Photographer picking

I would definitely want to see a portfolio. not necessarily ask for references.

while a photographers portfolio is super important. the vibe you get with them is also just as important. you need to feel comfortable with them. because when you do, you will get such better photos.

We are getting married in 76 days & are just meeting with a new photographer 2morrow. We had gone with a great Vendors reference. We planned in November when I spoke with our "photographer " for over an hour that she'd hold our date till we could meet on Dec 15. She lives an hour and a half away. After waiting all day for a time & place to meet, she text to cancel late afternoon. She promised to text within the next week for a new appt. It's now Jan 5 & I have not heard boo from her. I've been stressed to the max about a photographer to say the least... we decided we were not going to chase someone to give them our business. I posted here & on fb group. Fb was too much...private messages popping up etc but I sure was able to see many different types and prices of photographer's. Tomorrow we are meeting with the person I hope will be our photographer. My future Husbands Aunt recommended her & has used her for Family photos. I hope we mesh. Fingers crossed!!! i would absolutely ask for references normally but I've read her reviews & looked at all her photos etc & knowing she has worked for Family has put her at the top of our list. Her package we like is 10 hours for $1500.00 with both 500- 600 photos edited in color and the same amount of black and white photos on a USB and online gallery + an engagement shoot included. I love the fact that we'll have a chance to get more comfortable with her doing an engagement shoot. A perfect time to do my makeup trial too. I wish you good luck. I feel like its 1 of the most important vendors we will book.

I've been following photographers on IG and FB for years, so when it came down to choosing I had a top 3 list. We met with everyone and saw their portfolios which contained photos I hadnt yet seen, compared package details, and made our final decision. Check social media, it will be your best friend when it comes to looking up a reputable photographer

I definitely don't think it is inappropriate. I based my decision on the photos on the website and facebook as well as the conversation I had with him. I met with a few other photographers beforehand and just didn't get the right vibe from them. As soon as I started talking to him I knew it was someone I could deal with and who wouldn't overwhelm us to get the best pictures.

If it's a reputable photographer, they should have social media pages, and a personal website. They usually include testimonials, and Facebook or WeddingWire (if they are on here) will have reviews.

I don't throw out an option over one or two bad reviews (depending on what the reviewer is upset about) because some people just like to complain, however, just be able to read between the lines and be aware of the overall consensus of customer's opinions.

Also, you don't really ask for references, but you can definitely do 'interviews' and ask for them to provide their portfolio. This way you can see what their work looks like on a broader scheme (not just one wedding/even).

We went with our venues recommendation and they had amazing photos!

Most photographers have feedback on their websites. If they're on wedding wire, there will be reviews there too. Never heard of asking for references though. Not sure, but I feel like that would start you off on a bad foot with them? Like their work and experience doesn't speak for itself.

Start with reading the reviews available on them, look at both their Instagram feeds and website galleries. If you're happy with what you see and read, then set up a meeting with them in person. The in person meeting is pretty telling. You're either going to vibe with them, or you aren't.

I found our photographer through looking at our venue's website photos. I liked what I saw, so I looked into more of her work.