Hiring your wedding photographer in Silicy is one of the biggest decisions you'll make for your day. It's important to do your research and find someone whose style fits your aesthetic.

It's best to start looking at photographers at least 3 months in advance. This gives you enough time to do your research, vet them, and set expectations for your day.

1. Do Your Research

A wedding photographer is a lot like an artist’s paintbrush or a carpenter’s hammer; you want one that generates great results. That’s why it’s important to do your research before you hire someone.

Start by looking at the photographers’ portfolios and blogs. Check that their work is consistent and shows a variety of styles, including posed portraits and candid moments.

Also, make sure to ask for a full wedding gallery — seeing multiple photos from the same wedding can give you a more complete picture of how they worked on a real wedding day.

Finally, look for photographers that seem equality-minded and are open to the opinions of their clients. They should be excited about your wedding vision and be able to communicate effectively.

2. Schedule a Meeting

If there are any photos you want on your big day, make sure to let your photographer know about them. They can’t capture those moments if they don’t know that they’re important!

Photographers like to meet with couples before they book because it allows them to get to know each other. They want to hear all about how you met, how your relationship blossomed into love and all of the little details that make your wedding unique!

Prepare a list of questions to ask your photographer before your meeting. This way you’ll have everything organized and ready to go. You can even use ClickUp’s Goal feature to clearly define your meeting objectives so that everyone is on the same page. This will help you avoid any surprises during the meeting and ensure that all of your questions are answered.

3. Look at Their Portfolio

The best way to tell if a photographer is the right fit is by looking at their portfolio. Look for a variety of pictures from different weddings and be sure to pay special attention to the quality of the images. A good photograph will be able to tell a story and make you wonder about what occurred in that moment.

When you view their portfolio, pay special attention to how well they handle lighting. If your wedding will be outdoors at night or inside in dim lighting, ask the photographer if they are comfortable shooting in that type of environment.

For new photographers, consider offering a discounted introductory package for their first few weddings to help them build up their portfolio. This will also give them valuable experience while providing you with high-quality photos.

4. Ask Questions

The answers to these questions will give you a much clearer picture of what it's like working with them. For example, does the photographer have a backup plan in case they get sick on your wedding day, do they offer digital and printed albums, how long it takes to receive your gallery, what do they wear to the wedding, etc.

Shim recommends asking about pricing early in the inquiry process to ensure that a potential vendor falls within your budget. This is also a great way to understand whether the photographer has any add-ons that would increase your final cost. The answer will help you determine if they are worth booking. Also, consider the photographers starting price as well as their taxes and insurance.

5. Schedule a Consultation

Even if their website looks amazing and their prices are exactly what you're looking for, it's important to meet with your photographer before making a final decision. It's a chance for you to see how they interact with clients and their overall personality - do they make you feel comfortable?

During this meeting, you can ask any questions you have about their work or the process. It's also a good opportunity for them to see if you're a good fit and that they can meet your expectations.

If you don't get an on-the-spot booking, it's okay! Just be sure to follow up with them and let them know you're still interested in working together. They may just be on the fence about making a decision or need to talk it over with their partner.