This is such an exciting time for all couples! Have you wondered what to consider when choosing your photographer? Whether that be for a shoot or your wedding there are so many important things to consider. After being in the wedding industry for almost 7 years I can say I have learned quite a bit of what must be considered when choosing your photographer. I personally would start by deciding what style of photography you guys want. If you landed here you probably wanting more of a documentary approach to your day. There are so many different styles of photography but if you are wanting a documentary photography, I’ll start with that.

DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

The idea of having a documentary approach to your day is that I’m photographing your day as the day unfolds, with as little interruption’s as possible. The way I like to capture wedding days or sessions even are to curate a story, just as a documentary would be. I do my best to not get in the way or invade anyone’s space the day of. Now, I still make sure to set aside time for you and your new spouse to ensure we get those dream wedding portraits you’ve been thinking of for so long.

If you are not super keen on posing then documentary style photography I would highly suggest. I also love to tie in the more fun, bold, and editorial posing into all galleries as well. Having variety throughout your gallery is so important me. My full intention is for you two to have fun during your time with me, essentially we are just besties hanging out all day.

” We were really looking for a photographer to capture our day in a way that we could look back and feel like we were reliving the moment, and Dana was the perfect person for the job. We were really wanting a more documentary style pictures, and Dana absolutely nailed it! ”

– Emily and John

CHECK PORTFOLIOS

Once you have a style in mind, review potential photographers’ portfolios to see if their work aligns with your vision. Look for consistency in their photos—each image should reflect their ability to capture the style you’re drawn to. Pay attention to how they handle different lighting conditions and moments, from intimate close-ups to wide shots of the venue, etc.

PICK YOUR IDEAL PACKAGE AND BUDGET

Now that we have style out of the way it is important to have a base of what your budget is going to be.

• What’s your budget?
• Is it flexible?

These are two very important question’s to be considering during your search. I say this because for the most this is the first time any of you are planning a wedding. All photographers of all different style’s and experience charge a different amount. You will see an entire range of pricing because of this so try not to let it overwhelm you.

Start by narrowing down a handful of photographers that you want to reach out too! Also, start thinking about question’s you want to ask them.

• Starting prices
• Packages/ Hours you offer
• Can we create a custom package
• Do you offer engagement sessions?

READ REVIEWS

Client testimonials can provide valuable insights into any photographer’s reliability and professionalism. Read reviews on wedding websites and social media, but also ask the photographer for references from past clients. Speaking directly with couples who have worked with the photographer can give you a sense of their experience, work ethic, and how well they handle unexpected situations.

Before making a final decision, meet with the photographer in person or phone/ video call. This meeting is crucial for any couple to gauge their personality and professionalism. It’s important to feel comfortable with your photographer, as they will be with you throughout the day. Discuss your wedding timeline and how you envision your wedding day. For me personally, I am someone who involves myself as much as I can throughout your wedding planning. I want you both to feel comfortable with me.

If you do decide to book with me I always highly suggest booking a discovery call with me. On that call we go over everything, your vision, what to expect when booking, my style, your package, budget, plus tons more. With all of this being said making sure you know what style you want is important to consider but let’s move on to some other things!

See more of my client reviews here!

EVALUATE A PHOTOGRAPHERS EXPERIENCE

Consider how long the photographer has been in business and their experience with weddings similar to yours. Experienced photographers are often better equipped to handle the dynamics of a wedding day and can adapt to unexpected changes smoothly.

Selecting your wedding photographer is more than just choosing someone who takes great pictures; it’s about finding a professional who understands your vision and can capture your day in a way that reflects your unique love story. By carefully evaluating these factors, you’ll be well on your way to making a choice that you’ll be happy with for years to come. Wedding photos are the one thing that you, your spouse, and loved ones will have to look back on forever.

” Dana has literally become a true friend to us after our engagement & wedding photos. I feel like no matter what your photo goals are, she just gets it. She fully leans in to your vision while still adding her own suggestions and ideas (which are ALWAYS the best photos). We had a non-traditional courthouse wedding and we were concerned we wouldn’t have the best surroundings for photos. Dana obviously proved us VERY wrong because the photos are to die for! My husband & I, who are NOT picture takers, are so comfortable with her which makes the pictures that much better. She’s so relatable and down to earth and above all, super efficient and responsive. Dana will forever be our go-to for pictures & she should 100% be yours too! “

– Paisley and Tyler

Ready to discuss all the details about your big day?

Let’s Chat!

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