When you’re planning your wedding, everything has to be perfect, from the flowers to the reception’s décor. But more importantly, you want to be able to capture this perfect once-in-a-lifetime event. This is why you need a great photographer. Of course, no single variable makes a great photographer. It all depends on your personal preferences, budget, timeframe, and much more.

So here are five things you should consider when choosing your wedding photographer.

Personality

A good rapport is important with your wedding photographer. After all, it’ll be easier to capture your best moments if photographers have an idea of how you act. In addition, if you’re uncomfortable being around someone, it’s going to show in the shots. This is why it’s important to get to know your photographer before the big day. It doesn’t have to be anything formal; a discussion over coffee or a virtual hang on Zoom should do the trick.

Style and quality

Every couple has a budget. Anyone starting a photography business knows that having the right gear is just one of the keys to success. So ask what backup system they have for their equipment, such as the number of cameras, memory cards, lighting, etc. Try to look at their wedding portfolio and see if quality, lighting, and other factors are up to your standard and preference.

Value

In addition to the previous point, it’s also good practice to ask your potential photographer what’s included in their package. Normally, it comes with full photo coverage, slideshows, and digital copies of the pictures. Some photographers may even toss in a frame or album. Compare their rates and offers with other wedding photographers in the area and decide on the package that’s more appealing to you.

Insurance

A professional wedding photographer will often have liability insurances to cover all eventualities. You should be looking for either a public or professional liability insurance policy. Both will enable you to seek compensation should the worst-case scenario happen, like a broken camera during the wedding (so they can’t take any more pictures) or the files getting corrupted while editing. A professional photographer with insurance will be more careful with their actions and aim to deliver you the best wedding photography experience possible.

Adaptability

Your wedding is going to be different, whether that’s because of the venue, crowd, or other aspects. Therefore, you need to hire a wedding photographer who’s willing to adapt to any environment. For example, hosting your wedding in unique venues like The MAAS Building or the lush green Francis Cope House, then they have to be able to adjust to the setting. Or what if you want your pet included in the shots? Is your photographer willing to make that work? All in all, an ideal photographer needs to be willing to capture great photos, no matter the situation.

Finding the right wedding photographer is no joke. You have to pay attention not just to their portfolio but also to their personality, packages, style, and other aspects. This is why you should never underestimate the need to research every aspect when it comes to picking the right photographer for your wedding.