WEDDING + ELOPEMENT + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY

10 Tips for Choosing the Perfect Wedding Photographer

Two brides walking hand-in-hand through a lush forest, wearing white wedding dress and white suit, smiling at each other, surrounded by tall trees and natural greenery.

Your wedding day is one of the most significant moments in your life, a day filled with love, joy, and memories that you will cherish forever. As wedding photographers, we’ve had the privilege of capturing these precious moments for countless couples. With no do-overs, it’s crucial to find the perfect photographer who will not only document your day beautifully but also resonate with your vision and personality. Here are ten tips to help you choose the ideal wedding photographer:

1. Identify Your Photography Style

Before you start looking for a photographer, decide on the style of photography you prefer. Do you love candid, documentary-style shots, or do you lean towards more traditional, posed photographs? Maybe a blend of both? Understanding your style will help narrow down your search and ensure your photographer’s work resonates with you.

Getting to know our couples is a crucial aspect of our work. By understanding your personalities, preferences, and story, we can tailor our approach to best capture the essence of your relationship. This personalized touch ensures that your wedding photos are not just beautiful, but also meaningful and representative of who you are as a couple.

Bride and groom heartily talking to a family member at their intimate reception inside the industrial chic Century Hall in Fort Worth

Groom surrounded by his groomsmen, all laughing and standing in front of a downtown Fort Worth

Documentary Photography: With a focus on storytelling, documentary photography allows us to chronicle your wedding day as it happens, without interference or direction. This approach ensures that every detail, from the quiet preparations to the lively dance floor, is documented in a way that is both artistic and true to life. By capturing events as they unfold, we can provide a comprehensive and honest portrayal of your wedding day, highlighting the genuine moments that make your story unique.

Candid Photography: This style is all about capturing the spontaneous and genuine moments that unfold throughout your wedding day. These photos may be lightly directed, such as a first look with a parent. We will help set the scene, placing you in the perfect location and lighting. From there, we take a back seat and let the moment happen naturally, revealing the true emotions and reactions of you and your loved ones, providing a heartfelt and authentic narrative of your celebration. By blending into the background, we can capture laughter, tears, and intimate glances that reflect your unique personalities and the natural joy of the occasion (with a little help setting the vibe!).

Posed Photography: While candid and documentary styles capture the unscripted beauty of your day, posed photography allows us to create timeless and elegant portraits. These carefully composed shots are perfect for capturing the grandeur of your wedding attire, the intricacies of your decor, and the intimacy of your couple’s portraits. By getting to know you and your partner, we can tailor these sessions to reflect your personalities and style, resulting in images that are both stunning and personal.

At The Burrow, we pride ourselves on our distinctive blend of candid, documentary, and posed photography styles. We view ourselves not just as a service, but as artists dedicated to preserving your special memories. Our passion for photography goes beyond simply taking pictures; we aim to capture the emotions, details, and atmosphere of your wedding day in a way that tells your unique story. By photographing a healthy blend of each styled approach, we offer a comprehensive and artistic portrayal of your celebration, ensuring that you can relive the joy, love, and beauty of your wedding day for years to come.

2. Review Portfolios Carefully

Take the time to review photographers’ portfolios. Look for consistency in their work and see if their style aligns with your vision. Pay attention to how they capture emotions, the composition of their shots, and their use of lighting. Make sure you’re impressed by a range of their work, not just a few standout images.

Groom with cowboy hat walks through country chic patio in the sunlight.

Bride and groom hold each other while looking towards the camera in front of small creek while the brides veil flows in the wind

Smiling bride in her wedding dress being walked down the aisle by her father while guests look on

Wedding details of rose florals and table number 7 on top of orange table cloth

Bride and groom excitedly cutting wedding cake inside of The Brooks at Weatherford

Groom smiling at bride as he holds her hand to guide her down steps as she smiles back at him in her wedding dress in front of The Brooks At Weatherford

Bride and groom dancing alone inside wedding venue in front of fireplace and their sweethearts table

3. Check Their Editing Style

Editing plays a significant role in the final look of your photos. Some photographers prefer a natural, clean edit, while others may use more dramatic or vintage styles. Ensure their editing style matches what you envision for your wedding photos. Consistency in editing across their portfolio is a good sign of what you can expect.

Our photography editing style is characterized by a rich blend of vibrant colors and deep, rich tones that stay true to the natural beauty of your wedding day. We believe in preserving the authentic color palette of your special moments, ensuring that the hues and shades reflect the real atmosphere of your celebration.

Bride holding bouquet in one hand with her other hand brushing back hair as she looks into the sky with trees behind her

Bride laughing while groom draps his arm over her shoulder in a casual pose in front of landscaped trees

The colors in your wedding gallery are influenced by various factors, including the colors you’ve chosen for your decor, the weather and sunlight on the day, and the ambiance of your venue, whether it features warm-toned wood or bright white walls. Our editing approach enhances these elements, weaving them seamlessly into your visual story.

Every photo we deliver is meticulously hand-edited in our personally developed style, ensuring that your images are not only beautiful but also unique to your day. We go beyond simply applying a preset; our editing process involves careful adjustments to color, lighting, and tone to create images that are both vibrant and true to life.

Finding a photographer whose editing style you love is crucial as it determines how your memories will be preserved and experienced for years to come. Our commitment to hand-editing each photo ensures that every detail, every emotion, and every moment is captured in a way that resonates with you and reflects the true essence of your wedding day.

4. Meet Them in Person

Your wedding photographer will be by your side for most of your wedding day, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them. Arrange a meeting or a video call to get to know them. Pay attention to how they interact with you and your partner. Do you feel at ease? Are they enthusiastic and passionate about their work?

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day, and we’re here to make sure we are the perfect fit for each couple. As part of our onboarding process, we arrange a video chat or phone call with every wedding client. This meeting is crucial for us to understand your love story, hear about your wedding plans, and discuss our approach and package options. It’s during this conversation that we truly get to know you as a couple and learn what matters most to you in documenting your wedding memories. Selecting a photographer who not only creates work you adore but also shares a personality and approach that meshes with yours is vital. You want someone who resonates with your vision, can step into your most intimate moments with trust and intention. We take our role to heart, approaching every wedding as if it were for a lifelong friend, genuinely thrilled for this new chapter in your lives. Our commitment is to document your day with your hearts’ intentions and vision in mind, capturing your story authentically and beautifully!

Bride sitting in elegant bridal suite at The Olana, getting her hair curled while bridesmaids are getting ready

Groom starkly lit near window as he adjusts his cufflinks and gets prepared

Bride in her getting ready robe opens double glass doors to let in light while her veil and wedding details sit in the foreground on chairs and tables.

5. Discuss Their Approach

Every photographer has a unique approach to capturing a wedding day. Some are more hands-on, directing poses and organizing shots, while others take a more unobtrusive, documentary approach. Discuss their working style to ensure it aligns with what you’re comfortable with and what you envision for your day.

We embrace a dynamic approach to wedding photography, seamlessly blending hands-on guidance with the art of capturing genuine moments. We understand the importance of allowing serendipitous moments to unfold naturally, but we’re also there to step in and provide direction when needed. Picture us as your versatile companions throughout your day, donning many hats beyond just being photographers. We’re here to ensure your day flows smoothly, offering coordination assistance and a friendly ear whenever you need it. Our strength lies in our ability to create an atmosphere of joy and ease, ensuring that your wedding day is everything you envisioned and more. With us by your side, you can rest assured that every moment will be beautifully documented, from the heartfelt exchanges to the spontaneous laughter, creating a timeless visual narrative of your love story.

6. Ask About Their Experience

Experience matters, especially when it comes to weddings. An experienced wedding photographer will know how to handle different lighting conditions, unpredictable weather, and the fast pace of the day. Ask how many weddings they’ve shot and if they have experience with weddings similar in size and style to yours.

With over 13 years of photography experience under our belts, we bring a wealth of knowledge and creativity to every wedding we capture. Over the years, we’ve photographed weddings of all sizes, from grand affairs with hundreds of guests to intimate elopements tucked away in scenic locations. Our studies in art encompass a wide range of styles, from modern/contemporary to traditional/classical, allowing us to adapt seamlessly to any setting or theme. Whether it’s a studio portrait, an outdoor ceremony, or a bustling event, we’re well-prepared for every photo situation and creative approach! Lighting is no obstacle for us, as we come equipped with a range of lighting equipment to ensure stunning results in any lighting condition. Rain or shine, we’re unafraid of weather challenges and always up for an adventure, be it capturing the romance of a couple dancing in the rain or the magic of a snowy landscape. We’re down to get a little messy if it means creating unforgettable memories! Our extensive experience ensures that we’re well-prepared for any wedding day scenario, allowing us to deliver exceptional photos and an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.

7. Inquire About Backup Plans

What happens if your photographer is unable to make it on your wedding day due to an emergency? Do they have a backup plan or a second shooter? What about equipment failure? Make sure they have contingency plans in place to ensure nothing is left to chance.

Ensuring a seamless wedding day experience means being prepared for any unforeseen circumstances, which is why we have comprehensive backup plans in place. Our emergency procedures are clearly outlined in our contract, covering contingencies such as illness, emergencies, and unforeseen circumstances. We also have arrangements for trusted and vetted associate photographers to step in if needed, ensuring that your day is captured beautifully no matter what. Discussing emergency plans with every vendor you hire and understanding the process is crucial for peace of mind, ensuring that you’re well-informed and confident in our ability to handle any situation that may arise. Additionally, investing in wedding day insurance is a smart move that can provide added protection and peace of mind. While most wedding professionals carry their own insurance policies, having your own coverage ensures that you’re prepared for any eventuality, allowing you to focus on enjoying your special day without worry. With our thorough backup plans and your own wedding day insurance, you can rest assured that your wedding day memories are in safe hands.

8. Read Reviews and Testimonials

Reviews from previous clients can provide valuable insights into a photographer’s reliability, professionalism, and quality of work. Look for feedback on their personality, their ability to capture important moments, and how they handled any challenges on the wedding day.

Reading reviews is a crucial step in selecting the right wedding photographer. Our reviews, showcased on our website and across our social media platforms, provide valuable insights into the experiences of past clients. These testimonials offer firsthand accounts of the quality of our service, the professionalism of our team, and the satisfaction of our couples. By taking the time to read reviews, you can gain a deeper understanding of what it’s like to work with us and feel confident in your decision to entrust us with capturing your special day. Whether it’s a heartfelt thank-you or a glowing recommendation, our reviews serve as a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to ensuring that every couple receives the exceptional service they deserve.

9. Evaluate Their Packages and Pricing

Understand what is included in their packages and if it aligns with your needs. How many hours of coverage do they provide? Are engagement sessions included? What about albums and prints? Make sure their pricing is transparent and there are no hidden costs. Remember, the cheapest option is not always the best when it comes to preserving your wedding memories.

Every couple’s wedding day is unique, which is why we offer a range of wedding coverage options to suit your needs. Whether you’re planning an intimate elopement, a traditional wedding, or a destination celebration, we have a range of packages designed to capture the magic of your special day. All of our pricing include taxes and fees, providing transparency and ensuring that you know exactly what the final cost will be. For couples tieing the knot in the central Seattle, Washington, and DFW Texas metroplex areas, there are no additional travel fees. We proudly call each of these hubs home, central to our lives and our loved ones. Our packages cater to a variety of budgets, with couples typically spending an average of $2,500 for 4 hours of elopement photography and $4,500 8 hours for traditional wedding coverage. Whether you’re planning a short and sweet celebration or an entire day of festivities, we offer coverage options at multiple price points to document all of your important moments. And if our standard packages don’t quite fit, we’re happy to create a custom package tailored specifically to your wedding day vision. To view our packages, you can download them on our website here or send us an email to discuss your wedding coverage options

Bride and groom at their ceremony listening to their officiant as he reads to them to perform the ceremony

10. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, trust your instincts. After you’ve done your research, met with potential photographers, and reviewed their work, go with the one who feels right. Your wedding photographer should not only be talented but also someone you feel a connection with and who you trust to capture your day perfectly.

Now you’re ready to pick your wedding photographer!

Choosing the right wedding photographer is a crucial step in your wedding planning. By taking the time to find someone whose work and personality resonate with you, you’ll ensure your wedding day is beautifully documented, leaving you with cherished memories to look back on for years to come. Happy planning!