Finding the perfect wedding photographer for you and your family can be daunting. Professional wedding photography has become an extremely competitive market.

There are many websites to sort through, blogs to read, and advertisements everywhere. It can seem almost impossible to find a perfect fit! The good news is that with a bit of time and effort, you can do your research and find a photographer who’s just right for you.

A great way to start your perfect photographer-seeking journey is by asking friends and family if they recommend anyone in the area. Chances are good that they’ve worked with (or know someone who’s worked with) a great photographer for portraits or life events. Chances are also good that a photographer who’s worked well with people close to you will also work well with you! Almost all of my referrals are word of mouth, and those clients generally end up being my photography subjects and my good friends, too! Using Facebook and internet searches are also great ways to find local photographers. Most professional photographers have a solid online web presence with portfolios of their work for you to browse. Once you’ve found a few studios you’re interested in working with, don’t be shy about setting up interviews! Schedule a phone call or casual in-person meeting to get a feel for the photographer and their process for creating images. It will quickly become apparent whether it’s a good fit for both of you!

It’s no secret that great art is expensive, which can also be true for photographers. Remember that these images are an investment – in yourself and your family. Good photographers intend your pictures to be family heirlooms and plan for this by offering archival-grade print products built to hold their color and detail for a lifetime. Although choosing the least expensive photographer may seem like an attractive option, there is most likely a reason they’re so cheap! Great photographers with good client service are typically booked solid and price themselves to reflect this. If budget is a primary concern when selecting a photographer, contact a few “dream” photographers and let them know your intended price range. They may be willing to work with you and offer payment options or smaller packages to fit within your budget.

Have you ever met a new friend, significant other, or business contact with whom you “click”? Your personalities seem to fit as though you’ve known each other far longer than you have, and you feel comfortable in conversation. Finding the right photographer should also feel this way – at least to a certain extent! Trust me on this! You are hiring a photographer to understand what makes you unique and bring out your best on camera. Finding someone you feel comfortable with who can see what makes you who you are and translate that into visual art is essential. This particular chemistry will make all the difference in the final images!