Read this before you book a wedding photographer
Whether you’re recently engaged and ecstatically searching for your dream wedding photographer, browsing in anticipation of a special event, or any form of in-between, this post is for you!
The #1 Factor to consider before booking
Looking for a photographer can be an overwhelming task. There are so many aspects to consider such as style, cost, location, experience, package options; the list goes on and on. I won’t be talking about this list today because that depends on each individual case. While I firmly believe that this long list of details is definitely important to consider, I’ve found that people often overlook the single universal factor that matters the most. When you book a photographer you are investing in more than just photos. You are investing in an experience. I am a strong believer that the experience matters just as much, if not more, than the photos themselves do. First of all if you are booking a photographer, odds are it’s got to be for a day that is pretty darn special. It’s significant. It’s meaningful. It’s irreplaceable. I want you to choose someone who is going to understand that importance and better it. The experience that you have and the way that you feel will come together not only impacting the memories you make, but also show in the photos taken. If you are happy, carefree, and soaking up all of the goodness surrounding you that is what is going to show in your images. Even better? When you look back on them in 6 month, 5 years, heck 20 years, you are going to relive that same emotion.
Think about it, if you were to hand your camera to a stranger and say “take my photo”, you would likely be uncomfortable. All of your inner doubts and awkwardness would quickly creep up. You would be thinking what do I do with my hands? Does this angle make me look wider? Should I change poses now? I’m sure you’ve had a similar experience (I know I sure have!). Okay, now let’s flip scenarios and say that you hand your best friend your camera and say “take my photo”. Chances are you are going to strike a pose and immediately burst out in laughter. Rather than stressing about how you look, you will growingly feel more comfortable in front of the camera, and soon get so caught up in the moment that you forget your picture is even being taken. In the end you are going to have beautiful candid images that represent you best.
So what do I believe?
While I may not be your best friend, I am someone who values you, and I desire to build a friendship with each and everyone of my clients. My goal as a photographer, is to do everything I can to create the best experience possible for you. For some this may mean scouting out the perfect hiking trail and packing extra water bottles. For others, it might look more like messaging back and forth about the perfect outfits for you and your love. Everyone is different. And that’s what I value most about this job. At the end of the day, my role is to come alongside you, meet you where you’re at, use the best of my knowledge to help you execute your dream day, and to deliver beautiful images that make you feel something.
The truth
The truth is, I may not be a good fit for you. And you know what? That’s a-okay! Perhaps someone else creates the kind of experience you are looking for. Again, I’m not everyones cup of tea. It is my wish for you that reading this (thanks for making it this far) gives you the knowledge that you need to feel confident in your final decision. For those of you who feel that we would be a good fit, vibe over coffee, or spend an evening chasing down that golden hour glow, let’s get to know each other! Say hi, and of course like always, feel free to ask me questions! I can’t wait to hear from you!