A charming white building a wedding venue in Boonville, Missouri. The photo showcases trees and a small bench in front of the building.

Planning a wedding involves countless decisions, and you may be in the process where you are looking for someone to capture the most important day of your life. You may have asked yourself, "How do I find a photographer near me for wedding photography?"

As a wedding photographer based in Columbia, Missouri, with more than a half-decade of experience, I have enjoyed talking to many couples in the early planning stages. Finding a team of vendors can sound daunting, but with the right approach, you can easily navigate the seas of finding a wedding photographer.

In this blog, I will highlight five essential tips when choosing a photographer near you and how you can narrow your search to find the best wedding photographer for you and your fiance, ensuring your memories are preserved for a lifetime.

01. Research Local Photographers Near You

If you are starting from scratch, I recommend compiling a list of photographers near you who specialize in weddings. You can begin to create this list in various ways, but the easiest will be through a quick google search. Narrow down the search by adding the city or your wedding venue. A quick tip - I highly recommend choosing a wedding venue first, finalizing the wedding date, and then choosing a wedding photographer. This early planning allows you to have a solid vision before hiring the visionary, making your search more focused and efficient.

Another way to find local wedding photographers is by asking your venue for their preferred vendor list. Often, wedding venues will have a list of their favorite photographers (and other vendors) that they want to work with again. A preferred vendor list can fast-track your wedding search because venues often want the very best photographers for their clients. They have spent much time creating this list through relationship building and have requirements like proof of insurance. If your venue does not have a preferred vendor list, check out their recent tags on Instagram to view wedding photographers who have worked there recently.

The most important part of this process is to check out the photographer's professional website, read reviews, and take an in-depth look at their artistic style before scheduling consultations. This step is crucial as it allows you to understand the photographer's work and reputation comprehensively, helping you make more informed decisions. Doing the research in the beginning can save you hours of research down the road.

A bride and groom in a black tux and a white wedding dress walking along a sidewalk on their wedding day in Boonville, Missouri.

02. Schedule Discovery Calls

While this tip can be time-consuming, it is a crucial step to finding your dream wedding photographer. It is a common practice for a wedding photographer to request a wedding consultation or a discovery call before sending a proposal or contract. This is to ensure that both parties are a good fit for each other to avoid problems in the future.

During the discovery call, whether in-person or virtually, pay attention to the topics of conversation. Is the photographer focusing on your vision, preferences, and the specific shots you want captured on your wedding day, or are they trying to convince you they're the best option? Paying attention to how well the photographer listens to your needs and communicates their process and services is crucial.

Lastly, if you do not feel a connection with the photographer, close out the conversation early by sending an email stating you plan to move in another direction. A good rule of thumb is that if you're not excited about the offer, it's probably not the photographer for you. This will prevent unwanted email communication and respectfully end the relationship. From a wedding photographer to you, please avoid ghosting them. Photographers will spend 30-60 minutes on the call, plus additional time drafting a proposal and communicating. It's the most respectful to send an email stating you're not a good fit, regardless of the reason.

03. Review Portfolios

During or after the discovery call, take a step beyond the perfectly curated Instagram grid and ask the photographer for a full REAL wedding gallery, not a styled shoot. Has the photographer photographed a wedding at your venue? Request to see that gallery so you can visually see what your wedding day could look like. Look for consistency in style, quality, and creativity. Please pay attention to how they capture emotions, details, and the overall atmosphere of weddings. Also, pay attention to how they capture moments in different lighting conditions throughout the wedding day. It is easy to post a highly curated portrait, but if their flash skills at the reception are lacking, that could be a red flag. Wedding photographers must be ready for all lighting scenarios, rain or shine.

Jackie & Austin Photos by Kiley Ann Photography-0013.jpg

Jackie & Austin Photos by Kiley Ann Photography-0014.jpg

04. Consider Personality

Your wedding photographer will be by your side throughout the entire day. Depending on your preferences, you could hire your photographer for 6-12 hours. Choosing someone you feel comfortable with and whose personality meshes with your personality is essential.

Before you make the final decision, consider the time leading up to the booking as a chance to get to know your potential photographer. Treat it like an interview, where you can ask questions to understand their personality better. Inquire about their involvement on the wedding day, their approach to posing, how they handle unexpected situations like a rainy day, and their preferred communication style.

Considering the photographer’s personality is important because it will reflect in your images if you don’t feel comfortable.

05. Discuss Packages, Pricing, and Contracts

Finally, before deciding on a wedding photographer near you, discuss the photographer’s packages, pricing, and contract details. Ensure you have a clear understanding of what’s included in the investment. How many hours of photography coverage? Will there be a second photographer? How does the photographer handle communication with other photographers? What is the turnaround time?

Review the contract carefully so you clearly understand the terms of the agreement. Carefully review the clauses, paying attention to terms regarding deposits, cancellations, and rights to the images. One crucial question is, what happens if the photographer can no longer photograph your wedding day?

Choosing the best wedding photographer near you is paramount in ensuring your wedding memories are preserved for future generations. By following these five essential tips—researching local photographers, scheduling consultations, reviewing portfolios, considering compatibility, and discussing packages and contracts—you can confidently select the perfect photographer to capture the magic of your special day. With the right photographer by your side, you can relax and enjoy every moment, knowing that your love story will be told through stunning imagery.

To inquire about Kiley Ann Photography’s customized wedding collections, inquire here.