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Tips on choosing the right wedding photographer

Long after the food and decor are just happy memories, you’ll have your wedding photos to enjoy and share. You’re making family history here. You want those images to be as magical as possible, so you’re sorting through the websites of wedding photographers and trying to figure out who to trust to capture your special day.

Thomas Bryant, founder of Photo Phrame Photography and a winner of the WeddingWire Couple’s Choice Award every year since 2014, says that there’s a lot more to capturing gorgeous wedding shots than technical skill.

“When you find somebody whose work you love, make sure the vibes are right,” he says. “You’re going to be working together on a custom creative project; you want someone who grasps your vision and has the skill to execute it. A good photographer listens well and cares about your story.””

Here are some things to consider:

Find a photographer who fits your style, whether that’s regal, softly romantic, urban chic or sunshiny country. “Some photographers are more adaptable than others,” says Bryant. “What’s important is hiring someone who really ‘gets’ you as a couple and can adapt, get on the same page.
A photographer should respect your time. “I keep things moving, so the couple gets some time to mingle,” Bryant says. “To make that happen, the photographer needs to be good at giving direction during photo lineups without making people feel bossed around -- you want someone who can guide, not shove.”
How directive do you want your photographer to be overall? “Some couples like things very orderly and it helps if the photographer can gently help to guide people through it, others want to do all the controlling themselves, and others just want to let the day unfold. Some photographers are better than others at giving or taking direction, and you don’t want to find out at the last minute that there’s a clash.”
If kids or pets are going to be in on the festivities, make sure your photographer is good with that; comfort levels vary.
Choose someone you can talk to about any family issues that might impact the big day. “If there are blended family or relationship issues that need to be handled with care, a skilled photographer can help keep the energy on track and positive if they’re ready for it,” says Bryant. “I promise you, I’ve done 700 weddings. Everybody’s got something, and a good photographer will never tell.”

Bryant says there have been times when being tuned in, but not caught up, has allowed him to smooth troubled waters. “The couple and even the attendants may not have the emotional bandwidth to deal with the unexpected things that arise; the photographer has just enough knowledge and enough distance,” he says. “I once saved the day with a safety pin.”
Hire a photographer who’s fully insured (required by most venues) and a member of the Professional Photographers of America. “Certified photographers are held to a certain professional standard you can trust, and work together -- as a PPA member, if some disaster happened and I had to cancel, I have quick access to equally professional backup,” says Bryant. “No matter what, we make sure you’re covered.”

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