Questions to Ask When Deciding on a Photographer for Your Catholic Wedding
/GRACE BROWN
After my husband proposed, we knew we wanted to get married before he moved across the country for six months of military training (and I stayed behind in Texas to finish up college). This set our wedding planning timeline at just under three months!
Once we solidified our plans for a beautiful ceremony and reception, I realized it was just as important to me that we captured those moments and memories from our wedding day! With only a couple months before the big day, I scoured the internet for everything I needed to consider when hiring a wedding photographer.
PHOTOGRAPHY: KIRSTEN ANN PHOTOGRAPHY
For many couples (including myself), selecting the perfect wedding photographer can be mind-boggling. How can you know you have chosen the right professional to document your big day while you’re busy enjoying it? After extensive research into wedding photographers, I was blessed with a fantastic experience, but, unfortunately, I have good friends whose experience was disappointing! But don’t worry!
Whether you have three months or three years to search for your dream wedding photographer, the following questions will help you understand what you most desire in a photographer and, ultimately, to make a confident, informed decision.
What am I looking for out of my wedding photos?
Professional photographers have their art down: beautifully framing and capturing every aspect of your wedding day, and delivering photos that will delight you for years.
Before sifting through specific wedding photographers in your area it’s helpful to clarify your own preferences!
Are you in love with candid giggling photos of bridesmaids or posed pictures all in a row (or a mix of both)? What’s the setting like at your ceremony and reception venues (such as an outdoor reception or indoor formal church ceremony)? What aesthetic do you want from your final pictures--do you prefer light and airy style edits or more dramatic shots?
Save lots of images on Pinterest that capture the style you’re drawn to, and look for common patterns. Identifying what you love helps you find a photo that complements your venue, decor, and wedding style.
Once you know the look you’re going for, start sifting through wedding photography portfolios online. I highly recommend checking out Spoken Bride’s Catholic Vendor Guide, The Knot, and Facebook to begin your search.
Does this photographer’s portfolio fit the aesthetic and quality we’re seeking?
A photographer’s online work offers a solid understanding of their best captures, edits, and poses. Do your prospective photographers’ portfolios reflect the work you’re looking for, and do they have experience with weddings, rather than other genres of photography?
Photographers familiar with Catholic weddings will already know that certain moments can differ from secular weddings. For example, the priest probably won’t say ‘you may now kiss the bride’ after the Rite of Marriage. Instead, the couple’s first kiss might happen at the sharing of the Sign of Peace--it’s alright to have a respectful, inviting conversation with your photographer about their familiarity with Catholic weddings and important moments during the liturgy.
As with any service, it’s wise to hear from wedding photographers’ past clients through online reviews: were they happy with their experience and images? Did the photographer fulfill their services according to his or her contract?
Once you’ve found several photographers whose work sparks joy and aligns with your preferences, then you can start assessing their work process:
How would my dream photographer deliver the photos?
Photographers are service providers with a variety of offerings. In addition to matters like the cost of a package, the number of hours booked, number of photographers present, and any complimentary sessions (like a bridal or engagement shoot), I encourage you to pay attention to one matter in particular: How, and for what investment, are photos delivered?
In other words, does your package include just shooting, editing, and digital delivery, or does it include additional fees for purchasing physical prints or albums? For budgeting purposes and to envision the final images you’ll hang in your home or display in an album, it’s helpful to clarify delivery and extra print items up front.
Should I find a duo or team of photographers?
While a single photographer can absolutely capture the most important moments of your wedding day, depending on the size and location logistics of your wedding, you might want to consider a photography team or a photographer whose package includes a second shooter.
In order to capture both bridesmaids and groomsmen getting ready at separate locations, as well as the large crowd at our reception, I opted for a vendor who offered two photographers.
Does this photographer make me feel comfortable?
Taking photos on your wedding day shouldn’t feel like a hassle or super unnatural and neither should finding the best wedding photographer for you! A fantastic photographer makes you genuinely laugh while suggesting poses and keeping you informed about what pictures they’re taking.
You’ll be 100% confident they’re capturing every special moment of your wedding day--and they’ll be enjoying themselves, too! Find a photographer whose personality works well with yours and who is genuinely interested in helping your wedding day run smoothly and peacefully.
I hope these questions offer you clarity in what you want out of your wedding photos, as well as what to discuss before booking your photographer. Godspeed in your wedding planning!
About the Author: Grace Elaine Brown is a Presbyterian to Anglican to Catholic convert who likes musicals, whiskey, writing, and watching the rain. She’s been married for over two years to a country-singin’ United States Marine, Caleb, with whom she is expecting her first baby in July!
Grace is also the creator of the Catholic homemaking blog, Graceful, which shares her journey as a young married lady striving to be Catholic in this not-so-moral world in which we’ve been planted.