January 5th, 2013. Dan proposed to me in the middle of the woods, in a snowy clearing. He had been carrying the ring in his shirt pocket for the entire day, waiting for the right moment to get down on one knee. Of course I said “YES!”, and wedding planning almost immediately commenced.ย  ๐Ÿ™‚

Since we got engaged, the one question I keep getting asked is…

“Who are you hiring to be your wedding photographer?”

Good question! Haha. I was a wedding and portrait photographer before joining HHP, and I always knew it would be a tough decision to hire a photographer for my own wedding. But, my experience also gave me insight on what to look for in an excellent artist.

So, if you want to choose a wedding photographer like I did, here are the things to consider:

1. THE ARTIST

First, no matter who you’re hiring for your photographer, you’re hiring a PERSON. This person sees the world with a unique lens, and they are drawn to certain moments that other people aren’t drawn to. At the same wedding, two different photographers would capture it totally differently. One might choose more smiling, kinetic moments, and others might choose the quieter moments. One might capture a tear rolling down your cheek, and one might wait until you laugh at yourself while you’re crying to take the shot. It all depends on who that person is, and what’s real to them. It’s the first step to developing your own style as a photographer- trusting your choice of the moments you capture.

Personally, I love photos that show joy, kinetic movement, and beauty in small things. When choosing a photographer, I:

  • looked at their portfolio to make sure I agreed with the moments they choose to capture,
  • checked out their blog to see that they present their business in a positive, professional way, and
  • made sure I felt comfortable and happy when I met them.

That PERSON is going to capture YOU. So you should agree with how they approach you and your life. It will show through the camera!

2. STYLE

As a commercial photographer, I’ve also learned that you can make a photo ‘say’ certain things about a subject. If I shoot a male subject from below, I’m making him look ‘epic’ and ‘powerful’. If I shoot him from eye-level, I’m presenting him as approachable and straightforward. If I shoot from above, I make him look friendly. The angle a photographer chooses in a split second can make all the difference!

Similarly, the photographer’s equipment and post-processing conveys their style. Some photographers use a prime lens to really blur the background, and some like to keep the background a part of the story. Some photographers take an image and make it colorful and bright, and some photographers make it darker and contrasted. Some photographers add a ‘haze’ or filters to photos to make them seem hyper-real. The specific moment, combined with the way the moment is captured, combined with the way the image is processed makes the finished product.

Here are some examples of completely different (awesome) styles:

  1. Andrea Hanki captures weddings with an emphasis on creative angles, epic moments, and darker, contrasted processing.
  2. Marta Locklear captures weddings with straightforward angles, romantic moments, and soft processing.
  3. Mike Ash captures weddings with heavily conceptual moments and dramatic, cinematic imagery.
  4. Jay Eads captures weddings with an emphasis on personality and honesty. This is my friends’ wedding…you’ll see me in there!

For me, I wanted my wedding to be captured in a classic, timeless way. I wanted it to be bright and colorful, and as joyfully captured as possible. So, I chose a photographer that captures the day as it is, with a preference for the joyful moments, that processes on the bright, minimal side.

3. SKILL

A fact of wedding photography: receptions under white tents are AWESOME for lighting. I was so happy whenever I heard the reception would be tented. The tent acts as a huge softbox and never fails to produce a soft, even glow on subjects when you set your flash off. On the flip side, it’s much harder to consistently light subjects in a reception venue like, say, a barn with dark wood. There are so many more variables to think about when you’re trying to light your subjects because you can’t rely on that soft ‘bounce’ you get from a tent.

I give that example to highlight the fact that professional wedding photographers should have the experience and equipment to handle tricky lighting situations like a high, dark ceiling. If their portfolio has just as beautifully-lit photos in a dark barn as they do in a tent or country club with white walls and ceilings, you’re good to go. You should also consider their use of natural light- backlit photos, front-lit photos, and photos in a rainy or overcast situation.

When a photographer shoots skillfully, their camera is like an extension of their body. They change positions, exposure, and ISO intuitively. They are able to react to a fast-paced, ever-changing event confidently. They can focus on what’s happening in front of them, instead of what’s happening in their hands at the moment. You want a photog who knows their stuff!

4. BUDGET

You get what you pay for in photography, generally. If a photographer sticks to their business policies and doesn’t heavily discount their services, you know they’re professionals who will produce a consistent product for you. Most photographers will work with you to customize a pricing package that fits your day. Local photographers are a cost-effective choice, as you don’t have to worry about their travel fees.

Personally, I knew that the wedding photographer would be one of the most expensive things we paid for. It’s one of the only investments that lasts for more than 24 hours, so it was one of my most important considerations. While the food will be eaten and the band will only play until 10pm, I’ll have the pictures for the rest of my life. And Dan, of course. You get to keep your husbandย  ๐Ÿ˜‰

Is that a ton of info, or what? If you want the easy list, here’s a summary of the above:

So Basically:

  1. Pick somebody awesome, who you would be friends with in real life. Trust your instincts.
  2. Agree with their style and way of seeing the world.
  3. Check out their skillz. Make sure you trust THEIR instincts.
  4. Expect to pay a little bit more for something you’ll have for the rest of your life.

After all that,

Who did I choose for my own photographer?

Megan Jane Photography. Bright, clean, colorful, minimally processed, happy, and I’ve worked with her before. She’s a local pro who’s worth every cent.ย  ๐Ÿ™‚ย  Here’s some of her work (see what I mean about bright, clean, and fun?):

Isn’t she awesome? Yes, yes she is. ๐Ÿ™‚ Can’t wait to post my OWN wedding photos!

~ Mariah