first time as a beautiful slideshow set to music where you’ll relive your magical day together. Immediately after you’ll have your custom design consult where we discuss wall art options and how we can beautifully preserve the best photos of your day in an Arbor Lane Legacy Album. The album company we are partnered with only works with a select number of photographers a year and we had to apply to be a vendor of theirs. The difference is in the quality and these are designed to last a lifetime and to be passed down for generations. It’s just a better way to preserve and enjoy your photographs than simply storing them on a harddrive where they’re more likely to get lost and forgotten.
6. What Happens in Case of Emergencies?
Does the photographer you’re considering work with other photographers or have a team of photographers with a similar style whom they could call on in the event there’s an emergency? It’s not a pleasant thought but in the worse case scenario if your photographer gets seriously ill or there is an emergency situation and is unable to make it to your wedding, you should know their backup plan to be safe.
7. What Services do they offer?
Some companies such as Arbor Lane Studios offer more than just photography. For example at Arbor Lane Studios we offer videography and mirror photo booth rental in addition to photography. Other companies may offer just one service. Either way is fine but there is an element of convenience working with one company to handle all your capture needs.
8. are your personalities a good fit?
The average wedding photographer spends about 7-10 hours with you on your wedding day. It’s important to meet in person, meet over Zoom or at the very least have a good conversation over the phone with the photographer you are considering hiring at least once prior to booking them to make sure your personalities and values align.
In Conclusion….
I hope these little tips help you with your search for the perfect wedding photographer in Maryland. We still have a few available dates in 2023 and are now booking for 2024 and 2025. Reach out to schedule a quick phone consult now to share your wedding photography vision and to see if we'd be a good fit for you!