5 Tips for Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
Guest Blogger: Kyra Cole from Kyra Lyn Photography
Meet our guest blogger – Kyra Cole. Kyra, the primary photographer at Kyra Lyn Photography, has been in the photography business for a decade. Kyra is based in Essex County, Ontario and travels across the province and around the world to capture special moments from engagements to weddings, and maternity shoots to newborn sessions.
The relationship between a couple and their wedding photographer is an important one. Your photographer will be with you throughout your big day, and they can often help mediate certain situations that may arise, such as a misplaced piece of hair, a forgotten bouquet, an unruly groomsman – trust us, we’ve seen it all! More importantly, your photographer (and videographer) will provide you with the images that remind you of your day. They capture memories and help retell the story of a day that can easily become a blur.
Over my decade of shooting weddings at Kyra Lyn Photography, I quickly learned the importance of the relationship between the client and photographer, and I have come up with 5 tips to help you choose your wedding photographer.
Comfort is Key
This is the single most important thing I stress to couples. Your photographer will be directing you and your partner to pose for photos (while the idea of photos may make your partner cringe); or wrangling all your extended family into a group shot. Your photographer will be with you every step of the way on one of the busiest days of your life! You want to make sure that the photographer you choose makes you feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident that they are fully in control of their role.
As the photographer, I’ve been the one carrying extra bobby pins, energy bars, and water. Very often, I’m also the one helping the bride get in and out of the limo (or washroom). Making sure you feel comfortable with your photographer will ensure the day goes by smoothly. You will feel relaxed and at ease that all your moments will be effortless and perfectly you. I would suggest that you spend some time in advance of your wedding date to chat with your photographer. Get to know them – ask questions, share some laughs, and make sure that their personality fits with yours. Hire a photographer for their personality as well as their photo skills!
One way to familiarize yourself with your photographer’s personality is to hire them for an engagement shoot. This will help you and your partner loosen up, and see how you work with the photographer. If you feel uncomfortable at that point, it’s okay to move on!
Love Your Photographer’s Style
Every photographer has a definitive style. Some love a dark, moody, high contrast look, while others shoot the ethereal, light and airy look with romantic pastels as the palette. Figure out what style captures your personality best and find a photographer that fits that style! You’ll be much more satisfied than if you choose a photographer and ask them to edit in a style that doesn’t fit their brand (photography is an art and many photographers stick to a specific editing style for a reason).
Ask yourself what adjectives best describe your personalities, or yourselves as a couple, and that should translate to the type of photography you choose. Are you bohemian souls, drawn to Joshua Tree and Coachella, or romantic types that gravitate towards the limestone buildings of Paris, or lavender fields in the South of France? Answering these questions may help you narrow down your choices!
What Inspires Your Photographer?
How does your photographer answer this question? Understanding what inspires your photographer will give you an idea as to whether their vision is compatible with yours. Do they want award winning images and highly styled portraits? Are they driven by the candid moments and stolen looks on the big day? Do they just love love and want to be there to capture the fairytale over and over again? Your photographer’s response to this question may help you figure out what you feel is the most important part of the day to document.
Follow Your Photographer on Social Media
Your photographer’s social media channels offer an inside look into how they work. What type of images do they promote? Do they showcase diverse couples who look like real people (and is that important to you?) or does their portfolio only contain highly styled shoots and people that look like they just stepped off the runway? Do they showcase a consistent look and feel on their Instagram? This may give you an idea of the images that you can expect from them. Do you get a glimpse of their personality through their feed? Familiarize yourself with their style, and learn more about them through the content they share and their interactions with their clients.
Ask About Procedures and Timelines
This is a good opportunity for you to ask questions about the turnaround time to receive your images (6 weeks vs 6 months can make a big difference!). Do they post sneak peeks of your images? How will your images be delivered to you? What down payment is required to secure your date? What happens in the case of a global pandemic?! If you need to reschedule on a date the photographer is already booked, what protocols will they put in place to support you?
Use this opportunity to review the photography contract and understand what services are included. I cannot stress enough the importance of a contract to protect both you and the photographer (having to once save a bride whose photographer had bailed on them the morning of their wedding, and who didn’t have a signed contract, broke my heart!). In the end, photography is a business and you want to ensure you’re hiring a photographer who takes it seriously and is professional!
I would like to end by saying that 2020 has been a crazy year for everyone—brides and photographers alike. In the midst of all of this uncertainty, I hope that through these tips you are more confident in selecting the right wedding photographers.
— Kyra Lyn Photography is based in Essex County, ON. Specializing in weddings, engagements, and branding photography. Catch us on Instagram at @kyralynphotos or at www.kyralynphotos.com. Now booking 2022 and select 2021 dates!
