Happy Monday, Beautiful Brides!

Our official wedding season started after the New Year! We’ve had several bridal shows, wedding walks and open houses to keep us all busy so far in January and we’re not even through the month yet! Everything from caterers, to planners, to booty boot camps and so many other things you didn’t even know you needed just to walk down the aisle. You’re most likely already overwhelmed and there’s so much information to keep track of and things to remember to help make the best decisions. We get it! 🙂

So, as you’re out there searching and interviewing your wedding photographers, here are 3 tips to help you read between the lines in assessing if the photographer you’re considering is a good fit for you!

 1. Response Time:

When you made your initial inquiry, did they respond in a timely manner? I’m not saying that they should stop everything and contact you right away, however, three business days later is unacceptable. Just like any business transaction, an acceptable turnaround time is within one business day. Keep in mind that wedding photographers are usually working on Saturdays and Sundays, so if you send in an inquiry on a Friday afternoon, give them until close of business Monday to respond. Some studios are even closed on Monday to help them get caught up from the busy weekend; still, they should be able to respond via email. If they have a slow response time this could be an anomaly or it could be an indicator of a how they handle your business going forward.

  2. Portfolio of Work:

When you look through the images on their website, can you envision you and your love in those photographs? Does the style of photography seem timeless and can you see those images displayed on your family room wall for the next 30 years? If you fall in love with their photographic style and it fits what you have in mind; then next look for a full range of images as talented wedding photographers will have a well-rounded portfolio. From engagement images, to bridal portraits, and wedding ceremony images, to details, to first dance and reception. Some wedding photographers will inadvertently display just one type of image on their websites because that’s what they love and are good at. Take bridal portraits for example. Everyone loves to see those beautiful composed portraits with perfect lighting under a gorgeous tree with a lovely background. However; did the photographer get the important images of the day? The one where mom was crying and the pride on dad’s face gleamed as he walked his little girl down the aisle?

3. Compatibility and Trust:  After the first meeting with your wedding photographers it should be pretty easy to tell if they’re going to be a good fit for you. Did they ask questions about your needs and desires? Were they attentive and did they really listen to your responses? Weddings are real time—they’re not recorded and wedding photographers don’t get a redo if they miss something. Do you like and trust them to preserve your wedding day memories? These are the types of questions you should ask yourself in order to gauge if they’re a good fit for you both.

While there are many other factors (too many to list here) in the decision making process when choosing a wedding photographer—this is a simple reminder to read between the lines as there is so much information you’ll be receiving when you work through that first meeting with them. If they meet your needs and desires and you trust they’ll do a great job for you—then I say go for it! After all, when all is said and done you’ll have your rings (maybe your dress) and your photographs as a remembrance of your special day to last a lifetime.

In Dreamcicle Love,

Kristi xoxo

About Dreamcicle Studios Photography: We’re a madly in love husband and wife photography team in the Phoenix-Scottsdale area that loves capturing love more than anything! We photograph new beginnings and completed souls; faces of anticipation, happiness, love. It’s wedding photography designed uniquely for you. We’d love to speak to you about photographing your dream wedding day! Contact us by clicking here.