The expert guide to finding your ideal Connecticut wedding photographer

You have enough stress on your plate when planning your wedding, and finding the perfect CT wedding photographer for you can be difficult. But don’t worry, I’m here to help make that process easier. There are some factors you should consider when choosing your ideal wedding photographer.

But, it all really begins with you. This means knowing what style you like, getting real about pricing, and knowing how you want your day to unfold.

Knowing what you want

The struggle is real when it comes to finding our ideal wedding photographer. But before you open that fresh tab on Google, you need to ask yourself why you want wedding photography. Don’t get caught up in packages, pricing, or portfolios just yet. Instead, you need to step back and really think about what you truly value from your wedding photography.

A simple exercise to do is to make a list. On one side list what you like about photography and on the other what you don’t like. Really take your time and think about it. This should not just take a few minutes. Really try to clear your mind and not let social media influence what you like or dislike. This is about you.

Then think about how you those photographs to make you feel. What is happening in them. Are they natural moments or more posed?

Next, what do the colors look like. Are the colors really vibrant and bold, or are they subtle, maybe even all black and white.

For some, it might be how a photograph captures the raw emotions of a moment and tells a story. Others, it’s how a photograph can transport you back to a specific time and place, reliving nostalgia. It might even be the creativity and attention to detail that makes a photograph truly stand out to you.

Understanding this will be instrumental in finding the ideal wedding photographer for you. Because when you know what you’re looking for, you’ll be able to more effectively communicate your vision to potential wedding photographers.

Shooting styles

Every wedding photographer has their own “shooting style”. I put that in quotes because refiring to a photographers style can mean a lot of things. To me, a photographers style combines how the take and edit a photo. Photography is an art, and that means its all subjective.

Here are 4 of the shooting styles you will encounter most. To note, most often, photographers will combine what they love from certain shooting styles and that is what develops their unique style.

Traditional

Traditional photography is all about capturing those classic, timeless moments. This type of photography often includes posed family and group shots and romantic portraits of the couple. The focus is on creating a polished final product, focusing on traditional poses and composition.

Photojournalistic

Photojournalistic photography focuses on capturing candid, unposed moments. This style is about capturing your wedding day’s true emotions and candid moments. Photographers who specialize in photojournalism will often blend into the background and capture candid moments as they happen. This style of photography is perfect for couples who want a more natural and honest look to their wedding photos.

Fine Art

Fine art photography is all about creating art through your photographs. This style often includes a lot of creative editing and post-processing, emphasizing creating a unique and artistic final product. Photographers specializing in fine art photography will usually have a strong artistic background. Therefore, they will use their composition, lighting, and editing knowledge to create beautiful, unique images.

Contemporary

Contemporary photography is all about capturing current trends and styles. This style often includes a lot of creative poses and compositions. In addition, it usually incorporates a lot of natural light and candid moments. Photographers specializing in contemporary photography will often have a good understanding of current trends and styles. They will use that knowledge to create a final product that is both modern and timeless.

Editing styles

When choosing your ideal wedding photographer, consider the editing style of photography that appeals to you. Look at the types of images you are drawn to. If you prefer a soft, light, and airy look, find a photographer specializing in that style. If you are drawn to dark, moody, fine art-like images, find a photographer who offers that style. Remember, most photographers have a specific style and may be unable to change it. It’s always best to find a photographer who specializes in that specific style.

Some common styles you will find are:

True to color

True to color refers to a color palette that accurately represents the colors in the real world. These colors are timeless, clean and true to the human eye, meaning that they are not overly saturated or manipulated. They are natural and easy on the eyes, making them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Rich & Vibrant

Rich & Vibrant colors are also true to color, but with an added emphasis on saturation and contrast. These colors are dialed up to an 11, making them more intense and striking. They can be used to create bold and impactful designs, but may not be as versatile as true to color palettes.

Light & Airy

Light & Airy colors are soft, bright, and romantic. They are commonly used in blogs and magazines to create a light and ethereal atmosphere. These colors are often pastel and muted, and are used to create a peaceful and calming environment.

Dark & Moody

Dark & Moody colors are warm, dark, and contrasty. They are reminiscent of movie lighting, and create a moody and atmospheric atmosphere. These colors are often used in film and photography to create a sense of drama and tension. They can also be used in design to create a bold and dramatic aesthetic.

Black & White

Black and white photographs create a timeless, elegant, and classic look by eliminating the distraction of color and highlighting the drama and nostalgia. It is often used to showcase the raw emotion and beauty of a moment in a powerful way.

Bonus Tip: Start by looking at photographers’ portfolios on websites like Fearless Photographers, Worlds Best Wedding Photos, & Wedding Maps. You can also go on IG, FB, Pinterest, and Google images. Pay attention to how the photographs were taken and edited. Do they match the style you’re looking for?

Finding a photographer with a great personality

A photographer with a great personality is important as it allows you to feel comfortable and relaxed during your wedding. After all, you will spend all day with them. You want to feel comfortable when you are most vulnerable or excited, resulting in more natural and authentic photographs.

Your ideal wedding photographer should connect with you personally, understand your needs and preferences, and create photographs that reflect you and your personality. They also help to make the process more efficient and enjoyable by communicating effectively and putting you at ease. They should feel like a Friend-tographer.

Do their values align with yours?

Finding your ideal wedding photographer whose photography values align with yours is important because it ensures your photographs reflect your vision. A photographer with similar values will understand and capture the essence of who you are as a couple.

A relationship that jives with your photographer will also result in a more relaxed and enjoyable photography experience. With a shared understanding of what is important to you, you can trust that your memories will be captured beautifully and carefully.

How do they stand out

What makes a wedding photographer stand out from a sea of other photographers in the area? This could be their style, editing, approach, communication, brand values, or personality. It’s important to consider what makes them stand out to you and if it aligns with what you’re looking for. 

What do they offer and how much?

All wedding photographers approach this differently. Some list a starting price on their website with what that includes, some list all their pricing all up front, and some don’t list anything at all. This can tell you a few things about the photographer as well.

If there is only a starting price or no pricing at all on their website, don’t panic, this usually means they want to have a meaningful conversation with you. They really value personal connection and they want to get to know you, discover your story, and build you something very custom to your needs.

If there is full pricing listed, it can mean they are likely more volume based in terms of clients they take on and they want to show you they have competitive pricing. Don’t let this be a turn off to you, just know they may take on a lot of clients so expect that type of experience.

You will also see this when working with high volume studios who may cover not just the state you live in, but several others or world wide even. Be cautious and do a lot of additional research first. These company’s often do not have direct employed photographers and look for ones in the area to use for your wedding. Think of it like when you order flowers from ProFlowers.com. They do not make their own flowers and send them to you, they reach out to local florists in your area to have them made and then sent to you.

When you are looking at these prices, you should look at it as risk removal and if you value it as such. Does what is being offered remove the risks from what I value, need, and want in my wedding photography. You will typically see the following in most collections.

• Hours of photography coverage
• Number of photographers
• High resolution digitals
• Retouching & color grading
• printing rights
• Online gallery

Additional addons you might find are:

• Album design
• Heirloom albums & keepsakes
• Wall art and prints
• Premier celebrations
• Secure backups
• Engagement or Bridal sessions

Are all of these necessary for your wedding photography? No, it really is all up to what you value, need, or want from your wedding photography. Do some couples just want digitals, of course. Do others want the full shebang, indeed they do.

Bonus Tip: If a wedding photographer seems like they are selling to you and not listening to your needs, wants, and values, they are probably not your ideal wedding photographer. Always go with your gut.

What to look for on photographer Websites

Make sure you review a photographers website and take note of what they are talking about. You can learn a lot about a photographer just from their website and how they represent their brand. Do they talk about albums and prints? To they talk about the experience you will receive and the problems they solve? Do they discuss their process? Is there an FAQ you can look at? Is their personality and brand really speaking to you when you read it? Are their photographs resonating with you? Are they easy to contact?

What to expect in a consultations

This can be a different process for each photographer. Typically a consultation is the first personal interaction with your potential photographer which can be a quick call, zoom, or even text. Think of it like a meet & greet. It’s so you and the wedding photographer can meet, learn more about each other and see if you are a good fit.

Pay close attention to the conversations taking place. Is your photographer genuinely interested in you and your story? Are they

Remember, this is a life investment, not a one time service. Photographers do book up quickly, so scheduling your consultation as soon as possible is important to ensure the photographer you want is available on your wedding day.

Ultimately, finding your ideal wedding photographer is about understanding your values, style, and budget and finding a photographer who aligns with those. Then, considering all the factors above, you can choose the perfect photographer to capture your wedding. So don’t rush into a decision. Instead, take your time, do your research and find the ideal wedding photographer for you.