One of the most important decisions you’ll make while planning your special day is choosing your wedding photographer. I say this not because that’s my job, but because it’s one of the only parts of the day that will carry on with you for years to come. You’ll be able to look back and enjoy your pictures 20 years from now, but you’ll never be able to smell your wedding flowers or taste your wedding cake again, at least after your first anniversary!

Because this is such a critical decision, there are so many factors you should consider when choosing a photographer:

1) Their style:Because the wedding photography market is so saturated, there are a huge variety of styles to choose from. There are bright and airy styles, dark and moody, more traditional, rich and vibrant, fine art film, and so many more. It is very important that you choose a photographer based on the style of photography that you love. Even though your best friend may have a bright and airy style, you shouldn’t hire her if your heart desires a more fine art film style. In the end, if you don’t like the colors and tones that your photographer uses to edit your pictures, you won’t like them, even if you love the photographer.

2) Their personality:This part is HUGE. On your wedding day, your photographer will be with you, the bride, longer than you will be with your husband! Okay, maybe not that long but still. You will be spending a full day with your photographer, not to mention any engagement sessions or bridal sessions before your big day. It is so important that your photographer makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera. You need to click with her (or him) and who knows, she could be your long lost best friend! If you aren’t comfortable talking with her in a consultation, or you just don’t think that you are the right fit, go with your gut.

3) Their experience: Creating a client experience is something that a lot of photographers now-a-days are really trying to accomplish. However, there are still many photographers who are more concerned with the business transaction (and brides, too). Not every bride is interested in getting to know her photographer. Some brides like someone’s portfolio and only care that the person shows up on the wedding day to do the job. That’s not how I operate. I think it is so important for brides to have an experience with their wedding photographers. This can include everything from the initial inquiry, to gifts, to the engagement session and the final images delivered. I want to get to know my clients and build relationships with them. So, if you are interested in an experience, make sure that the photographer is interested in that, too.

When you choose the right photographer to capture your wedding day, amazing things happen. I am not the right photographer for everyone, and I know that. However, I adore working with all of my clients and know that they have enjoyed their experiences as well. One of my June brides, Amanda, left this sweet review after her wedding (view their special day here):

“KELSIE IS AMAZING! As soon as I found Kelsie and her beautiful pictures, I had to book her. And it was one of the best decisions I made for my wedding day. Kelsie was there for me every step of the way, and went above and beyond to help me prepare! I felt like one of my best friends was helping me get ready for my wedding day, keeping me stress free, reminding me when things were due, and giving me advice when I was freaking out! She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help with anything! And then her pictures… every single one that I’ve seen so far is my favorite. I can’t choose just one. She captured the light, colors, and emotions of the day perfectly, and was a joy to have around. I seriously couldn’t have asked for a better photographer. THANK YOU for everything, Kelsie! I highly recommend you to everyone I talk to.”

Now, I want every bride to feel like this after she gets her wedding photos! That just shows that she picked the right photographer, and it just happened to be me. If you keep these three criteria in mind when choosing a photographer, you will undoubtedly feel the same way!

I am now booking 2018 weddings, so if you love my style, think that we could be best friends, and you want an experience (not a business transaction), then I would LOVE to chat! Fill out the contact formand we can set up some time to chat. 🙂

With joy,
Kelsie