Practical Advice for Brides

Most of the time, when I write a blog post about wedding photography, I give practical advice based on my 7 plus years of photography experience. This blog post is a little different. It's practical, but its from my heart as well.

The last wedding that my husband and I photographed was about 2 weeks ago. We were in Phoenix, Arizona at a really nice resort. Our brides and their families were amazing. Our 'normal' photography session for a wedding is about 8 hours, I think we finally put our cameras down after 11.

So what was it that kept us going long after we were contracted for? The answer is simple. Because we are not in the business to do as many weddings as possible, we are in the business of making connections (and then taking great photographs!) They were super awesome to us, and we were super awesome to them. It's just how it works.

I love that I can make a living out of my photography. But what really matters to me is that I get to make people feel good, I get to be an artist, and I get to spend time with those who matter most to me. My clients matter a lot to me, and I hope that I to them.

When you are looking for a photographer, especially for your wedding. You need to make sure that you can see yourself wanting to hang out with that person for an entire day (maybe even more :)

You want to be comfortable in what you are spending on your photographer. Think you are getting a deal of a lifetime? Is that whats important to you? Finding someone who gives you the results you want might cost more, but its definetly worth it.

Are you comfortable enough with this person that you can say what you mean and mean what you say? Being able to communicate, good or bad, is really important. When my husband and I are on a shoot, we work for you. We will always do our best to make sure your day runs as smoothly as possible, but if there is something you don't like you need to be able to say it. Sometimes I see photographers with crazy hair, and high heels and lots of make up - they scare me. I probably wouldn't hire that person (personally) because I don't know if I could tell them if I didn't like what the are doing.

Lastly, could you see this person as part of your family? This is really important to me. When I meet clients, I want to know that I can trust them. I want to know that if I see them out on the street that I can give them a hug and they aren't going to pretend like they don't know me. (This hasn't happened yet!)

When all these things line up. You know you have found the right photographer! Next step, book them!!!