Your wedding day or event is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion, so you want to make sure you have the best possible photographer to capture all the memories and special moments. Here are some tips to help you choose the right photographer for your big day.

Research, Research, Research!

There are a ton of photographers out there, so it's important that you do your research to find the one that's right for you. Start by looking at their portfolios and reading reviews from past clients. This will give you a good sense of their style and whether or not they're able to capture the type of photos you're looking for.

Meet in Person (or Virtually)

Once you've narrowed down your options, set up a meeting (or video call) with your top choices. You will be spending a LARGE portion of your day with your photographer, and meeting with them will give you a chance to get to know them and see if you click. It's also an opportunity to ask about their process, what kind of equipment they use, how they handle difficult lighting situations, etc.

Don't Skimp on the Budget

Your wedding photos will be cherished memories that you'll look back on for years to come, so it's important to invest in a good photographer. That being said, don't break the bank -- try to find a balance between quality and cost that works for you.

Ask to see a Full Gallery

Your wedding photographer should be able to provide a full gallery (or multiple) for you to look over to get a good sense of their work. It's a good idea to look through more than just the highlights they post on their Instagram or Blog. How do they capture the moments that aren't necessarily the most epic parts of the day? How many photos of your tablescape can you expect to walk away with? Of course every wedding and event is different, but looking at a full gallery can help you get a good idea of what you can expect your end result to be.

Think About What you REALLY Like

This might seem like a no brainer, but a surprising amount of people don't know why they like a particular photo. Do you like the warmth of the edit? The candid style? Diving deep and looking at the work of many different photographers can help you identify what you really like, that way you are less likely to be disappointed with the end result.

Choosing a photographer for your wedding or event is a big decision, but it doesn't have to be overwhelming. By doing your research, meeting with your top choices in person (or virtually), and investing in quality photography, you're sure to find the perfect photographer to capture your special day.

Vendors:

Venue:@rivergardenweddings

Planner: @foreverenchantedevents

Floral Designer: @gaslamp_floral

Photographer: @kristenboothphotog

Videographer: @amariproductions

DJ: @music_phreek

Desserts: @petite_astorias

Day-Of Manager: @nicoleburbankevents

Beauty: @makeupbymaskara

Flower Wall: @foreverenchantedevents

Rentals: @enticingtableswelds