10 Things to Consider When Choosing Your Ohio Wedding Photographer

Take it from someone who just spent 18 months planning her dream wedding...the people who tell you it's a walk in the park are high as a kite. It may be one of the most exciting times of your life, but it can also be some of the most stressful, especially if you're "type A" like myself!

That's why it's so so SO important to surround yourself with people you can trust to ensure your day goes as smooth as possible, so you can be worry-free from dusk 'til dawn when the big day finally rolls around. And that includes your vendors!

(Shameless plug for my wedding photographer, Eleven:11, for making our day so carefree & fun!)

A lot of newly engaged couples may not know that your photographer (if you choose to hire one) is a vital member of your wedding day. Not only is it wonderful to have every moment captured for you both to reminisce on for years to come, but your photographer also acts as a mini-wedding planner. They're by your side much of the day, directing you where to go, keeping an eye on the clock, fluffing dresses, and being your overall hype-person, just to name a few things.

With that in mind, here are ten things to consider when hiring a wedding photographer (from a wedding photographer!):

1. Style

When choosing your Ohio wedding photographer, ultimately the most important thing to consider is their photography style. Whether you prefer traditional, candid, or photojournalistic styles, it’s essential to align the photographer’s approach with your vision for the day. Take a look at their portfolio, website, and socials to ensure their wedding photography resonates with your personal taste. Don't be afraid to request certain stylistic shots or specific poses, but make sure it aligns with their overall color scheme, tone, and use of light so you're not surprised by the end results.

2. Experience

Experience makes a world of a difference and is, in my opinion, the #1 thing that ends up leaving clients unhappy (i.e. selecting a photographer based on price rather than experience.) The price tag can be intimidating, but an experienced photographer will know how to handle various lighting situations, unexpected challenges, not missing "the big shots", and schedule coordination. Don't be afraid to ask for full wedding gallery examples!

3. Reviews

Seek out ratings, reviews, and testimonials from past clients. Sources like the photographer's website, Google business page, socials, and wedding websites like The Knot can help you get an idea of what it's like to work with this photographer before you book.

4. Availability

Ensure that your chosen photographer is available on your wedding date. Most likely, this will be a question on most photographers' initial contact forms since it's common for popular wedding photographers to book out 1-2 years in advance! If you're eloping or having a micro-wedding, there's a whole community of elopement (or small event) photographers who will be more likely to fit you into their schedule on a tighter deadline. P.S. - that's my specialty ;)

5. Planning & preparation

Don't be afraid to "interview" your potential photographer and ask them a) what the planning process with them looks like leading up to the wedding and b) what you can expect from them the day of and months following the wedding. As I mentioned before, especially if you book a long wedding day, expect your photographer to be by your side for a good majority of it! For this reason, many photographers offer pre-wedding consultation calls to help understand (and even plan) your timeline in terms of the best time for family photos, first looks, etc. Additionally, ask them how many photos they generally deliver and their standard delivery timeline so you're not left hanging!

6. Personality

If it hasn't sunk in by now, you're photographer & you = peanut butter & jelly. You may even have a new bestie by the end of the day, especially if they enjoy tearing up the dance floor like me! It's important to pick someone who jibes with your personalities. Great photographers will offer an in-person consultation to get to know you, as a couple, before the wedding. Resist the urge to do it over the phone instead...you'll thank me later!

7. Industry knowledge

Choosing a photographer familiar with your venue can offer insights into their knowledge of the area. I wouldn't call it a requirement, but definitely a bonus if your photographer is previously familiar with where you'll be tying the knot. Same goes for their knowledge of your other vendors like your DJ, coordinator, and videographer. Past working relationships will only make the day go smoother! Plus, they'll be able to provide you with recommendations you may not have even thought of.

8. Add-ons

A newer trend I've noticed is add ons or "premium" wedding packages including anything from film photography, polaroid shots, engagement sessions, boudoir sessions, luxury photo albums, etc. Don't sleep on these if you're seeking an all-in experience to document one of the most fun seasons of your life!

9. Contract

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT book a photographer without a clear contract in place. I've seen too many unfortunate situations of couples never receiving their wedding photos or receiving a handful of photos months late because there was never a contract in place. Your photographer's contract should outline the responsibilities, deliverables, and rights regarding your photos. Ensure you understand who owns the photos and how they can be used.

10. Communication

Last but definitely not least, establish clear and open lines of communication with your photographer well before your wedding date. Know how and when you can reach them and ask if they're open to set up a consultation call 1-4 weeks out to ensure all ducks are in a row! This way they understand your preferences and can accommodate any last minute changes that can, and often do, pop up.

Congratulations. You got this. Now go get married with your ultra-qualified and talented photographer in tow!

And if that just so happens to be me you can find me here. Let's grab a coffee and talk weddings!