- There's a lot that goes into wedding planning, and getting great wedding photos can be difficult
- INSIDER spoke to some experts to find out how you can make sure your wedding photos look amazing
- It's important that you find someone that you trust
There are so many things that go into planning a wedding and for many brides and grooms, wedding photos are high on that list. Your wedding photos are what you'll look at to remember your big day for the rest of your life.
Getting great wedding photos, however, can be easier said than done. Hiring the wrong photographer can quickly turn into a disaster, and going into the event with absolutely no preparation could end in disappointment.
INSIDER spoke with some experts in the industry to find out how you can make sure you get some great shots of your day.
Figure out what your vision is for your photos.
The first step to getting excellent photos is to hire a photographer with a style you like, not just someone you know or someone who is affordable. Zola's director of brand Jennifer Spector suggested doing a "deep dive" into a photographer's profile before making any decisions.
Spector said, "Every photographer's style is different. Some shoot brighter photos, some darker, some are into portrait style; while others focus more on group shots." Get some wedding inspiration, figure out the look you're going for, and go from there.
Try to meet with your photographer in person before hiring them.
A photographer isn't the same as every other vendor — as Spector said, "You don't have to love your florist, DJ or caterer on a personal level, but you should really like your photographer." Why? Spector explained, "Your photos will turn out more natural if you feel comfortable with the person behind the lens."
Try meeting with the photographer in person to go over details before signing contracts. If that's not possible, Spector told INSIDER, "definitely ask for references and read reviews online and look at their entire Instagram and Pinterest feed. Social media is a great way to investigate wedding vendors."
Plan an engagement session before the wedding.
A lot of couples dismiss the idea of doing an engagement session before a wedding either to save money or to save time, but doing one with your photographer is actually really important. It's also usually included in packages now, so it shouldn't be more money.
Wedding photographer Kelsey Combe, of Kelsey Combe Photography, spoke told INSIDER that this is a great way to feel out a level of comfort.
"It's totally worth it because it helps you learn their shooting style, and helps you get comfortable in front of the camera," she said. "Photoshoots are hard — most brides and grooms have never done a professional photoshoot before, and it's nerve-wracking being in front of the lens. So an engagement session is a great way to loosen up, get comfy, and calm anxieties prior to the big day."
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