Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to ensure that every moment is captured perfectly. Choosing the right Atlanta wedding photographer to entrust your memories to can feel like a daunting, overwhelming task. And while polaroid shots are great for the guest book, we know you want every epic moment of your wedding celebration captured beautifully and authentically. The memories will be with you for years to come and your photos should be a representation of all the best moments of the day to look back on!
Start your search by looking at the portfolios of several different photographers. Take the time to study their work, paying attention to their style, technique, and overall quality of their images. Make a shortlist of the photographers whose work resonates with you the most before you begin reaching out. Pssst: Ideally, your wedding planner is helping you with this search, as they’ll have a unique insight into their price points, how they work as a team on the wedding day, turn-around times and much more.
Experience and credentials are critical when it comes to wedding photography. Look for a photographer who has relevant experience capturing weddings and can provide references/reviews from past clients. You should also make sure that the photographer has proper licenses, insurance, and equipment. It’s also great if they are a member of a professional photography organization.
Once you have narrowed down your list of potential photographers, confirm availability and price range before scheduling consultations with each of them. This saves a ton of time before your initial in-person (or over Zoom if you aren’t sick of video chats yet!) consultation. Your meeting is a bit like a date- discuss the details of your wedding day, ask them questions about their experience, style, turn-around times, the difference in the packages, their contractual requirements, etc. Again, if you’re working with a planner, they can help you narrow down your selections and match you with the best fits, so you can be efficient with your limited time!
During your consultations, make sure to share your vision and expectations for your wedding photos. Discuss what draws you to their work, any specific shots or poses you want, and any other details that are important to you. A good wedding photographer will listen carefully and work with you to create a plan that meets your needs, but also share their creative vision and approach, to ensure you’ll be a good fit for one another.
The cost of wedding photography can vary greatly depending on the photographer’s experience, location, and the services/packages offered. Make sure you understand the pricing structure and what is included in each package. Be wary of photographers who offer extremely low prices, as this may indicate a lack of experience or lower quality work. Remember: your wedding photos are the tangible representation of your wedding day!
Ultimately, you want to choose a photographer who you feel comfortable working with and who you trust to capture your special day. While we’re with you for a huge part of the planning process (and executing the wedding day), ON the wedding day, you’re spending almost every minute with this person as your shadow! Pay attention to how you feel during your consultations and trust your instincts. If something feels off or you don’t feel a connection with a particular photographer, it’s okay to keep looking until you find the right fit.
Choosing the right Atlanta wedding photographer is an important decision that requires research, consultations, and careful consideration. Following these tips, will help you find a photographer who will capture your wedding memories in a way that you will cherish for years to come.
As an award-winning inclusive wedding and event planner, Mitchell Event Planning provides a full-service, collaborative planning and design experience to all couples in love.
Office Location (by appointment only): 3344 Peachtree Rd NE, Suite 800 Atlanta, GA 30326