Photographs are the treasured mementoes that capture our favourite moments. Whether for a wedding or a bat mitzvah, you want your pictures to match the magic of the occasion. 

If you are struggling to find the right photographer, do not worry—our guide covers everything you need to know to find the best professional for your celebration.

Here are some tips for finding the perfect photographer for your event: 

Choose a Venue First 

Ideally, you want to settle on a venue before looking for a photographer. And there are a couple of reasons for this. Photographers often only work within a local area. If you find someone excellent and then book a venue far away, you might be out of luck or pay more for their services.  

Furthermore, event photographers are in high demand and schedule work months in advance. So, it is crucial to have a venue decided and book their services as soon as possible.  

Tip: Most venues happily supply referrals to professional photographers. Consider starting your search there. 

 

 

Assess Your Budget 

Knowing your budget helps you decide what photography services you can afford and may also help narrow down your choices when stuck.  

Keep in mind photographers may offer various packages, and their prices will vary depending on the hours needed, season, the number of edited photos delivered, travel.  

Excellent photos provide you with priceless keepsakes of your most cherished memories. So don't be afraid to give yourself a little wiggle room pricewise! 

 

 

 

 

Find a Style You Adore  

Once you get a venue and budget down, you can move on to the fun stuff: style! 

Event photographers generally specialize in a type of photography. Some may take a fine-art approach that looks vibrant and aesthetically striking. While others have a spontaneous and sentimental style.  

Take some time to look through event photos on social media and online and find what you like. Doing so will help you find the best service for your birthday or cocktail party.  

Plus, you might discover a new aesthetic you didn't realize you loved.

 

 

Ask Friends for Referrals 

Reading online reviews can be helpful. However, it's hard to beat an endorsement from someone you trust.  

So, when looking for your event photographer, start by asking your friends and family for recommendations. 

The chances are that someone you know can refer you to a photographer they enjoyed working with. You can ask them to show the final product they received. That way, you know precisely what you'll get for your money. 

 

 

 

 

Search on social media 

One of the best places to search for event and wedding photographers is social media.  

Numerous photographers post their galleries on apps like Instagram and Pinterest. That way, prospective customers can see their polished work and reach out to them directly. 

Furthermore, your friends may post dazzling professional photos from their events on social media. So, you might come across a service or style you like just by scrolling. 

Tip: Start your search with friends that recently held a wedding, Quinceanera, or another significant event. 

 

Ask to See Their Portfolios 

After you find a couple of photographers or services you like, it's time for research. 

Set aside some time to look carefully through their portfolios. That way, you get a better idea of what kind of style and services they provide. Plus, you want to make sure they have experience photographing your type of event. 

This is also an excellent opportunity to examine what people say about that photographer online. Check if their website has any customer testimonials. And if they're a large business, look at their Google reviews too. 

 

 

 

 

Reach Out to Your Favourites 

The next step is reaching out and interviewing potential photographers. You may contact them through a direct message on social media. Or see if they have an email on their website. 

When you do so, consider asking for more samples of their work. And request quotes so that you know what their services will cost you. 

And don't forget to pose some crucial questions, such as: 

  • What is the expected turnaround time for the photos? 
  • Does the customer keep printing rights? 
  • Can you supply any references or testimonials? 
  • Will you we have access to all photos, or just edited.

 

 

Leave No Room for Surprise 

You no doubt want your wedding or party to go off without a hitch. To ensure that happens, set clear expectations between you and the photographer. 

For example, you should talk to your photographer about what their set-up entails. They may need a corner of the room for equipment like tripods. And while on that subject, check if they plan to bring any assistants along. 

Also, inform the photographer of any specific shots or styles you want to be captured. That way, they can prepare accordingly and deliver what you envision. 

 

dslr camera in focus, camera in photographer's hand, wedding guests in background

 

 

Set Up a Test Run 

Scheduling a test photoshoot with your photographer is an excellent idea. 

Doing so gives you a chance to meet them and get rid of any lingering doubts. Plus, you'll have a better sense of how they like to shoot and the kinds of poses they use. 

Having a test shoot also lets your photographer get the lay of the land at your venue. They might find scenic photo spots you missed or even supply some recommendations for lighting. 

 

Trust Your Instincts 

Finally, remember to trust your intuition. 

You want a photographer who understands your vision and goals for the event. Don't just choose the most prestigious business—instead, go with who you feel the most comfortable working with. 

If you're planning a wedding, then whoever you hire will be there for the most important day of your life. So naturally, you want a person or group of people you trust. 

Doing so ensures you appear natural and relaxed in your pictures, turning them into timeless moments.