For Newly Engaged Couples
Wedding Photography Guide
How to find the a Wedding Photographer and/or Videographer that is BEST for YOU!
Finding “The One” To Capture Your Love Story
Welcome & Congratulations on Your Engagement!
So, you’re planning your dream wedding, and you know that capturing those unforgettable moments is a top priority. But with so many talented photographers out there, how do you find the best wedding photographer for you?
Beyond the Photos: Storytelling
The best wedding photographer isn’t just someone with a fancy camera and a website; they’re a storyteller and a partner in preserving your most cherished memories. They understand your vision, capture the authentic spirit of your day, and create a collection of images that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.
In this guide, we’ll talk you through the journey of finding the best wedding photographer for your unique celebration. We’ll explore the key factors to consider, from photography style and experience to personality and budget.
We’ll also share tips on how to connect with potential photographers and ask the right questions to ensure you find the perfect match.
Get ready to discover the secrets to finding a photographer who not only captures stunning images but also becomes a cherished part of your wedding day experience. We hope you’ll use your new knowledge and connect with us!
Why Hire A Professional?
Most couples don’t realize going into wedding planning just what sets a professional wedding photographer above a friend or family member or even what a professional brings to the table. Having a ‘good enough’ camera does not make Uncle Bob or your roommate from college a professional who knows how to guide your through your very busy wedding day and still capture that romance with skill and grace.
Professionals have the technical know-how to handle any lighting situation, the creative eye to compose stunning shots, and the experience to anticipate those fleeting moments of joy and laughter. The best wedding photographers aren’t just snapping pictures; they’re weaving a visual story that reflects your unique connection and preserves those memories for a lifetime.
So, why settle for anything less? Invest in the best wedding photographer who understands your vision and can capture the heart of your love story, creating a timeless collection of images you’ll cherish forever.
Reach out to us today to chat about your wedding vision and uncover all the ways we can make it a reality.
What You Need to Know to Choose the Right Team
We promise our couples:
Genuine Connection:
We believe in building real relationships with our couples, taking the time to get to know you and your unique love story.
Community Spirit:
We approach every wedding as a team, working closely with you and your other vendors to create a seamless and stress-free experience.
Creative Vision:
We blend timeless elegance with authentic moments, capturing the essence of your love story in captivating images.
Unforgettable Memories:
We’re dedicated to creating a legacy of love that you’ll treasure for a lifetime, filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt emotions.
Personalized Experience:
We understand that every wedding is unique, and we’ll tailor our services to reflect your individual style and preferences.
Consider These…
To help you find your perfect match, consider these key factors:
Style: Do their photos resonate with you? Do they capture the kind of moments and emotions you want to remember forever?
Experience: Can they handle any situation with grace and professionalism, while also making you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera?
Personality: Do you connect with them on a personal level? After all, you’ll be spending a lot of your wedding day with them!
Packages and Pricing: What’s included in their services? How many photos will you receive? Do their prices align with your budget?
By taking the time to consider these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the best wedding photographer who can capture the magic of your wedding day in a way that’s authentic and unforgettable.
Reach out to us today to chat about your wedding vision and uncover all the ways we can make it a reality.
Finding Your Fit…A Step By Step Guide
Finding the perfect photographer that just… Gets You!
The one that will listen to you and get to know (and really understand) who you are, what your love story is and what’s important to you on your wedding day..well that can seem like a really huge and overwhelming task.
How do you choose the best fit for your authentic moments when there are SO MANY options out there? Well, the first thing to know is that not everyone is really a professional and it’s kind of easy to start to narrow it down.
A beginner or amateur is going to charge under $2,000 for your full wedding day coverage. The average is going to charge between $2,500-$4,000. The more experienced trusted professional is going to start at $5,000 and go up from there. And lastly, your Luxury Photographer will start at $10,000.
Knowing how those categories break down will help you a lot. Now you have a jumping off point and (unless you’re in the small budget category) you can immediately start looking at the average to luxury range for a photographer who will give you the best experience.
Ready to find the perfect photographer to capture your love story? Here’s your roadmap to finding the best wedding photographer for your special day:
1. Do your research: Explore online directories, wedding blogs, and social media to discover photographers in your area.
2. Check out their portfolios: Do their photos resonate with you? Do they tell a story? Does their style match your vision?
3. Schedule a consultation: Chat with your top choices to get a feel for their personality and discuss your vision for your wedding day.
4. Understand their pricing: Review their packages and make sure their services align with your budget and priorities.
5. Read reviews and testimonials: See what past clients have to say about their experience.
What Are Couples Saying About LuvLenz?
What to Ask…
Are You Available for my wedding? Honestly, most photographers won’ t even get to the stage of talking with you personally if they are not available because they respect your time too much. This is a question to ask at the very beginning to narrow down your search.
What is Your Style? Not sure what wedding style is? Mostly it is a combo of what type of photos and/or videos are captured in addition to how they edit them. For example our style at LuvLenz is a blend of Authentic Moments (those candids full of emotion) and Timeless Creative Images ( those romantic poses we will guide you through) and we edit in a Classic, Natural Style that preserves your REAL wedding day the way it happened.
Will You have a Second Shooter? Hearing a lot about second shooters now that you’ re looking at wedding photographers? Not sure what it means? Well, it means you have 2 photographers or videographers on your wedding day. If your budget allows, 2 shooters are preferred. 2 shooters can catch every angle, reaction and genuine moment on your wedding day and you won’ t miss anything.
How much experience do you have? Don’ t let anyone fool you about this one. It is not about how many years you’ve been capturing weddings, it ’ s really how many wedding stories have you told? Some photographers only take 2 – 3 weddings a year so they may not have as much experience under their belt as someone who does 10 – 12 per year. A high quality photographer will be excited that you asked them about THEIR journey!
What is included in our package? This is such an important question because every photographer is so different. Some will include prints or albums, some only do digitals, others have both. We provide packages with options for both.
How long will it take to get my photos? Believe it or not we know a photographer ( we will never give names) who doesn’t do ANY editing until Christmas break. So, if your wedding was in May… you’ re waiting until late December to get your photos back. BUT DON’ T WORRY!! That’ s not the norm. Most photographers have a 4 – 8 week return time. Ours is 2 – 3 weeks!
Reach out to us today to chat about your wedding vision and uncover all the ways we can make it a reality.
Finding The Right Fit…The Hunt is on!!
Ready to find the photographer who will capture your love story in all its beauty? Think of it like a treasure hunt for the perfect gem who aligns with your vision and can transform your wedding day memories into timeless keepsakes.
Start your search by exploring online wedding directories, and google, browsing wedding blogs and publications, and checking out photographers’ work on social media. Don’t forget to ask recently married friends and family for recommendations, and be sure to inquire with your chosen venue for their preferred vendor list.
After you have a list of 5-10 potential best wedding photographers, begin checking out their websites to see if they align with your love story. Set up face-to-face or virtual meetings with your top 3 choices.
Connecting…Why it Matters
You’ve found a few photographers whose style you love, but now it’s time to go beyond the portfolio. Meeting your potential photographers via phone or virtually is crucial. Why? Because your best wedding photographer will be by your side throughout your entire wedding day, capturing those intimate moments and guiding you through portraits.
Think about it: you want someone who not only has the skills to create stunning images but also the personality to make you feel comfortable and at ease. Your best wedding photographer understands your vision, calms your nerves, and makes you laugh, and will capture the true spirit of your joy and create an unforgettable experience.
So, schedule those consultations, ask questions, and trust your gut. The right photographer will feel like a friend, a collaborator, and a partner in preserving your most cherished memories.
Understanding Your Investment…Ask for a Service Agreement
You’ve found the best wedding photographer for you—someone who gets your vision, your style, and makes you feel comfortable and excited.
Now it’s time to talk about the investment!
Just like choosing the perfect dress or venue, selecting the right photography package is a key part of planning your dream wedding. Professional photographers offer a variety of packages to suit different needs and budgets.
During your consultation, don’t hesitate to ask about pricing and what’s included in each package. Do they offer engagement sessions? How many hours of coverage are included on the wedding day? Will you receive digital images, prints, or an album? All of these details should be in a written contract service agreement.
Understanding the investment upfront ensures there are no surprises later on. After all, your wedding photos are a legacy, a tangible reminder of your love story that you’ll cherish for generations to come.
Making the decision…
You’ve done your research, explored portfolios, and connected with photographers who resonate with your vision. Now it’s time to make that final decision and secure your date!
Remember, the best wedding photographers—those who capture genuine emotions, create timeless images, and build genuine connections with their couples—are in high demand. They often book months (or even a year!) in advance, so don’t wait too long to reach out and reserve your date.
Once you’ve found the photographer who feels like the perfect fit, contact them as soon as possible to discuss availability and secure your wedding date. This ensures you won’t miss out on capturing your love story with the photographer who truly understands your vision. (We sure hope it is us!!!)
Reach out to us today to chat about your wedding vision and uncover all the ways we can make it a reality.