A happy candid wedding photograph from the chateau laurier in ottawa

For most couples, booking a photographer is the first thing they do after securing their wedding venue. It’s a big decision, and one that can’t be taken back, so choosing wisely is important. What factors should you consider before booking your photographer so that you remain confident and happy with your choice? Read on to find out!

Photography is an art form, so above all else you have to be attracted to a photographers work. Spend some time browsing the websites and Instagram accounts of photographers in your city. Look back through blog posts so you really get a feel for what’s out there.

There are many different styles of both shooting, and editing wedding photos. With a little bit of research, you’ll soon find yourself enjoying one style more than another.

candid emotional wedding photograph from a backyard wedding ceremony in ottawa

You’ll soon discover that there’s no shortage of good photographers, and a quick google search can quickly become overwhelming. Which one is the best fit for you? It’s confusing because there are many photographers shooting in the same style.

At Union Eleven we know exactly the type of client that we’re after, and we try to communicate that clearly. This means our couples often feel like we “get them” right away. We’re upfront about our focus on the people, the relationships, and the stories that will make your wedding day special.

For our team, candid storytelling takes precedence above all else. You won’t catch us missing a touching moment between your mom so we can get a few more shots of your shoes. For many couples, this is exactly what they want in a photographer. For many others, it’s exactly what they don’t want. No photographer can be everything to everyone.

wedding photograph at the Rockcliffe pavilion in ottawa

When browsing photographers’ portfolios, ask yourself these questions:

What is it about my wedding that’s most important to me?
What am I most looking forward to?
What photos will mean the most to me 10 years from now?
is this photographer focusing on what I think is important?

If wedding details are most important to you, do you see lots of great detail photos in their portfolio? If candid moments are most important, do you see lots of those? What about artistic couple’s shots? Is there something about this photographer that’s different and exciting, or do their photos look the same as the last five photographers you looked at?

black and white wedding photograph of a bride getting ready

Along with style, consider quality, consistency and reputation. It’s easy to take photos of beautiful people on a beautiful day in a beautiful location. Is that all the photographer is sharing? What happens if it rains on your wedding day and you have to shoot inside?

Take a look through some sample weddings and make sure that the quality is consistent throughout the different parts of a wedding day. Can they still take exciting photos in the rain? At a dark reception? In your childhood bedroom where you’re getting ready?

Instagram is full of wedding photos taken outside at sunset in perfect light. These photos look awesome, and you should always try to get them, but that’s 15 minutes out of your wedding day. It’s important to dig a little deeper.

wedding reception photograph in the ball room at the chateau laurier

Once you’ve found a photographer who’s style you really mesh with, meet with them! Book a consultation and sit down to chat. This is important. Do your personalities mesh as well? Do you want to hang out with this person on your wedding day? What kind of vibe do you get?

At the consultation, ask the photographer what excites them about wedding photography. Does their answer seem genuine? Are they excited by the same things that excite you? Are they taking the time to learn what YOU think is most important about YOUR wedding? Or, is the consultation all about them and what they think is important? At Union Eleven our approach is to view the wedding day through your eyes, not ours.

Photograph of a bride and groom right after their wedding ceremony in ottawa

If the consultation goes well and you and your partner have complete confidence in the photographer, then book them before someone else does! Enjoy knowing that you’ve chosen someone you trust to capture the memories from one of the most significant days of your life!

If you’d like to learn more about Union Eleven and our approach to wedding photography, please contact us!