If you are looking for that eye, that person that can be present on your very special day–to be seamless in capturing each glance, detail and moment, the list might get overwhelmingly long with the amount of wedding photographers that saturate the Bay Area and other metropolitan-like cities. Sometimes portfolio is the most important thing, maybe it’s the budget (of course), or you may simply go to Yelp and see what others had to say about the photographer(s). Whichever might be your priority and whatever calls your attention first, here are some things to keep in mind.

Investment.

Out of all the things that are invested on a wedding or special event, photography is of the utmost importance. Why? Because memories and those sweet candid moments will all be recorded onto photographs–stills. All those details that you spent hours working on, the food that was expensively delicious, the moment when grandma threw it down on the dance floor will get to be re-lived even after it’s all over. You see, photography is the closest thing that we’ll ever get to a time machine. The investment price on your photographer of choice will immediately vanish from your memory when you’re seeing all these moments woven into one day. Yes, many friends and nosy family members will say, “But, it’s just ONE day,” but this day will be the most photographed, recorded, instagrammed, tagged, snapchatted, pinned, Facebooked, even Youtubed for ions to come. TIP: Make sure that although wedding and expenses are on a budget, that the photography part gets a bigger piece of the budget pie than other details. Trust me, you won’t regret it. FIY: Photographers pricing in the Bay Area range in average from $2000-$5000 and even more in some cases.

Portfolio.

Aesthetic and style are what differentiates photographers from one another, besides price. The best question you can ask yourself is, does this style speak to me? Can I see myself as that Bride/Groom in their pictures? Every artist has their own take on things ranging from gear, experience and even how they first started shooting weddings, but what is most crucial is what they produce. Sometimes, some wedding artists are a bit more daring in their style while some remain classic and romantic. I truly believe that wedding photography should withstand the test of time and shouldn’t reminisce on trend. I’m a big fan of editorial and romantic photography (maybe because I’m one of the sappiest and romanticist there are) because there are classic elements as well as contemporary facets to that kind of photography. TIP: The same way you would hunt for your dress or suit, hunt for the best photographic style that suits you (no pun intended). Look through blogs, magazines, and other kinds of sessions, pin what you like best. Compare to see if the photographer has shot in those kinds of settings and if they’re style is similar or better. FYI: Each photographer has their own unique voice but some speak volumes louder than others.

Personality.

I wholeheartedly believe that this is by far one of the most important parts to a photographer. You want to be able to click with them. I told a recent bride I met, that you should be able to see yourself having coffee or going shopping with your wedding photographer. Why? Because He/She will spend almost, if not, the whole day with you. It’s like almost your personal paparazzi but not. Most likely, your wedding photographer will help you carry your dress when the bridal party has disappeared, will help with any stray hairs during that special time set aside for portraits, help you take off or put on shoes, hold your veil, hold the bouquet, sometimes touch the groom or vice versa, etc., so it has to be somebody you trust–like a friend. Your wedding photographer has to be somebody who will probably be bobbing their head on the dance floor stepping to the music while shooting, rather than somebody who’s stiff as a board, staring blankly into the abyss and snapping like a robot. They’re also most likely the last vendor you’ll be speaking with after the wedding. So, it has to be somebody that you’re comfortable with. TIP: Try to meet with that special photographer you’ve been eyeing. Check to see what they’re like, meet with them at your favorite coffee spot or invite them over to your home. Show them what you’ve been planning thus far and see how on page they are with your ideas. FYI: Artists’s style is almost a direct reflection of their personality.

Pricing, style, experience and personality are elements that are valued when selecting wedding artists to partake in your day, but above anything else choose people who believe in your love story. The energy that flows throughout the wedding day has very much to do with who surrounds you and takes part during this fabulous time. Ensure that you and your hubby/wifey-to-be are happy.

Questions or comments? Let me know what is most important to you when selecting wedding artists. I would love to read your preference!

 

Hope this helps!

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