Finding the Perfect Wedding Photographer from Orlando to Melbourne, Fl: Keep It Real, Keep It Fun

Jun 6

Bride dancing with her groom while holding foam multicolor lights in a packed dance floor at The Treasury on the plaza in Saint Augustine, FL. Artistry Elevated played with light dragging and the lights look like they're dragging across the photo

OMGGG! Finding a wedding photographer. insert laughing and sweating emoji here Holy… there’s a lot of photographers in Orlando and on the east coast near Melbourne, Fl. It's a big deal, and you want to make sure you nail it. Your wedding day is going to be a blast, filled with love, laughter, and probably a few happy tears. So, how do you find someone who can effectively capture all that magic without driving you nuts and is worth their salt? In this blog we’ll go over what it means to be real with your needs, how to do your homework, get personal with them, check their gear and storage, check reviews, plus a couple extra to find your Cinderella match! Let’s dive in.

1. Be Real with Your Needs

First things first, figure out what you want. Do you want a photographer who can blend into the background and catch those candid moments? Or someone who can guide you and your crew into picture-perfect poses? Do you want an editorial vibe, documentary, completely candid, unbridled and free?? Do their photos make you feel something? If a photographer's work gives you goosebumps, put them on your list. There’s a TON of styles out there. Knowing what you want will help you narrow down the choices.

2. Do Your Homework

Next know what editing style you love first- then look at portfolios specific to that style. Lots of them. This is different from the style of how they capture moments. This is how they then edit those moments and the colors in the photograph. Do you like light and airy? Dark and moody? Bold and vibrant? Extra warm? True to life? And don’t just stick to the first page of Google. Sometimes the best gems are a few pages deep.

3. Get Personal

Meet with potential photographers. Do a FaceTime or Zoom call. Grab a coffee or a drink, and see if you vibe. You’re going to spend one of the most important days of your life with this person. If they feel like someone you’d want to hang out with, that’s a good sign. Bonus points if they can read the room and know when to jump in or hang back. If they don’t want to do any of these things it could be a big red flag.

4. Check the Gear

This might sound nerdy, but it’s crucial. Make sure your photographer has backup gear. Cameras, lenses, flashes – all of it. Shit happens, and you don’t want your wedding day memories to disappear because a piece of equipment crapped out. Also, ask if they shoot on dual slot cameras. This means they save your photos on two memory cards at the same time. Double the security, double the peace of mind.

5. Storage Matters

Ask how they store and back up your photos. You want someone who takes this seriously. The last thing you need is someone losing your photos because they didn’t back them up properly. Look for someone who keeps your images stored safely until you have them in your hands.

6. Check Reviews

People love to share their experiences, especially when it comes to weddings. Look at reviews, but take them with a grain of salt. One or two bad reviews among a sea of good ones might just be from a bridezilla or groomzilla. But if you see a pattern, pay attention.

7. Talk Budget

Be upfront about your budget. Great photography can be expensive, but it’s worth it. You don’t have to blow all your cash, but remember: you get what you pay for. Look for someone who offers a good balance of price and quality.

8. Sign the Contract

Once you’ve found your photographer, get everything in writing. A contract protects both you and them. It should outline what you’re getting, the costs, and what happens if something goes wrong.

9. Stay Chill

Lastly, sit back and relax. Weddings can be stressful, but they’re also a celebration. You’ve done your homework, found a photographer who gets you, and you’re ready to have an amazing day. Trust them to do their job and enjoy every moment.

So, there you have it. Finding the perfect wedding photographer doesn’t have to be a pain in the ass. Keep it real, keep it fun, and remember to focus on the love and joy of your big day. Cheers to finding someone who’ll capture all those beautiful moments just the way you want them. Now go make some damn good memories!

XOXO,

Faith & Harry