Capturing Forever: How to Choose the Perfect Photographer for Your Micro Wedding or Elopement

What to Consider When Choosing a Photographer for Your Micro Wedding or Elopement

Your wedding day is a tapestry of emotions, a story of love unfolding chapter by chapter. And the one tasked with weaving this tale into visual poetry is your wedding photographer. It's not just about capturing moments; it's about preserving the essence of your day. Weddings are the most photographed day in anyone's life, so choosing the right photographer to capture your wedding is as important as choosing the perfect venue. When beginning your search for a wedding photographer, consider these important topics to ensure you find the right person who aligns with your wedding vision:

1. Style Compatibility: Your photographer's style is the brush that paints your love story onto the canvas of memories. Do you envision timeless, classic poses that reflect the depth of your connection, or do you prefer a candid, documentary approach that captures the raw, unscripted moments of your love story? Ensure your chosen photographer's style resonates with your vision, creating a visual narrative that feels uniquely yours.
2. Budget: Every aspect of your micro wedding or elopement is carefully curated, including your budget. Determine a budget that aligns with your financial comfort zone and explore photographers within that range. Remember, investing in photography is an investment in preserving the cherished memories of your intimate celebration.
3. Experience and Portfolio: Your photographer should be a storyteller who understands the nuances of your micro wedding or elopement. Dive into their portfolio, examining their body of work. Seek out consistency in quality and the ability to capture the essence of similar intimate events. An experienced photographer ensures that every chapter of your special day is documented beautifully.
4. Reviews and Recommendations: Behind every photograph lies a story, and reviews from previous clients unveil the character behind the lens. Read testimonials to gain insights into a photographer's professionalism, communication skills, and the overall experience they provide. Recommendations are akin to heartfelt notes from trusted friends, guiding you toward the perfect storyteller for your intimate celebration.

How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost?

The cost of wedding photography varies depending on several factors, including the photographer's experience, location, the length of coverage, and the services included. In Tennessee, the average cost for professional wedding photography ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. An experienced photographer brings more than just a camera; they bring their talent, artistic eye, and the ability to capture the essence of your day in a way that reflects your unique love story.

While it might be tempting to cut costs on photography, investing in an experienced photographer is a decision you won't regret. They have the skills to navigate challenging lighting situations, capture candid moments, and deliver images that truly evoke the emotions of your wedding day. They're your go to person for all things relating to the timeline when it comes to the best times and locations for important events, such as first looks and golden hour portraits. You'll spend a massive chunk of your day with your photographer, so it's important you not only have someone who knows what they're doing, but who can also help you manage the day and avoid chaos.

How Long Before a Wedding Should You Get a Photographer?

Booking a wedding photographer should be one of your top priorities once you have your wedding date and venue secured. Photographers often book weddings months or even a year in advance, so it's best to reach out as soon as possible to secure your preferred photographer. This is especially important if your wedding is during peak seasons, such as spring or fall. In Tennessee, October is the busiest month out of the entire year for weddings, so don't wait on booking your photographer as soon as possible so you don't miss out!

What Photography Editing Styles Are There?

Photographers use various editing styles to enhance and tailor the look of your wedding photos. Common styles include:

• Classic: Clean and timeless editing with natural colors.
• Vintage: Adds a nostalgic, aged look to photos.
• Moody: Creates a dramatic and cinematic atmosphere.
• Light and Airy: Emphasizes soft and bright tones for a dreamy effect.
• Black and White: Classic and timeless, perfect for emotional moments.

Discuss editing preferences with your photographer to ensure your wedding photos match your desired style. For example, I personally edit with a moody-light and vibrant style and love to go bold with my contrasts. This isn't everyone's cup of tea though, which is why it's important to explore the styles of the photographers you're checking out. A photographer's editing style is their artistic signature creation. Asking a light and airy photographer to edit with a moody style would be like going to a beach and expecting to find a snowstorm.

What Questions Should You Ask Your Wedding Photographer Before Booking?

Before booking, ask your photographer these essential questions:

1. Are you available on my wedding date? This one might seem like a no brainer, but some photographers are individualized while some have teams. Ask yours to see if they personally will be available and the one who will be photographing your day, or if they're sending an associate from their team if they're already booked.
2. Can I see a full wedding gallery? This is a great question to ask not only to ensure that you can check for consistency in their style and work across the entire wedding day, but also to get inspiration for what your wedding photos could look like! Your photographer could also have galleries from the venue that you've booked, so you can get a real inside peek at what happens on a wedding day at your chosen wedding venue.
3. What's included in your packages? This is a really important question because every photographer offers something different in their packages, and it's important you find someone who offers what you're looking for to make the entire process more seamless. Packages should at the minimum include how many hours of coverage are offered, how many photographers are included, and what the delivered product is (ie: digital images or printed copies). Wedding packages also commonly include complimentary engagement sessions, second photographers, expedited sneak peeks of your photos, bridal sessions, and more.
4. Do you have a backup plan in case of emergencies? Professional wedding photographers photograph weddings as a career, but it often means we are one man rodeos. There is no phoning a manager that you can't make it. That being said, emergencies happen, so it's good to know what the back up plan is because being left without a photographer the week of your wedding is a nightmare no one needs! Make sure you talk with your chosen photographer about what their back up plan is, and make sure this is detailed in your contract as well.
5. How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Waiting is so hard after such an exciting event, so I'm sure you'll be dying to know how fast your photographer will deliver your images to you! Many professional wedding photographers offer sneak peeks of your images within days of your wedding occurring, and common turn around times for full galleries are 8-12 weeks.

Choosing the perfect wedding photographer is a significant step in ensuring your special day is beautifully captured and remembered for years to come. Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts to make the right choice.