How to choose a wedding photographer in los angeles? we are here to help!
Today we are answering a question that gets asked quite often for wedding couples. How to choose a wedding photographer in Los Angeles when there are so many options to choose from? So let’s dig in and unpack that, we are here to help! Photographs are one of the long standing parts of your wedding day you will always have with you. You will need to do quite a bit of research to make sure you love your future photographers work. But, one of the most important things is you find someone you enjoy being around! You will be spending lots of time with your photographer on your wedding day, more than any other vendor! Choosing a wedding photographer you trust and who you understand is there for you during your big day will make sure your happiest moments are exactly what you want. So let’s break down the steps we recommend to find the ideal photographer for you.
Step one: Decide what photography style you like best
One of the very first steps we recommend is for you to sit down with your partner and think about what wedding photography style is best for you! Surprisingly, there is quite a variety of styles out there (Candid, Fine Art, Photojournalistic, Film, Light and Airy, Dark and Moody). And, some photographers also have a blend of one or two of those styles together! Our team has a combination of styles. Definitely, try to have an understanding of what you don’t want your wedding photography to look like, and then from there narrow down what you love!
Step two: Set a wedding photography budget
In speaking to a wedding photography budget, we recommend setting a budget before you start searching for your future wedding photographer. If you don’t know exactly where to start with that we recommend searching the average Los Angeles wedding photography cost. Most photographers offer a variety of wedding photography price ranges that include specific and relevant information for their services. Some wedding photographers can also customize a wedding photography package and cost based on exactly what you are looking for! Our team has a variety of wedding photography packages/price ranges because we know every wedding couple has different needs! We also offer customizable packages. It never hurts to ask who you are reaching out to about different options if you have more questions!
Step three: Check with your wedding venue
A great option to find a wedding photographer is to check with your wedding venue! Most wedding venues often have a packet of information called a preferred vendor list. The preferred vendor list is a great starting point! Any wedding photographer that is on a preferred vendor list has worked with your wedding venue many times, and has an in-depth idea of how the venue works and operates. They can be your guide to great spots for your romantic portraits with your partner, and areas for great family portraits. But, sometimes photographers on the preferred vendor list of a venue are not for everyone! Sometimes photographers on a preferred vendor list reflect the type of photography style your wedding venue prefers. And, that may not match with what you are looking for. We always recommend using that guide as a starting point, but it doesn’t mean another wedding photographer won’t be the perfect match you are looking for!
Step four: Check social media and online reviews
One of the simplest ways to choose a wedding photographer is to research online! We definitely recommend using social media platforms such as Instagram to find your perfect match! The way to try this out is quite simple, but here are a few different ideas we love. Searching hashtags specifically in Los Angeles is great! Options include #losangelesweddingphotographer #losangelesweddingphotography #losangeleselopementphotographer. You can get even more specific to where your wedding venue is as well or closest to you if you wanted! Such as #westhollywoodweddingphotographer or #westhollywoodweddingphotography. You can also use your specific wedding venues curated hashtag, which is a great option! Then you will be able to see wedding photographers work specifically at where you will be having your big day! You can also check out your wedding venues tagged photographs, and we guarantee you will find some talented wedding photographers in Los Angeles you love! We also highly recommend reading all reviews for your photographer. You want a talented professional to capture one of the biggest moments of your life, and hearing information from other couples is a great way to learn more about your prospective photographers.
Step five: Ask your connections for recommendations
Personal recommendations are great! If you love any of your friends or family members wedding photographs don’t hesitate to reach out to them and ask who they worked with! If it’s the right fit you will have a great wedding photographer that you love. We also suggest asking your vendors, wedding planner, or coordinator who they recommend and love to work with! They will have great advice, and can help greatly since they know your preferred wedding theme and style.
Step six: Interview your favorites
A conversation with your prospective wedding photographers is highly recommended by us! We do recommend doing most of your research about the photographers you are interviewing before you speak with them, that way you can focus on the connection with them! But there are some important questions we recommend asking:
How many years experience do you have photographing weddings?
What is the turnaround time for receiving a full wedding gallery?
Are we able to see a few full wedding galleries?
Will we receive print rights?
Do you backup your photographs? If so for how long?
Once you get all the technical questions out of the way don’t be afraid to get a bit more personal! Talk about how you and your partner met, and what aspects of the wedding photography experience are most important to you. The more your wedding photographer gets to know you the best they can serve you on your wedding day!
Also, make sure to ask specific questions about your prospective wedding photographer's wedding day approach. You want your wedding photographer to photograph you! Your photographer should be able to answer all questions about their pre-wedding, wedding day, and post-wedding day process. Don’t forget to ask the tough questions! We recommend asking how you handle last minute changes? How can they help you with posing? How can they help calm your nerves and give you reassurance when you least expect it? We always say we want to be our wedding couple's best friends during their wedding day, and that we are completely on your side if you need anything.
Step 7: State any concerns upfront
We recommend testing your connection with your prospective wedding day photographer by completely stating your concerns up front! If you have specific fears such as being camera shy, or don’t know how to pose, or are worried about certain wedding party members not cooperating with group shots. And, if you are dreaming up specific wedding photographs that aren’t typically included in a wedding photography shot list bring that up too! Your prospective photographer should be able to answer all these questions and alleviate any of your fears. But, also if you are not comfortable asking these questions with them in the first place, they might not be the right choice for you! Remember on your wedding day you want a best friend and a close confidant with you to help you through anything.
Step 8: Plan a engagement session
We always recommend an engagement session! It’s a great way to get one on one time with your wedding photographer and get an idea of what the experience working with them will be like on your wedding day! But, we especially recommend an engagement session if you are having feelings of nervousness about your wedding day. They can walk you through how to pose, and find out what works best for the both of you to make you comfortable! And, it’s also a great way to bond with your wedding photographer!
We also think it’s a great way to test out how comfortable you are with communicating with your wedding photographer. After your session you will be able to discuss your photographs and how you felt about the interaction! Of course, an engagement shoot is not a necessity. You should definitely always look at your wedding photographers website! Make sure you look over your photographers website and instagram with a fine toothed comb! Does anyone in their photographs look awkward and uncomfortable? They shouldn’t!
And remember: Hiring your wedding photographer is a big decision! Don’t feel rushed at all to choose one right away. We recommend taking your time! Remember this is one of the biggest days of your life! You are entrusting someone to preserve this historic day through photographs.
Phew! That’s our advice for looking, selecting and navigating finding a wedding photographer in Los Angeles! Drop your comments and questions below! We will answer with any information we think is helpful! And also don’t be a stranger. If you like these types of blogs, sign up for our newsletter, and let us know you want more wedding advice!
We definitely plan on writing more like these :)
Looking forward to sharing more with you soon!
Emily
Today Forever Weddings Team
