Hiring the Best Charleston Wedding Photographer: 5 Tips to Consider

Hello there, engaged friend! So, you just got the ring from the love of your life … now what? Most couples secure their dream venue first, and then a photographer to document their wedding day. But there are so many Charleston wedding photographers to choose from! How do you know which one is right for you? Here are 5 tips to consider when hiring a photographer so that you pick the best Charleston wedding photographer for YOU!

Hiring the Best Charleston Wedding Photographer

VIBE

Do you vibe well together? I mean this person will be the third wheel on one of the biggest days of your life. They will be with you while you are getting ready to when you exit your celebration of love. You want to feel supported, heard and that they will execute your unique vision, not theirs. I highly recommend meeting up for a coffee or cocktail before booking someone. During your complimentary consult, whether it be a meet-up in person or over the phone, they should be asking YOU questions! Not just talking about the services they provide.


EXPERIENCEย 

Choose a photographer who is experienced at shooting weddings, and who has a portfolio that includes ceremonies and receptions, not just pretty styled shoots (mock weddings). You need a wedding photographer who can take on the unpredictability and emotions of a full wedding day. You want someone who can roll with the punches and adapt, not add stress. Bonus if they advise you with vendor recommendations and your day of timeline in order to help make your wedding planning go smoother.


BACK UP

It is important for you to know that your photographerโ€™s equipment is up to date and capable of achieving the results you want. Back up cameras, memory cards and flashes are a must in case of any malfunctions. Also, it is important to ask about their backup plan for emergencies. Who will shoot your wedding in case they are not able to all of a sudden? A good photographer should have a network of trusted wedding photographer friends to call on.

STYLE

Make sure their style and your vision for your wedding photos match up. If you want a light and bright photographer donโ€™t hire a dark & moody one. You can check out a photographerโ€™s portfolio on their website, blog and Instagram as well as request to see online galleries online of full weddings…*Donโ€™t forget to ask about turnaround timeline; how long until you get your photos & how you will receive them?


REVIEWS- Do past clients rave how they are the best Charleston wedding photographer?!

Read past client reviews on The Knot, Wedding Wire, or Google. How did the photographer make their clients feel? Were they organized? Was the couple’s vision met and were they happy with the end result? Picking out the keywords in reviews from past clients that align with your vision for your dream day is one easy way to hire the best Charleston Wedding Photographer for you and your partner.

engaged couple holds hands

Photography | Leigh Hayward Photography

Good luck with finding the right wedding photographer! Remember, your photos should tell the complete story of your day from all the pretty details to the final teary goodbyes with loved onesโ€ฆin spectacular pictures bursting with the emotion of course!

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