Now What?Choosing the Perfect Photographer for You
First of all, congratulations! You said YES! And now you’re engaged to the love of your life - let the games begin! As you revel (or dance awkwardly) in the joy of your engagement, it’s time to tackle that big, beautiful beast called wedding planning. From locking down a venue to deciding on flower arrangements (are peonies really worth it?), you’ve got a lot on your plate. But, one of the most important decisions? Finding your dream wedding photographer.
Why? Because your wedding photos are forever. They’re the keepsakes you’ll frame, post, and show to your future grandkids. So, no pressure—but yeah, you’ll want to get this right.
Here’s your step-by-step guide to finding “the one” (no, not your fiancé—they’re already locked in):
1. Define Your Style
Wedding photography is more than just pretty pictures—it’s an art form. Are you into candid, documentary-style shots that capture the real, unfiltered ugly cry moments? Or do you prefer timeless, posed portraits where every hair is perfectly in place? Maybe you love bold, artsy photos with a creative flair.
Also, pay attention to editing styles. Do you want colors as true-to-life as your love story or a trendy moody vibe? At Conte Photography, we do it all—candid moments and classic poses!
2. Do Your Research
Start stalking photographers online (the legal kind of stalking, of course). Scroll through websites, Instagram feeds, and wedding blogs. Read reviews from past clients to make sure they don’t have a habit of ghosting couples or showing up late.
3. Set Your Budget
Listen, wedding photography is an investment, but it’s worth it because this is what you have left after the cake’s been eaten and the party is over. Be upfront about your budget when reaching out to photographers—it’ll save you both time and awkward email exchanges. At Conte Photography, we offer custom options to help you get what you need.
4. Meet in Person (or Virtually)
Schedule consultations with your top choices to chat about your vision, ask questions, and get a vibe check. You’ll be spending all day with this person on your wedding day, so you need to like them—and trust them!
5. Ask the Right Questions
Here’s a cheat sheet of must-ask questions to avoid any “uh-oh” moments:
What’s included in your wedding packages?
Have you shot at our venue before?
Can we see a full wedding gallery (not just the Insta highlights)?
How do you handle bad weather or other wedding-day disasters?
What’s your turnaround time?
6. Book Early
Most photographers book up months (or even years!) in advance, so don’t wait to lock in your date with a contract and deposit.
7. Plan Your Engagement Shoot
Engagement sessions are basically a test run for the big day. They help you get comfy in front of the camera and give you a chance to build a rapport with your photographer. That's why it's included in most my Conte Photography's wedding options!
8. Communicate Your Vision
Got a must-have shot list? Share it with your photographer before the big day. Whether it’s a photo of Grandma’s locket, a champagne tower, or your dog in a bow tie, clear communication ensures they don’t miss a thing. But, don't go overboard, you're photographer know's what they are doing!
9. Trust the Experts
On your wedding day, your only job is to show up and say “I do.” Let your photographer handle the rest—they’re professionals, after all.
Choosing your wedding photographer is like finding the right pair of shoes—it’s all about the perfect fit. With the right photographer by your side, you’ll have stunning photos that capture every laugh, tear, and questionable dance move.
Here’s to love, laughter, and memories that last a lifetime.
