Finding your wedding vendor team can be a daunting task. This is the first time most couples are planning a wedding, and it's important to have the right people there for you when you tie the knot. Here are some answers to common questions about wedding photography.

 

There are so many wedding photographers in my area. How do I choose one?
Research, research and more research. Don't just look at price. Choose a photographer whose style and personality you resonate with — you'll be spending plenty of time with us on the wedding day! Think about the style you'd like. Are you drawn to dark and moody images or more light and airy (or even something in-between). Narrow down your list and do a call with each photographer to get a feel for their personality, approach to wedding photography, and ask plenty of questions. Check out this blog for a starting point.

 

And always look at full galleries from photographers you're interested in. This will show how they capture all parts of the day and how their style looks in different lighting conditions.

 

What's the difference between documentary wedding photography, editorial wedding photography and lifestyle wedding photography?

These are just three common styles, but here's a quick breakdown.

 

Documentary (sometimes called photojournalistic wedding photography) focuses on candid moments. It's not posed and these photographers take a more hands-off approach to the day.

Editorial wedding photography tend to be more technical and place more emphasis on lighting (often artificial) and posing. It's a very hands-on style that's similar to what you see in wedding magazines.

 

Lifestyle photography lands somewhere in-between documentary and editorial (this is what I'd classify myself as). It blends capturing candid moments with some direction and posing during moments like family photos and couples' portraits.

 

The images below are an example of this. The one on the left was a candid photo shot during their first look, while the one on the right was directed. I only told them to face each other, get close and put their arms around one another.

 

How do I decide how much time to book?

Couples often need to book their photographer long before their wedding timeline is solidified. My best advice would be to book at least eight hours if you want to cover the majority of your day and you're following a more traditional timeline. Ten hours is even better, if budget allows. If you end up needing more time, talk to your photographer about adding hours.

 

Do I have to do an engagement session?
No, but it's helpful! Many photographers (myself included), offter a complimentary engagement session in their wedding packages. It's a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and spend some time together before the big day. If a couple is from out of town and can't use their engagement session, I offer a post-wedding session instead.

 

Will my photographer recreate Pinterest photos for me?
You can send us inspiration, but most photographers will not recreate photos for you. Your wedding photos should be unique to you and feel authentic. It's also very difficult to recreate photos that were shot in completely different conditions than we're working with on a wedding day — especially if the photo is from a candid moment.

 

Do I have to schedule time for a first look?

You do not. If doing a first look feels right to you and your partner, that's great! It's also ok if you'd like to see each other for the first time when you walk down the aisle — and no, it's not old fashioned. Your day should reflect what's important to you, not something you see on social media.

 

Do all wedding photographers use presets to edit their images?
Many do, but this doesn't mean we make one click and the job is done. We spend a ton of time refining presets, whether they were purchased from a third party or self-created, to make colours look their best, remove distractions, retouch skin in portraits, the list goes on. Presets are often just used as the base we build upon.

 

How do I make sure my photographer understands my vision for the day?

Communication is key, plus choosing a photographer who you connect with. Wedding photographers often send questionnaires, and it's important to fill yours out thoroughly. Tell your photographer what's a priority for you, any must-have shots, what you envision and how they can help you make that happen. We're here for you!

 

I'm always happy to chat all things weddings with my couples. Reach out if you're interested in working together and let's chat!