Choosing a wedding photographer is not an easy task.
There are countless wedding photographers out there, tons of different styles, with prices all over the board. So which do you choose? I’ll give some helpful insider tips in this blog post on how to choose a photographer who's the right fit for you and your budget.
Girls getting ready Before the wedding at Swift Level Farm
Wedding photography is something that should not be taken lightly.
Your wedding only happens once. After the day is over and the guests have all gone home, and the dress is put away, One thing you’ll have that will stand the test of time are your wedding photos.
Crystal's father seeing her as a bride for the first time
Choose someone who is a good fit with your personality and style.
If you find a photographer whose work you like, ask them to show you a full wedding gallery. You’ll want to know what kind of details they’ll photograph, etc. This will also give you an idea of how many photos to expect. Ask them if they provide digital files, black and white copies of all photos, album, prints, etc.
Autumn's fun-filled Father-daughter dance
Personality Test
Do your personalities mesh well?
Your photographer will be spending the entire wedding day with you, The most important day of your life! You want to make sure it’s spent with someone who will be courteous to guests and also maintain professionalism.
Maggie in the car waiting to be driven to The Greenbrier
Another question to ask is how long have they been shooting weddings?
How experienced are they? You’ll want someone who’s photographed lots and lots of weddings. Most wedding photographers second-shoot weddings with skilled photographers several times before they take on a wedding of their own. Make sure to ask how many weddings they've photographed on their own so that you know they have quite a few under their belt.
Crystal & Tyler sharing a kiss in front of The Greenbrier Resort
Try Not to Price Shop
I know this is a tough one! I’m a bargain hunter when it comes to almost everything I buy. When it comes to wedding photography though, more often than not, you get what you pay for. Cost is definitely important, but try to base your decision not just on the price, but also the quality. With photographs this important, there is no way to redo them. Your Memories are Priceless.
Also, make sure your photographer has a contract. Contracts are not just for the photographers, but also for the client. If there is no contract, no paper trail, you have no proof that you’ve even booked your wedding date with the photographer. There's also no agreement on the time they'll arrive, the number of hours of photography coverage you paid for, etc. So make sure they have a contract.
The girls getting ready for the wedding ceremony at Swift Level Farm
Gear Up
A skilled photographer can get nice photos with almost any gear. However, make sure to ask if the photographer has backup gear. What precautionary measures do they take the day of the wedding to ensure that your photos are not lost? A pro will have backup everything, they'll shoot your wedding on 2 memory cards simultaneously, use weather sealed gear to ensure that even mother nature can't ruin your photos, etc. These are some important things to ask. If their only camera breaks at the wedding or a rain storm rolls in, your precious photos could be lost.
Don't be afraid to ask if they have experience photographing a wedding like yours.
If your reception happens to be outside in the dark, ask if they have some outdoor nighttime photos to show you so that you know that you'll have nice reception photos. Low-light photography is some of the hardest and requires a lot of skill. Most photographers will use flashes or other types of artificial light to make sure your nighttime photos are lovely. Don't be afraid to ask your photographer anything, if they're the right fit for you, they'll have the answers.
Real World Reviews
Just because a photographer has a few 5 star reviews on their Facebook or theKnot, does not mean that someone has not had a bad experience with them. I like to get reviews from people I trust. If I decide to buy a new car, I’m more likely to ask my uncle who is a mechanic about which cars are great rather than to google for reviews from people I don’t even know.
Ask yourself a couple of questions. Do I know someone who’s worked with this photographer? If so, reach out to them to see what their experience was like. 9 times out of 10 they will give you an honest answer, whether it’s good or bad. Most importantly, Do I love this photographers work? If you see their photos and think “I want my wedding photographs to look like that!”, then they’re probably a good fit for you.
Jake & Whitnee at Doe Creek Farm in VA
Conclusion
Choosing a wedding photographer is a huge decision.
Don’t just jump in and book the first one who has a few good photos with decent pricing. Wedding photography cannot be redone, make sure your day is captured perfectly!
Want to know more about Booking Sheena Pendley for your Wedding? Head over to the Contact Page to reach out for more information. I'll be in touch within 12 hours.
Side Note: This article was created to be a useful tool for brides-to-be who are in search for a wedding photographer. There are details in this article that are not widely shared to the consumer. Backup gear, experience, and knowledge are things potential brides should look for in a photographer. If you have a question or comment on this article, feel free to head over to the contact page and let me know your thoughts!
Sheena Pendley is a WV Wedding & Portrait Photographer who loves capturing images you'll cherish for a lifetime. She's photographed weddings at countless venues including The Greenbrier, The Four Fillies Lodge, Swift Level Farm, Doe Creek Farm and more. Based in Greenbrier County WV.
WV Wedding Photographer, Greenbrier Wedding Photographer, Charlotte Wedding Photographer, Roanoke Wedding Photographer, West Virginia Wedding Photographer