1. Availability

First things first: Are they even available on your wedding date? If not, skip #2-9! You’re done! Unless they’ve got a trusted team of photographers to choose from. Which, by the way, is very common and definitely okay. Most of the time, the photos will still be edited in the signature style you were originally drawn to. (Ask about that!)

2. Portfolio

Websites and Instagram feeds are great for showcasing the photographer’s favorite images. But what about all the other moments that are important to you? You’ll almost NEVER see family portraits on a wedding photog’s IG, cuz they don’t have that WOW effect for social media. So it’s a good idea to see a full wedding gallery before hiring someone. That way you can make sure you like the look of how the entire day was captured from beginning to end. Do you like their shooting style? Editing style? Posing? Candid moments? Storytelling? Attention to detail? Are most of the photos dramatic and epic or are they more classic and subdued? No particular style of wedding photography is better than the rest. But make sure their style matches what you’re looking for.

3. Products & Services

A professional wedding photographer should be able to offer you an album or prints. That doesn’t mean you have to buy them. But the fact that they offer them means they're serious about their craft. Photography is more than a hobby for them. Be sure to also ask about anything else they might offer. Photo booth? Second photographer? Engagement session? Do they give you color corrected images? You wouldn’t want to find out after the wedding that you’re on your own for the editing!

4. Personality

Besides your new spouse, your wedding photographer is the person you’re going to spend the most time with on your wedding day. You want them to be someone you click with! Are they flexible, adaptable, kind, respectful, good-humored, fun, and dedicated? It’s important to choose someone who can GO WITH THE FLOW while still keeping a smile on their face. Wedding days are stressful for everyone, vendors included. Professionals will make it seem like a piece of cake.

5. Philosophy

What your wedding is: A celebration of your marriage. What it’s not: A time for your photographer to worry about getting great shots for their portfolio. Your photographer should have a client-centered philosophy. They should have your best interest and desires in mind at all times. They’re there to document the day as you want it remembered. Let them know what’s important to you, even if that includes photos of things they don’t usually capture. For example, no wedding photographer should be saying things like, “I don’t take photos of guests. My focus is on the couple.”

6. Reviews & Reputation

Make sure their past clients were over-the-moon. This applies not only to the photos, but with the entire experience. From initial inquiry to final delivery! Hopefully, there aren't any bad reviews, but if there are, pay attention to how the photographer replied to them. The reviewer could have a hidden agenda or be a little “off." But the way the photographer responded speaks volumes about their personality and professionalism. Another sign of a solid work ethic and great reputation is their relationships with other wedding professionals. Ask your other vendors whether they’ve worked with them or know someone who has. This doesn't mean you shouldn’t hire a photographer if they haven’t worked with your other vendors before. But you probably shouldn’t hire one they warn you about.

7. Communication

If they haven’t responded to your initial inquiry in a few days, move on to the next. That’s a sure sign that they’re too busy to give you the kind of attention you deserve. Communication should be thoughtful and timely. It’s unreasonable to expect anyone to respond to you after normal business hours or on holidays. But if you find a photographer who does do those things for you as a courtesy, don’t let them get away!

8. Experience & Training

It’s wonderful if the person you’re trusting to preserve your once-in-a-lifetime memories has an education in photography. Even better: they’re continuing that education in some way. Maybe through conferences, workshops, classes, or hands-on-training by other experts in the field. I’d personally prefer to hire someone who’s more expensive if it means they've worked dozens of weddings and regularly receive training to refine their skills. There are so many things that are unique to wedding photography. Don't hire someone who only photographs a weddings every once in awhile. In this industry, you definitely get what you pay for.

9. Everything’s Official

Do they have liability insurance? Contracts? A business license if their area requires one? What about a seller’s permit? These things are in place to protect everyone, yourself included. If a photographer can’t answer your questions about this stuff, I wouldn’t get involved.