Portfolio - Choosing Your Wedding Photographer (Part 1)
Today is Part 1 of 4 in our Choosing Your Wedding Photographer Series.
Today let's talk about the most obvious one - the photos! We all know we need to look at the pictures (collectively known as the wedding photographer's portfolio) but what should you look for?
Take a read below and join me tonight at 4:30pm on live video to learn more and have your portfolio questions answered!
It seems pretty obvious that you want to check the portfolio of any photographer you
are considering for your wedding day, but, when you are looking at that portfolio ‐ what are you actually looking for?
First, of course, you need to know - do you like the photographs? Is it a whole hearted yes? Perfect!
Now take it a step further and really look at the images with these questions in mind.
Do you like the style of posing? Is it formal? Relaxed? Completely unposed?
None of these answers is wrong or bad. Just be sure it’s what you are looking for.
Does the photographer photograph weddings of a similar style to yours? You want to know your photographer has experience working in the type of location where you are getting married. If all the images show gorgeous outdoor rustic weddings and you are having a formal ballroom wedding they may not be a great fit but, if you like them, don’t write them off right away ‐ ask about their experience and if you can see samples of work from weddings more similar to what you are planning.
Do you like the style of the images? Whether light and airy, or more dramatic each photographer has a signature style. Looking at their past work will give you an idea not only of the style of wedding they photograph but also the kind of images and post‐ production you can expect to see on your images.
It's beautiful but,
Can you Picture it Hanging On Your Wall?
Lastly and, in my opinion, most importantly can you see yourself hanging these types of images on the walls of your home? To me, this is the absolute most important part of choosing a photographer. When I got married in 2014 I had to recognize that there are some photographers that while I admire their artwork, their imagery would not be the style I would be likely to hang on the walls of my home.
The point of photography of your wedding day is to be able to continue to celebrate the love you have and the marriage you are building with beautiful memories, not to have more things to shove in the bottom of the closet.