Most wedding guides walk couples through the process of planning their wedding over a year, but when it comes to last minute planning you don’t have quite as much time. This is particularly true when it comes to selecting your wedding photographer.

Look for consistency in their portfolio. Also, consider that photographers tend to specialize in a certain type of photography.

Do Your Research

Your photographer is one of the most important wedding vendors you will hire. Your photographs are what you will remember your day by and they should be treated with as much care and attention to detail as you have put into the rest of your planning.

Start by researching photographers that you love. Look at their portfolios and read their websites. You can also find out a lot about the photographer’s style by reading their blog posts. There are many different photography styles, from classic to documentary and everything in between. Take some time to familiarize yourself with the different styles and see which ones appeal to you most.

Once you have done some research, jot down the names of a few photographers that catch your eye and start to email them. Ask if they are available on your wedding date and what their rates are. Also, check their cancellation policy. This is very important to be aware of so you do not end up booking with a photographer that has a history of canceling last minute bookings.

Ask Questions

You should ask a lot of questions before you choose your wedding photographer. This includes, but is not limited to:

You’ll also want to know if they have shot at your venue before, if they do what type of lighting they use and how they edit their photos. This will help you decide if they are the right fit for your wedding and what type of style you prefer.

Another important question to ask is how long they’ve been a photographer and what kind of experience they have. This will give you a good sense of the quality of their work.

Finally, you should always find out what their backup plan is in case they are unable to shoot your wedding for whatever reason. This is very important to have peace of mind knowing that if something does come up, you will not be left without a photographer for your big day. Make sure this is clearly spelled out in your contract!

Look at Their Work

When choosing a last minute wedding photographer, it is important to look at their work. You want to make sure that they can check off all of the boxes that are important to you and that their style fits well with yours.

There are many different styles of photography, including fine art (dreamy, reminiscent of fashion magazine editorials), documentary (candid and off-the-cuff), traditional, and modern. It is best to pick a style that you will love in years to come and be happy to hang on your wall.

If a photographer is unable to shoot your wedding due to availability or another reason, be sure to ask if they have an associate that they can pass-off your wedding to. This is an important question because it may affect the quality of your photos and the timeline in which you will receive your final images.

Also be sure to ask about their process and what they are able to achieve in the time allotted for your day.

Seek Referrals

Photographers who specialize in weddings may be more likely to offer last minute availability. In addition, photographers who have worked at a venue often know the location well and can help with overcoming any lighting or framing challenges.

Many couples find their wedding photographer through word of mouth recommendations. It is important to ask the couple you are considering what their experience was like and if they were happy with the result.

A photographer may not be able to accommodate you due to scheduling conflicts or equipment failure. In this case, it is helpful to ask if they have an associate or backup photographer who they can recommend and work with.

In addition, a photographer should provide you with examples of their albums before you make your final decision. Albums are a great way to showcase and preserve your wedding photos, so be sure to check whether they offer them.