Finding The Right Wedding Photographer

Looking for a wedding photographer? | Following these tips and guidelines will help you with your search

Start by asking yourself the most basic questions that will narrow your search for the perfect photographer. The topics addressed below are based on our 17 years of experience serving hundreds of couples, listening to their needs, and understanding what is best for the couple.

Finding the right photographer starts here.

The first thing you need to address is your budget. What do you plan to spend on photography? The cost of hiring a photographer will be based on several factors, such as the number of hours of coverage you will need for your day. Will family members or friends be contributing toward the expense of hiring the photographer? Do you prefer to have one photographer or two? We explain why having two photographers will result in more great photos of your wedding.

The next question is related to the style of photography that interests you the most. Sometimes, couples find this question difficult to answer. Look at it this way: what style do you gravitate toward? Do you like photographs that are light and airy or have that light pastel look, or would you prefer colorful and vibrant photographs with more visible details? Depending on the location and lighting, photos can be dimensional with the use of light and shadows. We find both styles appealing, so our studio accommodates most styles couples seek to have for their wedding photography. You can read our article on “Our Style of Photography,” which addresses this topic explicitly. Once you have answered these essential questions, you will narrow your search.

The next section covers more of the general skills that your wedding photographer needs to possess so they can provide you with wedding images that you desire and love. Ask the right questions and be specific. Asking for general information may not give you the full answers you need. We recommend you read this article first. Then, read the article that addresses the ”Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer” to understand what specific questions you should be asking when meeting with potential wedding photographers.

Strong Reviews – What was the experience of past clients?

A business with numerous reviews is more likely to be established with a track record of delivering top-quality products. Clients often rave about not only the final product but also their experience with the company and the photographers.

We list a few testimonials on our website, which were copied from Google, The Knot, and Weddingwire, just to name a few. Consistent five-star reviews indicate a professional photographer can produce and deliver what clients like. Now and then, you may find one or two reviews that are less than five stars, which is perfectly fine as long as the overall number of reviews is five stars and remains consistent throughout the years; the results will be helpful with your search. Those perfect or near-perfect five-star averages will give you the confidence to look further into the photographer you have narrowed down in your search. The testimonials should express their satisfaction with the images and product but don’t overlook what they have to say about the overall experience.

Expertise – A Technical and Creative Wedding Photographer

A professional wedding photographer is well-versed in the technical side of the trade and possesses artistic and creative abilities. Many times, especially with inadequately trained photographers, a poorly trained photographer will ineffectively one or both knowledge and skill with their equipment and ability to capture moments at the right time.

Great equipment and technical skills may yield great photographs as long as there are no time limitations, but the truth is that a wedding is dynamic and fast-moving. Fleeting moments will come fast and disappear just as quickly, never to present itself again. To us, there are no excuses for missing a photograph that we know or anticipate will most likely present itself. A professional photographer is ready to capture every moment while producing the most beautiful photographs. A professional with years of experience and talent will anticipate the next moments and be ready to capture them creatively. Do you want to leave one of the most important days of your life up to chance?

Personality – Being Personable and Charismatic

Just as important (if not more important) as having the technical knowledge and creative skills to be a wedding photographer is interpersonal skills. How well will the photographer interact with you and your guests? Are they outgoing, personable, charismatic, professional, and honest? You will most likely spend a full day with your photographer on one of the most important days of your life. A wedding photographer with a personality that matches your own is vital to the overall experience of your wedding. A photographer who can make you laugh and feel at ease as they support you throughout the day is vital.

Photography Style – Do You Like Their Style of Wedding Photography?

While researching photographers, you’ll see many wedding photography styles. Over time, you’ll gravitate toward a style that pleases you the most. You will have a general understanding of a photographer’s artistic style, not those posted on Social media platforms like Instagram. Take the time to review their portfolio. In the end, it will be worth it. While you are reading this article, take a minute to read about Ambar Moreno Photography’s photography style. Understand the differences and what they are.

Lead Photographers and Assistants – Having More than One Wedding Photographer

Often, we are asked if more than one photographer is needed. We encourage you to read “How Many Wedding Photographers Do I Need”. The article will explain this topic in detail.

Consider this when asking about having more than one photographer. We explain to couples that a single photograph that may be beautiful lacks the storyline behind it, but if you are presented with several photos from different angles, the storyline becomes clearer. You may find that a photograph from one perspective may appeal to you compared to another that was taken at the same moment. We like to present our clients with variations that you will find invaluable.

Also, the best photographers cannot focus on everything simultaneously or be strategically in place to capture a specific scene. Just having another photographer will give you that creative, quality image. At Ambar Moreno Photography, we provide our clients with two primary photographers with over 18 years of talent and experience. This has proven to be beneficial in capturing stunning photographs. Multiple photographers enable our team to broaden the coverage with creative eyes at the event.

Quality – Quality over Quantity

Don’t get caught up in the number of products each photographer promises. Your focus should be on the quality of the work being provided. We understand the need to stay within a budget. Perhaps purchasing an album or prints can be postponed for a later time. Unfortunately, you cannot change the quality of the photographs taken at your wedding.

Remove products to make your package more affordable. Cut the prints from the package, remove the album, and avoid having a cheaper photographer at all costs. You should value the quality of their work. Consider the fact that Ambar Moreno Photography provides primary photographers at your wedding without the additional cost of hiring a second photographer.

Cultural Wedding Experience – How Familiar Are the Photographers With Cultural Wedding Traditions?

Cultural weddings bring an abundance of exciting traditions. Documenting some cultural weddings requires more time and attention than traditional weddings. Your creative team should posses the experience and understanding of your traditional wedding.

Overall Experience – Professional or Part Time Wedding Photographer | Choosing the right Photographer

A wedding photographer’s experience level is crucial. Look beyond the basics and carefully review everything that has been mentioned thus far. Does the photographer you are reviewing consider wedding photography a “weekend side job”? That leads to the next question: How many weddings has this photographer shot?

While there are experienced photographers, some are relatively new to wedding photography. Unlike other photographers, Ambar Moreno Photography is a fully functioning Studio that is available to its clients every day with the exception of some weekends. We are here to answer your questions and provide you with the experience you deserve.

Throughout our years of photographing weddings, we have determined that photographers with at least 40 weddings under their belt possess the required experience to be an associate photographer. Photographers with at least 75 weddings are capable of handling a wedding as a primary photographer with an assistant.  If the photographer possesses less than what we mentioned, you need to reconsider that photographer’s eligibility.

Choose a wedding photographer | About Ambar Moreno Photography

We are a team of creative and talented New Jersey wedding photographers passionate about storytelling and weddings. Founded in 2006, our studio has been recognized as the best wedding photographer in South Jersey and is setting the standards. We are located in Camden County, New Jersey, and have photographed at numerous wedding venues located in Burlington County, Gloucester County, Atlantic County, Cape May County, Ocean County, Mercer County, and beyond. Let us walk you through your wedding day and give you a thorough view of our albums, wall art, and other print photography products. We will also provide you with more information about the talented and experienced group of wedding videographers we work with to give our clients the best overall experience and product at a reasonable price.