Finding the perfect wedding photographer is one of the most important parts of your wedding planning process.

Why is your wedding photographer so important?

Your wedding photographer is going to be one of the only vendors who is present throughout your entire wedding. They’ll be there while you’re getting ready. They’ll be there as you walk down the aisle. They’ll be there as you bid your friends and family farewell and hop into your get-away vehicle.

It’s important to find someone who not only takes breathtaking photos, but someone who can blend in with your wedding guests. You don’t want to hire someone who’s rude to your guests, or who shows up looking like a slob. I’ve read so many horror stories about wedding photographers acting improper at weddings.

So how do you spot “The one”?

First, we need to determine your photo style. Is your style dark and moody, light and airy or somewhere in between? Make a list of several photographers who’s style matches yours.

Second: Read their biography. Mark out anyone who doesn’t feel right to you. Note, you may only mark one photographer out or none at this point.

Third: Contact the photographers on your list. How long does it take them to respond? Is response time important to you? Mark off anyone on your list that doesn’t respond in a timely manor or responds in a way that rubs you the wrong way. Use your instincts here, they’re usually right.

Fourth: Schedule meetings (either virtual, by phone or in person) with the photographers who really stand out to you.

Lastly, after talking with the photographers you were interested in, think about your wedding. Was there a photographer who you feel would best fit in with your family? Is there someone who made you laugh or smile during your meeting? Can you envision one person in particular capturing your wedding memories?

You’ve found “The one”!

I’m starting a new series: Questions to ask a wedding photographer.

You have standard initial questions like:

1. Are you available for my wedding?
2. What are your packages?

Today, I’m going to focus on the question, “Have you photographed at my venue before?”

Why is it important to ask a wedding photographer if they’ve shot at your venue? There are many benefits to having a wedding photographer who is familiar with your venue.

1. They know how the dynamics of a wedding works there.
2. They know who to contact at the venue.
3. They’ve already scouted the best locations to take wedding portraits.
4. They’re familiar with the lighting situation.
5. They’re familiar with the rain contingency plan.

That being said, don’t count out a wedding photographer just because they haven’t shot a wedding at your venue. Everyone has to start somewhere, and what’s most important to you may not be whether they’ve been there, but maybe their style or personality.

Personally, If I’ve booked a wedding at a venue I haven’t been to yet, I like to go out there a month before to check out the venue. I’ll take a quick tour, take some photos of the venue and talk with the staff. I’ll also stalk the venue’s Instagram page and make mental notes.

Kelly Urban Photography is a wedding photographer located in Houston Texas. She specializes in fun and unique outdoor weddings. Some of her favorite places to take wedding photography is out in the country, under a canopy of trees or with her toes in the sand at the beach.