Ready to Wander Season 2- Episode 13

Welcome to the second season of the Ready to Wander Podcast! If we haven’t met yet, I am your host, Sydney Breann – a Montana elopement photographer and planner. Thanks so much for joining me back in our happy little place on the Internet. In honor of season two, I’ve decided to mix it up a little bit and give you a summary of the podcast, rather than transcribing the audio verbatim. I’d love to know your thoughts on the new format, of course; drop a comment down below. But enough of that chit chat! Let’s hop into episode 13: how to choose the right wedding photographer for you. 

I’m not just saying this because I am a wedding photographer, but choosing the right wedding photographer is invaluable. Don’t take the decision lightly; the photos that are captured are the photos that you will cherish for a lifetime. Just last summer, my fiancé and I went through the process! So when a couple inquires about booking me, I do everything to ensure that I’m a good fit for them. Selecting the right wedding photographer looks beyond just beautiful images. 

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How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

Research

Utilize recommendations from locals, but make sure to also search through Instagram, Google, Pinterest, etc. When I was planning my elopement, I had a list of 30 photographers that I was interested in! Don’t be afraid to have a number like that (but I also might just be a little bit crazy). 

While I definitely had a top 5 in my list, I wasn’t afraid to add more to ensure that I was getting the experience I always dreamt of. An important note in this process is also: more is more. You might only have 3 photographers that you’re interested in (until you do your research). If those 3 photographers are already booked, you’re in a pickle. 

Narrow the List Down

Once you’ve made your list, narrow it down further using this criteria:

Logistics:

1. Location – If you’re willing to pay for your dream photographer to travel (or if travel is already built into their packages), this might not matter. But I’d encourage you to look at photographers in the area that you’re getting married in.
   
2. Budget – This one is obvious, but I want to encourage you to look beyond the number. Some photographers create custom quotes OR their packages include more than others (hence, the price). See what they offer first. But in the same breath, make sure to create a ballpark budget and leave a little bit of wiggle room. 

The “Fun” Stuff:

1. Editing Style – Figure out what types of editing you’re more drawn to. Pinterest is a great resource for this to identify your taste. Some examples are true-to-life (focused more around skin tone + greens), light and airy, or dark and moody. There are definitely more editing styles, so do some browsing to help narrow down your taste.
   
2. Portfolio – Liking and feeling connected to a photographer’s work is important! Just because your sister used a photographer for her wedding, doesn’t mean you have to. If you find a photographer you’re interested in, ask to see a full gallery. You want to see their entire scope of work, not just the highlights. Spoiler alert: I’m guilty of saving alllll the dreamy golden hour photos, but not don’t just book a photographer off of one perfectly curated session.
   
3. Website – This might be one of my favorite tips to really help narrow down your list. If you happen to have a top 5, go to their websites and read what information they have . Do they seem like an expert and a resource? Do they show a variety of work (different locations, lighting scenarios, diversity, etc.)? What about the information they are putting out – is it information that you’re drawn to and enjoy consuming? How is their work when it’s dark, an indoor ceremony, or a dance floor situation? Dig into those websites, get to know the photographer, and discover all they have to offer.

Read those Reviews!

I can’t express this one enough. Utilize Google, Facebook, or even Instagram highlights to see what real couples are saying. Get all the nitty gritty on the customer service, quality of the photos, and the overall experience. 

Fill out an Inquiry Form.

Take it from a wedding photographer: actually take the time and effort to fill out the inquiry form. Give the photographer your love story, the details on your vision, and anything else you’ve already narrowed down. You want the photographer to make sure they’re a right fit for you, not just the other way around. Maybe the photographer you reach out to really focuses on micro-weddings, but you’re anticipating a guest list of 500; it might not be the best fit for both parties involved. 

Hop on a Call

Pro tip: if the photographer offers a video call, take it! I know it might be a little bit uncomfy to chat with a stranger, but this will be the best way to see if your personalities mesh well. And while a phone call can definitely help you get questions answered, I always like a video call to make it a more personable experience. Just as you want to pour energy and intentionality into your inquiry form, do the same for the call. The photographer will be the only person with you (besides your spouse) the entire day. If they hop on the call and they’re frazzled (or low energy), they don’t send reminders or follow up information, they might not be the photographer for you. 

Seal the Deal: Book Your Wedding Photographer

So you’re ready to say,YES?! Eeek!! That photographer is the luckiest person ever to be able to capture your day!! It’s important to note that with most photographers, your date is not secured until you paid the deposit and signed a contract. So make sure to refamiliarize yourself with the photographer’s specific booking requirements.

How to Turn Down a Wedding Photographer

Booking a photographer and saying YES is so exciting. But in doing so, please tell the other photographers you reached out to that you’re moving in a different direction. Nobody wants to be ghosted; take a second to send a quick courtesy email. It can be as simple as, “Hey, thanks so much for your time the other day. We loved chatting with you, but we have decided to go in another direction for our photographer.” That’s it! I know firsthand just how appreciated that photographer will feel for you taking time to let them know (and for respecting their time). 

What to Do After Booking a Wedding Photographer

Now that the courtesy emails are sent, and you’ve sealed the deal on your dream wedding photographer, it’s time to put your vision in action. Depending on your wedding photographer, they might provide you with additional wedding planning tips or timelines. Keep the motivation and excitement rolling by looking into venues, catering, beauty, florals, etc. I highly recommend at least touching base with your photographer to see if they have a preferred vendor list of people they trust. 

What even is wedding planning without perusing Pinterest!? Fill that board up, hire a planner (if you decide to), and start preparing for the best day ever!! I know how stressful wedding and planning is, so if you’re looking for a direction, I have some wonderful planning resources on the blog. From inspo to tips to real elopement stories, it’s all there (and so is my inquiry form 😉).

And if you just so happen to be eloping or having an intimate wedding in Northwest Montana or Glacier National Park, I created the holy grail of planning guides! You can snag it for just $147 – and have peace of mind knowing you have a personal wedding planner at your fingertips. 

Ready to Wander Podcast with Sydney Breann Photography

Alright folks, now that you know how to choose the right wedding photographer for you, you’re ready to get this thing in motion! Thanks so much for being here for Season 2 of the Ready to Wander Podcast. Stay tuned for more incredible episodes coming to your fave streaming services every other Thursday. What do you say, friend? Are you ready to wander?