Tips on Finding a Wedding Photographer | Wedloft by WeddingWindow.com

The Wedding Photographer – Your New Best Friend

Posted by Lily Riley on April 16, 2010

I’m sure many of you have heard the advice that photography is one aspect of your wedding on which you should NOT cut corners. Both my father and husband are photography buffs, so we were not entirely surprised to hear this advice. As most couples do, we set out early to define our budgetary priorities. For us, it was food/service, photography, and music, in that order. These were the areas we agreed would be our “if we love it, we’re booking it” items, and all others would be subject to trimming as needed. As we look back on our wedding and the gorgeous photos it produced, putting photography high on our list was one of the best decisions we made.

Photo Credit: Brian Phillips Photography

We were blessed to have the talents of Brian and Maria Phillips on our side. Brian was named “Best Wedding Photographer” by Boston Magazine in 2008, and a quick browse through his website shows you why. So I asked Brian’s wife and business partner, Maria, a few questions to try to sniff out the ingredients for a successful couple-photographer relationship.

ME: What should a couple look for when choosing a wedding photographer?

MARIA: First they need to make sure they like the photographer’s style and the images presented to them (website, albums, etc.). Making sure they like the photographer and that their personalities click is also very important. You will be spending several hours on your wedding day with this person and working with them on the album as well, so you should be comfortable with them!

ME: Is an engagement session essential?

MARIA: It’s always a good idea to do an engagement session so the couple and the photographer can get a feel for each other. Also, when the wedding day comes, the couple will likely be less nervous because they have a feel for the photographer’s style of shooting and have spent some time getting to know each other.

ME: What kinds of things can a couple can do to maintain a good relationship with their photographer leading up to the wedding?

MARIA: Keeping communication open and letting the photographer know what their expectations are and what shots are important to them. A few weeks before the wedding we always call the couples and chat about the flow of the day, review any special details and make a note of specific shots the couple wants.

ME: What advice do you give to brides who are not comfortable in front of a camera?

MARIA: To try and forget that we are there! This allows us to capture the true emotions that happen thought the day.

ME: What advice do you give to couples to ensure you get great shots of their day as it unfolds?

MARIA: Again, try to ignore that we are there for most of the day and to be as natural as possible. They do not need to smile and pose every time they see us near them. We are always observing and waiting for those special moments between the bride and groom or their families.

We were absolutely thrilled with our photos – a few of which are below – and I hope that this conversation provided some good information to help you choose who will chronicle your big day!