3 Things That Don’t Matter When Hiring Your Wedding Photographer

01  If they shot at your venue before

If your photographer is a professional, whether or not they have shot at your venue before honestly doesn’t matter. 

Here’s why: most venues are really similar from a photography standpoint. Your wedding is indeed unique, but wedding venues are often designed with photography in mind. Venue owners often make every space gorgeous, hence why you’re choosing to get married there! They know the photos you capture are also going to be part of their word-of-mouth advertising.

That means I won’t have trouble finding perfect spots to capture photos, even if I’ve never been there before. Plus, I always try to do my research before your wedding. I talk to staff and wedding coordinators about the venue, lighting, and any special decorations or elements you’ve added. I also arrive early to scout the place out to find those perfect spots. 

Every wedding is different, for sure! That means that even if your photographer has shot at your venue before, things are going to look and be different. There’s no way to 100% prepare. And any photographer worth your time is going to come prepared.

02  If they will scout the venue

That being said, things are always so different on the day of your wedding, even after I scout your venue in advance, rarely do I end up capturing photos in all of the exact spots I found. And that’s okay! You’re still going to get insanely beautiful and fun photos. 

Light changes often (which is the #1 factor for great photos), and it’s difficult to predict. Even if I don’t scout it out days in advance, I always arrive at the venue early just to scout it out a bit on the day of your wedding. And, I’m always prepared with the right lenses and extra lighting for your venue to make sure you get the most spectacular photos.

03  If they have a ton of awards or publications to their credit

Like most things in media, publications and organizations handing out awards have their own agenda and style, and they only feature photographers that match 100%. In order to get published, photographers often have to actively seek out publications. These publications don’t go around awarding the most talented, most authentic, most loved by clients. So while one photographer is out there trying to get published and famous, another is out there practicing their craft and serving their couples so they can offer the best experience.

So, don’t look for awards. Look for a photographer who matches what you’re looking for, both in their photos and in their personality. You’re going to be spending a LOT of time with this person on your wedding day. Make sure y’all are a good match!