Choosing the right wedding photographer can feel overwhelming, but it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. Your photographer will capture memories that last a lifetime, so it’s essential to find someone who fits your vision and makes you feel comfortable. Here’s how to approach choosing a wedding photographer to ensure your wedding photos are everything you’ve dreamed of.

From a Bride’s Perspective

As a bride, you want to ensure the photographer you choose understands your style and personality. It’s not just about picking someone with pretty pictures—it’s about finding someone who can bring out the best in you and your partner. You can get a good feel for this on a video call or meeting in person.

From a Photographer’s Perspective

Photographers who’ve been through their own weddings know the struggle of finding the right vendor. Recently-married photographers suggest focusing on key factors like style, budget, and connection with the photographer. They recommend prioritizing what’s most important to you and not overthinking the process. As a couple who is currently in the wedding planning process, we recommend meeting your photographer face to face in one way. This is a great way to see if you vibe and can match energies. You also want to find a photographer that has work that you absolutely adore. My best advice is skip looking at the packages and pricing first and find a list of photographers that meet the style you’re looking for to a T.

Photography by Venture Peak Films

At Venture Peak Films, we know how important it is to feel comfortable and at ease on your big day. We focus on creating authentic and adventurous photos that tell your unique love story.

Here Are the Most Important Things to Consider While Picking a Wedding Photographer

What Even Is A Wedding Photographer though?

A wedding photographer is someone who captures all the special moments of your wedding day, from candid shots to posed portraits. Their job is to preserve these moments so you can look back and relive your wedding day for years to come. A photographer is there to capture the emotion and essence of your day as well as taking photos.

When Should You Book a Wedding Photographer

It’s a good idea to book your wedding photographer as soon as possible—ideally 12-18 months before your wedding date. Popular photographers can book up quickly, especially during peak wedding seasons. The longer you wait the less photographers that will become available. Most photographers book out around 18 months at max.

What is the cost of a wedding photographer?

The cost of hiring a wedding photographer varies widely depending on location, experience, and the services you need. Typically, couples spend around 10-15% of their total wedding budget on photography. This can range from $2000 to $5000 starting prices. At Venture Peak Films, we offer various packages to fit different budgets and needs.

What to Ask a Photographer

Before booking, ask questions like:

• What is your photography style?
• Do you offer engagement sessions?
• How many hours of coverage do you provide?
• Can we see a full wedding gallery?
• How do you handle difficult lighting situations?

How to Book a Wedding Photographer

Reach Out On Their Website

Start by visiting the photographer’s website and checking out their portfolio. If you like their work, reach out via their contact form to inquire about availability and pricing.

Set Up a Time to Chat

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, set up a consultation (either in-person or over Zoom) to discuss your wedding day and get to know the photographer better.

Share Wedding Details

During your chat, share details about your wedding plans, such as the location, guest count, and your vision for the day. This helps the photographer understand your needs.

Ask All Your Questions

Don’t be afraid to ask as many questions as you need. It’s important to feel confident in your choice before booking.

How Long Should You Hire a Wedding Photographer For?

Most photographers offer packages based on the number of hours they’ll be present at your wedding. Full-day coverage typically includes getting ready shots, the ceremony, and the reception. If you’re having a smaller wedding, you might only need partial coverage. A lot of photographers have packages starting around 6 hours all the way up to multi-day coverage.

How to Coordinate With Your Photographer After Booking

After booking, keep in touch with your photographer to discuss timelines, shot lists, and other important details. This ensures that everything runs smoothly on your big day.

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer, According to Photographers

What’s important to you?

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options. Focus on your top priorities—whether that’s style, budget, or personality—and use these to guide your search.

Make Sure You Leave Room In The Budget

If photography is really important to you, consider allowing some flexibility in your budget. It’s worth spending a bit more for a photographer whose work you love.

You Don’t Need To Be An Expert

You don’t need to know all the technical terms. As long as you love their portfolio and can imagine yourself in their photos, you’re on the right track.

Don’t Overthink It

It’s easy to fall down a rabbit hole of reviews and portfolios. Narrow it down to a few photographers whose work speaks to you, and schedule consultations with those in your budget.

Make Sure You’re Going To Be Comfortable

A photographer who makes you feel at ease will capture the best photos of you. Meet them beforehand to ensure you feel relaxed around them.

Relax A Little!

While it’s good to be prepared, don’t stress if you forget to ask certain questions. You can always ask it later but usually if you get a good feeling about a photographer, you’re onto something good.

Look At A Full Wedding Gallery

Ask to see an entire wedding gallery so you can get a sense of how they capture the whole day, not just the highlight reel.

Engage With Your Top Choices on Social Media

Follow your favorite photographers on social media to get a better sense of their personality. Building a rapport ahead of time helps everyone feel more comfortable on the big day.

Ask About Communication Style

Make sure you understand how your photographer prefers to communicate and how they handle planning for the wedding day. Good communication ensures everything runs smoothly.

FAQs About Wedding Photography

How Far in Advance Should I Book a Photographer?

You should book a photographer at least 12-18 months in advance, especially if you’re getting married during a busy season.

How Much Should I Spend on Wedding Photography?

On average, couples spend around 10-15% of their total wedding budget on photography.

Does Venture Peak Films Offer Both Photography and Videography?

Yes, Venture Peak Films offers both photography and videography services. We can capture your wedding day from every angle, ensuring you have beautiful photos and videos to treasure forever.

How Many Photos Will We Get?

This depends on the length of your wedding and the package you choose. On average, couples receive 400-800 edited photos from their wedding day. Some photographers even deliver a 1000+ photos. However, we are believers that too many delivered photos is not necessarily a good thing and can be very overwhelming.

How Long Does It Take to Get Our Photos Back?

Most photographers have an average turn around time of 30 to 90 days. At Venture Peak Films, we typically deliver your full wedding gallery within 6-8 weeks after your wedding day but can take longer depending on your wedding date.

Plan Your Unique Wedding

Choosing a wedding photographer doesn’t have to be stressful. By focusing on your priorities, budget, and connection with the photographer, you’ll find someone who can capture your day beautifully. At Venture Peak Films, we’re here to make that process easy, providing stunning photography and videography that matches your vision.

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This post offers practical advice for couples, guiding them on how to choose the best wedding photographer while naturally integrating important keywords like “wedding photographer,” “budget,” and “How to book a photographer”