Picture perfect

With smartphone apps, inexpensive editing software, and reasonably priced cameras, it seems like everyone is a photographer these days. But when it comes to your wedding, a professional knows how to capture the right moments, with the right angles and lighting. Here’s what to look for when choosing the one to capture your wedding.

Check out portfolios

Gina Munda, owner of Gina Munda Photography, encourages couples to look at photographers’ portfolios to get a sense of their style and their skill.

“The couple should research different photographers online and see which images they like the best,” Munda says. “The photographer’s portfolio should be consistent. This means that the couple likes just about 100 percent of the photographer’s images. If the couple sees 20 percent of images they like and 80 percent they don’t like, this would mean that the couple should move on to a different portfolio. The couple should agree that most of the photographer’s work appeals to them.”

Tourine Johnstone from Johnstone Studios recommends asking a photographer for an actual wedding album.

“Ask the photographer you’re considering for your event to share a complete wedding gallery they have photographed, not just their portfolio pieces,” says Johnstone. “Every photographer has a handful of really great photos, but an experienced, professional wedding photographer should be able to show you a six-to-nine-hour wedding day of photography taken in different lighting conditions and environment, and have consistently strong quality images that showcase the event, emotion, and venue.”

Meet the photographer in person

Once you’ve narrowed down some options, set up a meeting with the prospective photographers to discuss your vision for your wedding photos. Getting to know the photographer is important, especially if they will be photographing intimate moments. To give the photographer an idea of what you want, bring in sample images, or bookmark specific images of theirs that caught your eye.

“This is the chance for the couple to get to know the photographer and see if they meet ‘eye to eye,’” says Munda. “The couple will get the chance to look over the photographer’s collection of albums and other photographic products.”

Find out if the photographer has a team or a partner with whom they shoot weddings, and if possible, touch base with the other members to ensure that all are on the same page. According to Johnstone, if your wedding is an all-day event, it will be necessary to provide meals for your photographer, as well as anyone else assisting them.

“Asking your photographer to specify the roles of any additional people will help you visualize their purpose to your event,” she says. “An assistant, an additional professional photographer, a husband and wife team, or a second photographer are all terms you might come across when meeting with a photography company, so make sure you are clear with your photographer and understand the role of each person involved.”

Research the photographer’s experience

A new graduate from a fine arts program might offer a great price and have a promising portfolio, but shooting an all-day wedding—and sometimes follow-up sessions with the bride and groom—is a job that takes some getting used to. Munda recommends looking for photographers with at least a solid year of experience.

“Photographing a wedding is a very serious responsibility that contains a multitude of challenges,” she says.

“Without the experience, quality and knowledge from a great wedding photographer, the rest can be a disappointment,” says Johnstone. “So focus on the photographer and their talent as opposed to comparing what photographers may be putting into a package. Don’t just choose a photographer because they offer a bigger album, more prints, or unlimited hours. Choose your photographer based on their consistency with quality images and quality photography.”

Get a second opinion

The photographer’s portfolio is great, and he or she seems nice in person, so what next? Munda recommends getting a hold of past clients who have worked with the photographer.

“Recommendations and referrals are important, so if the couple is not sure of the quality of their photographer, they should seek out referrals and recommendations from other clients and vendors,” she says.

Ask questions about promptness, professionalism and working in stressful, and sometimes unpredictable, situations. Do they have a backup plan if it starts to rain? Did they arrive early to get set up? Were they kind and respectful to your guests and vendors?

Be realistic about cost

Like the wedding dress and venue, hiring a photographer is an investment and often one of the most expensive aspects of planning a wedding. But unlike other purchases, great photographs of your wedding will last a lifetime.

“You only have one chance, one day, one moment to get it right for your wedding photographs,” Johnstone says. “There are no do-overs. Investing in the highest quality and experienced photographer you can budget should be your priority. Once you have the images, they are processed in post-production and presented to you for your use, and they become a cherished memory.”

Understand post-processing

Great photographers are often able to take stunning shots without the use of Photoshop, but nearly all professional wedding photographers do some post-processing to ensure that the captures are perfect. This can include anything from a slight airbrushing of your face or color and tone correction to balance undesirable lighting. If odd images are popping up in a photographer’s portfolio, that should be a red flag.

If you want minimal processing, speak with the photographer to view examples of their processing work. Some work with a post-processing specialist to ensure that you don’t look like a plastic bride.

Book engagement photographs

If you’re planning on engagement photos for save-the-date cards, book them with the photographer you’d like to use for your wedding. This will be a chance for them to get to know you and your partner better, and the style of photographs will be consistent. You’ll also have a chance to feel comfortable around them before they photograph you in all of the emotional glory that will be your wedding day.

Set up boundaries

Most photographers will capture every part of your wedding day, but if you don’t want them in the room as you’re getting unflatteringly corsetted into your gown or crying on the phone with your great aunt who couldn’t make it to the ceremony, establish that early on with the photographer. These moments are part of the day, but it’s up to you do decide how much you want documented, and which you want to keep forever.

Make a schedule

You don’t want to worry if your first kiss with your new spouse is being documented, or if the photographer can find a good place to capture the bouquet toss as they are standing behind the DJ’s table. A schedule given to them and the other vendors can help them plan for the best shots.

“Your experienced wedding photographer works to coordinate a timeline of the day that fits seamlessly with your DJ, coordinator, caterer, and other vendors that are also working,” Johnstone says. “They should have knowledge of working with a vendor team and be personable and flexible to keep the day running smoothly.”

Have friends and family members take pictures

A professional photographer will document all of the details of your wedding day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get your friends and family in on the action. Give guests a disposable camera, or encourage them to take pictures on their smartphones and upload them to an album. The photographer you hire will be focused on you, but there are other moments happening as you and your partner stare lovingly at one another during your first dance as a married couple, and when you look back years later, you’ll be able to witness all of the people who were there to help celebrate your love.