Having a professional photographer on your wedding day takes the pressure off you and your family to capture photos. This helps you to relax and enjoy your day!

Be sure to ask prospective photographers how many weddings they have shot. You want someone who has experience and has dealt with the hiccups that always come up on a wedding day!

Professionalism

The day of your wedding will only happen once, and hiring a professional photographer is an investment in capturing your once-in-a-lifetime event. Professionals understand the value of this memory and can help you choose a photography style that fits your taste and personality.

Photographers can also guide you through your options and help you decide on the best photo packages to suit your needs. Moreover, they are adept at directing their clients and can make even the most shy couple look natural in front of the camera.

When choosing a photographer, take the time to investigate their websites and portfolios. Schedule in-person or virtual meetings with your shortlist to determine whether they are a good fit for you and your budget. Ask about their backup plans and equipment to ensure your photos are safe and secure.

Time

A professional wedding photographer will spend time editing and retouching your photos to ensure the quality is superb. This can take up to four weeks or longer after the wedding.

For ShootDotEdit customer Dana and Nate Dorn, the husband-and-wife team behind Lovers of Love, the biggest pro of their craft is being able to travel and experience their craft as one united front. Their passion for their art turns each assignment into a delightful getaway while allowing them to seamlessly blend work and play.

Bailey recommends setting a budget early in your search and scheduling in-person or virtual meetings with the photographers on your shortlist to learn more about their experience and determine whether you have chemistry together. It is also important to ask about backup plans and equipment.

Experience

Professional photographers have years of experience working with a variety of clients and situations. They are familiar with the intricacies of wedding day timelines and ensuring all the important moments are captured.

They are also experienced in directing their subjects to pose for the camera, making them feel comfortable and confident. They have a creative vision that can make your photos stand out and reflect your personality.

In between weddings, there is a lot of work that goes into maintaining their business. This includes backing up images, editing photos and updating equipment. For ShootDotEdit customer and husband-and-wife photography team Dana and Nate Dorn, the ultimate pro is being able to journey side by side while working on their craft. They love turning work trips into mini vacations, exploring and immersing themselves in the charm of each locale.

Equipment

A professional wedding photographer will have the appropriate camera equipment needed to complete the job. This may include multiple cameras, lenses and lighting equipment. They also have backup equipment on hand in case of unforeseen technical issues that could arise during the wedding.

Professionals know how to use the best light, posing and composition to create stunning photos that will stand the test of time. They can also provide a variety of ways to display or share your wedding photos, including prints and albums.

Taking quality photos on your wedding day takes a lot of time and patience. Professional photographers understand this and make it a priority to help couples stay relaxed during their wedding day. They are experts at guiding their clients to pose and boosting confidence.

Communication

In-person meetings with potential wedding photographers early in the planning process allow you to determine if you have strong chemistry and a shared vision. It also allows you to discuss budget, preferences, videography and timelines.

Some photographers focus on candid, photojournalistic images while others offer more posed and styled shots. Be sure to choose a professional that matches your preferred style.

Before your wedding, create a vision board to share with the photographer you are considering to help them understand the style and mood of photos that are important to you. This ensures that they can deliver the type of photos you are envisioning.