A photographer’s camera is just as important as an artist’s brush or a carpenter’s hammer. You will be spending a lot of time with your wedding photographer, so it’s important to ensure that you get along well!

Take some time to find photographers whose style jives with yours. Be sure to review their full portfolios and ask if they can put you in touch with previous couples.

1. Do Your Research
Like a paintbrush or carpenter's hammer, your wedding photographer is an important tool in the success of your event. As such, you want to make sure you choose the best one for your specific needs.

To find the perfect fit, begin by researching photographers whose portfolios speak to you. Ask to see full galleries from a few of their past weddings so you can get a feel for their style.

It's also a good idea to inquire about starting prices early on so you don't waste time pursuing opportunities that aren't within your budget. Lastly, pay attention to how you feel during your chat with potential photographers. The more at ease you are, the more natural your photos will look! This is especially true if you meet with them in person.

2. Set Your Budget
Some wedding photographers have packages that are well within your budget, but others may be significantly out. It’s important to be upfront about your budget and for both parties to avoid any potential heartache down the line.

Remember that the photographer is running a business and needs to make money for overhead, costs of goods and profit. They also have to pay for their equipment, insurance and health care.

Many people feel that a higher price tag correlates with expertise, and this is generally true. A good way to gauge a photographer’s experience is by asking for references and seeing full wedding galleries that include family formals, details and night shots.

3. Schedule a Consultation
The next step is to set up a consultation with the photographer(s) you like. This will give you the opportunity to meet them in person, gauge chemistry and ask them questions that can’t easily be answered over email.

During your meeting, be sure to request to view full galleries of real weddings rather than styled shoots. Seeing how the photographers handles varied lighting and situations will help you decide whether they have the experience to capture your wedding.

Also, be sure to bring along any details that will help explain your vision for the day. This could include a photo of the venue, a rough timeline or even just the ideas that have been floating around in your head for months. It will make the conversation a lot easier for both of you!

4. Ask for References
When you find a photographer whose aesthetic jives with your own, ask them for references from past weddings they've photographed. You'll have a much better idea of what your experience will be like, and the quality of the photographs that you receive after your wedding day.

Also, make sure to ask for a sample gallery from a full wedding (not just a couple of random images). A good photographer will have no problem sharing this with you!

You should also find out how long it takes them to deliver the final gallery. This will have a direct impact on how quickly you can start reliving your special day. Lastly, find out if they have protocols in place for the unforeseen (like an arm breaking during family formals or your 3-year-old cousin running into a light stand at the dance). They should be prepared!

5. Meet in Person
The best way to see if you and your wedding photographer mesh is by meeting them face to face. Whether you grab coffee beforehand, meet for a Zoom call or schedule an in-person chat, it’s important to find out if they put you at ease and understand your vision.

In addition to getting acquainted, this meeting is also a great time to ask questions and learn more about their process. Find out if they’ll be shooting your wedding by themselves or with an associate, and make sure you get a copy of their contract before hiring them. This will protect both of you in the event that something goes wrong on your wedding day (God forbid)... like a broken arm during family formals or an inexplicable image wipe from a memory card!