Having a wedding in Wine Country – one of the nation’s most popular wedding destinations – is pretty much the dream. Couples usually come away with an unforgettable experience that lasts them a lifetime. When you are trying to choose a wedding photographer having someone with experience in wine country is necessary. An expert in the area knows all the nuances to capture those intimate moments. Below is your guide on how to choose a wedding photographer.
One of the best ways to choose a wedding photographer is to explore the many wedding vendor directories available online. Websites such as WeddingWire offer an unparalleled collection of professionals who can make your big day even more special.
The best part about these directories is that many of them give you the option to sort based on budget, location, and deliverables. After all, you wouldn’t want to end up with someone who doesn’t serve your location or someone who costs more than what is in your budget.
In addition to wedding vendor directories, you can always take the direct route by turning to search engines to narrow down your choice of wedding photographer in wine country. Once you find someone who matches what you’re looking for, it’s always a good idea to check their reviews online. Remember, satisfied and unsatisfied clients always strive to have their opinion known. This is a great starting point.
You should also ask your close community if they have recommendations. If you know someone whose wedding photos really resonated with you, this would be a good person to reach out to. Another option is to ask a photographer if they have a previous client you can reach out to for a testimonial. This way you’ll be certain to work with a photographer who delivers incredible service.
Once you’ve settled on a few options, it’s time to learn a little more about them. In addition to how prior couples have felt about them, it is equally as important that they match the visual style you’re looking for. A portfolio is a reflection of the photographer’s expertise. Don’t go off of Instagram, request a portfolio from a wedding photographer you are interested in.
This styled shoot can be found on my blog Love at the Louvre Paris. I enjoy working on styled shoots because it provides more content for my couple to look through. If you are considering me as your wedding photography, it is important to know that I specialize in portrait photography. You won’t see a whole lot of running around photos. What you can look forward to is a timeless style photography that you will want to hang on your walls at home. In every photography package I offer, includes both an online gallery and a custom flash drive. You’ll be able to use these to choose which photos and of what size you want to display your unique wedding.
We’re going to stick our necks out and say that communication your expertise is perhaps the most important step in the process. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and you should be confident you are getting everything you want. By communicating your expectations, you can count on the end result matching your dreams! It also simplifies the processes as the photographer knows what shots to take ahead of time.
If there is anything else you want your photographer to know, be comfortable enough to ask. Things looked a little different at a wedding I captured at Geyserville Inn Wedding in Wine Country because the couple wasn’t local. After deciding on a California elopement destination, Justin and Amanda set their sights on booking me as their wine country wedding photographer. At first, they were overwhelmed by the options. Being a seasoned photographer in the area, I could give real feedback about their venue options! Never underestimate how much a photographer can help you!
Pro tip: give your photographer inspiration on what you like. Share samples and examples of your favorite wedding photos and describe what you like about them. A professional wedding photographer will take it from there.
While you discuss ideas with your Napa wedding photographer and explore different concepts, it’s also important to fix a budget. If you have a budget in mind, you can discuss with your partner to choose the most important deliverables and then communicate that to the photographer to help zero in on how much it will cost.
Now that you know how to choose a wedding photographer in Wine Country, the next step is locking in your date! Photos of your unforgettable wedding experience deserve to be cherished for the rest of your days.