10 Tips on Choosing Your Michigan Wedding Photographer.

PLEASE NOTE: THESE TIPS APPLY TO ALL LOCATIONS! Google just lovesss when I talk about my location (haha) Read on to grab these amazing tips to help you find the PERFECT wedding photographer!

Finding the perfect wedding photographer is MORE than just being in love with a few of their photos. Michigan wedding photographers are some of the most incredible artists in the world! But with so many talented photographers to choose from, how do you find the one that’s right for you? Fear not, because we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process of choosing a wedding photographer in Michigan, step by step.

1. Start Your Search Early: Begin your search for a wedding photographer well in advance. I mean, years in advance (haha). No but for real! This allows you to truly get a feel of the photographer and their work, to fall in love with how they tell stories and to fall in love with them too! Your photographer is definitely someone you want to truly hold close and picking the right one takes time. If time is of the essence, hop on a zoom call for a meet & greet and get to know them or follow them on social media before you inquire!
2. Define Your Style: Before you even start creating a list of potential photographers that you would like to reach out to in the future, start defining the style of photography that you would like for your wedding day. Consider which style resonates with not only your heart but also and aligns with the vision you have for your wedding day. Do you prefer editorial, photojournalistic, documentary or artistic photography? Look for photographers whose portfolios reflect the style you’re drawn to.
3. Research Michigan Photographers: Start by researching photographers based in Michigan. Utilize online platforms such as wedding directories, social media, and photography websites to compile a list of potential candidates. It’s so hard to find ones that fit your exact style but you can use words in google search bar that align with your style. Words like, “editorial style wedding photographer in Michigan” “Fine Art Wedding Photographer in West Michigan” or “Documentary Style Wedding Photographer in Michigan”
4. Read Reviews and Testimonials: Take the time to read reviews and testimonials from past clients. Pay attention to feedback regarding the photographer’s professionalism, communication, and the quality of their work. Websites like WeddingWire and The Knot are great resources for client reviews.
5. Consider Experience: A well seasoned photographer that you can trust is going to do a better job at someone who is new. Consider the photographers experience and how you want this experience to impact your wedding day. How to choose the perfect wedding photographer doesn’t have to be so hard! Keep reading on to view more tips.
6. Time To Start Inquiring: After you’ve narrowed down your list to maybe your top 10 or top 5, start inquiring! If the photographer has a website, inquire through the website! For me, I love to get to know each couple and ask a few detailed questions on my contact form. You will want to check your date to see if they have it available too. This process will also tell you a lot about the photographer and how they communicate with you. If it takes a week to hear back, that’s a big red flag. A wedding photographer that is here to serve you should be ready and willing to take on the role if they are available for your date and everything aligns. Ask if you can see a pricing guide as well! That way you can pick out which collection you love before the meeting so you can ask all the questions.
7. Schedule Consultations: After you have reached out, reviewed a pricing guide to pick out which collection you are interested in, the next step is the most vital. Schedule a consultation call with them to have a little meet & greet. This is an opportunity to ask any questions you might have, get a solid feel of the person, and to see if your personalities mesh well together.
8. Discuss Wedding Collections and Pricing: This is so important. Make sure pricing and budget aligns before you even hop on a call. It’s heartbreaking when we meet with beautiful couples with beautiful love stories and we can’t serve them the way they deserve to be served. So make sure that aligns first! Next, you can ask a few questions and be sure to pay attention to how they respond. You can ask “does this collection include an engagement session or a second shooter?” “Do you offer any prints or albums included in your pricing?” “Are payment plans available?” These questions will help get the ball rolling!
9. Get Everything in Writing: Be sure to sign a contract! If a photographer does not have a contract, its a huge red flag. This is a “I have no idea what I’m getting” red flag. So be sure they have you sign a contract!
10. Last & Most Importantly | TRUST YOUR GUT: Our gut will be the first indicator that something does not align. We are all human and sometimes someone else’s best isn’t best for us or we simply don’t align. And our gut will definitely check us and let us know.

Concise List:

1. Start Your Search Early
2. Define Your Style
3. Research Michigan Photographers
4. Read Reviews & Testimonials
5. Consider Experience
6. Time To Start Inquiring
7. Schedule Consultations
8. Discuss Wedding Collections & Pricing
9. Get Everything in Writing
10. Last & Most Importantly | TRUST YOUR GUT

Choosing your Michigan Wedding Photographer may seem like a daunting task. Follow these steps and conduct thorough research! You will be well-equipped to find the perfect photographer to capture the magic of your special day. Remember, your wedding photos will be cherished memories for years to come, so take the time to choose wisely and find a photographer who truly understands and reflects your love story.

Looking for your perfect wedding photographer? Check out my work at Sol Luna Photography and let’s connect!