Planning a wedding can be stressful, with so many different elements to sort out. The list is endless for your wedding dress, venue, catering, and whether you want a band or a DJ.

Then, of course, choosing a wedding photographer is the task. 

Arguably one of the most important elements of a wedding, your choice of photographer will affect how you are able to look back on one of the most important days of your life. 

If you don’t know where to start with finding the ideal wedding photographer for your wedding, then the blog below will help steer you in the right direction. 

Think about what you want 

There are several different wedding photography styles, so you need to know what you want before you start looking for a photographer. 

Some people prefer more traditional wedding photos where the bride and groom and all the guests pose for pictures, whereas others prefer “in action” shots that are taken throughout the day and evening. These tend to be more natural-looking than posed pictures and can help to capture more of the essence of the day. 

Set your budget

The cost of a photographer can vary greatly from one professional to another, so it is important that you know how much you have to spend before you start creating a shortlist. 

If you are on a very tight budget, you may want to think about hiring an amateur photographer. Alternatively, if you can spend a little bit more, there are lots of professional photographers to choose from, such as rifeponcephotography.com. 

Ask family and friends 

If you don’t know where to even begin when it comes to finding a great wedding photographer, then it can be a good idea to ask family and friends for recommendations. These are worth their weight in gold and can help you to find some real hidden gems in your local area. 

It can also be useful to ask your followers on social media with visual platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. 

Check out their portfolio 

When browsing through the top-rated Oregon wedding photographers (or whoever is in your area), it is essential that you check out their portfolios on their websites. If you like what you see, then you may want to ask to look at more of their work. 

Make sure that they have experience taking the type of wedding photos you and your partner want and that they are transparent with their fees. Also, take a look at their testimonials page to see what their previous customers have to say about their services. 

Go with your gut 

You must always go with your gut instinct when it comes to your wedding and the decisions that you are making. Therefore, if you don’t feel good about a particular photographer, then don’t book them.

On the other hand, if you get a good feeling when you meet someone and build a great rapport with them, quickly lock them down because all the best wedding photographers get booked up fast, especially during the wedding season.