How do I choose my Wedding Photographer?
Personality/Right fit
If you don't already personally know the potential photographer you are considering, you should be able to get a sense of their personality from their website and online presence.
In this day and age of social media, you should not be surprised by who you are hiring. You should get a clear sense of who they are, what they stand for, why they do what they do and whether or not you will get along with them. You will be spending the MAJORITY of your wedding day with this person. You want to make sure that you click. (pun intended) ;-)
Your wedding day will be hectic enough without you having to worry about personality mis-fits with your vendors. As your photographer is by your side most of the day, this is someone that you WANT to be there.
Image and Shooting Style
This rivals the above in terms of importance. You NEED to know what kind of work this person produces. Every photographer has a style and not every photographer can replicate every kind of style that is out there.
If you love the bright, airy, outdoor look in photographs, don't hire someone who has a more contrast-y and darker look to their photos. Or someone who obviously uses a lot of off camera flash in their photos. Or if that is the look you like, don't hire someone whose website is full of bright and air photos.
If you like crisp and clean don't hire someone who's work is full of deep matte and moody photos. I can't tell you enough how important it is for you to review the photographers work and make sure it is something that you would want to represent your day!
***The biggest problem I see is couples hiring someone that is referred to them by a friend or relative in order to give them a "chance" or will give them a great deal. While getting a deal may be great and helping someone build their portfolio may be honorable, this IS your wedding we are talking about. You will look at these images for the rest of your life. Don't risk it!
