Wedding Photographer: the Most Important Vendor
Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life. It’s a day when you and your partner celebrate your love story, surrounded by the people who mean the most to you. These moments—full of laughter, happy tears, and fleeting glances—are priceless. Choosing the right photographer to capture them is one of the most important decisions you'll make, because these are the memories you'll look back on for years to come -and you'll want to love your wedding photos in 10 years, too!
As documentary wedding photographers in Greece, our passion is capturing these moments in their raw, beautiful form—creating images that bring you back to the exact emotion you felt that day. But we understand how overwhelming finding the right photographer can feel (we've been looking for one for our wedding as well!), so we’re here to help make the process easier. Here’s our heartfelt advice on how to choose the photographer who will tell your story best.
1. What Do You Want Your Wedding Photos to Say?
Before you dive into searching for wedding photographers, take a moment to think about what kind of photos speak to you. Every couple is unique, and so is every wedding day. Do you want photos that feel natural and candid, ones that capture all the little unscripted moments? Or do you envision more posed, traditional portraits with a classic feel?
Here’s a little insight into different styles you might come across:
Traditional: If you love the idea of timeless, posed shots with family and friends, traditional photography might be more your style. This focuses on ensuring you get all those classic family/group photos you'll print and place over the fireplace.
Editorial/Fashion: Think high-glamour and dramatic poses, similar to what you’d see in a magazine. This style is bold and styled, focusing on elegance and beauty.
Fine Art: For couples who love high aesthetics and want something a bit more artistic, with an emphasis on light, composition, and creative angles. Fine art photography is blended in our photography style, too.
Documentary/Photojournalistic: This is our approach to wedding photography. Instead of posing you and guiding every shot, we blend into the background and let the day unfold naturally. The goal is to capture those real, unfiltered emotions—your joy, your nervous excitement, the tears in your guests' eyes—exactly as they happen. Directions are given only to make you feel more comfortable in front of the lens.
The key is to find a style that resonates with you and your partner. Remember, your wedding photos should feel like you—they should reflect your personalities and your love story.
2. Finding the Right Wedding Photographer: It’s All About Connection
Once you have an idea of what you want, the next step is finding photographers whose work you love. But it’s not just about the photos; it’s also about the person behind the camera. Your wedding photographer will be with you on one of the most emotional days of your life, so it’s essential to find someone you connect with. Take time to explore portfolios, check out social media, and read reviews. Here are a few things that might help:
Consistency: Look for a photographer whose work is consistent. Their portfolio should reflect the same quality across different weddings, and you should see a range of moments captured—not just the posed, perfect shots but also the real, in-between moments.
Experience: Weddings are unpredictable, and having someone with experience is invaluable. From capturing intimate ceremonies in the glow of a sunset to navigating a bustling reception, a seasoned photographer knows how to handle the unexpected and still deliver stunning images.
Reviews: Reading what past couples have to say can give you real insight. Did the photographer make them feel comfortable? Were they responsive and easy to work with? Did they capture all the little moments that meant the most?
3. Get to Know Them: Make It Personal
Once you’ve found a few photographers you like, reach out to set up a meeting—whether in person or virtually. This is such an important step because your wedding photographer should feel like someone you can trust and feel comfortable with.
When we meet couples, our goal is always to listen first—what matters most to you, what your vision is for the day, and even your worries. We believe that getting to know you as a couple allows us to capture your day in a way that’s true to who you are. Ask potential wedding photographers about their approach and see if it aligns with what you're looking for. It’s also a great time to see if you just click. The right photographer should feel like a calming presence on your wedding day, not someone adding stress or tension.
4. Understand What’s Included
Wedding photography is an investment in your memories, and it’s important to make sure you’re clear on what’s included. Different photographers offer different packages, and these can be tailored to suit your day. Here’s what to consider:
How many hours of coverage do you need? From getting ready in the morning to the last dance, how long will your photographer be there?
Albums and prints: If having a physical album to look back on is important to you, ask about packages that include one. Some photographers also offer fine art prints as part of their service.
Second shooter: Having a second photographer can mean more coverage of different angles, especially during the ceremony or reception. It also means covering both bride & groom preparations more calmly. Consider if this is something you’d like.
5. Choose a Photographer Who Understands Your Location
Hiring a photographer who knows the area you'll be getting married as well as the logistics of getting there, can be a huge advantage. As photographers based in Greece, we've traveled a lot around our beautiful country, we know some hidden gems, when is the best lighting, and how to work with the country’s stunning landscapes—from the iconic sunsets of Santorini to the charming streets of Athens. We’ll help you make the most of your location, ensuring your photos reflect not only your love story but also the beauty of the place you’ve chosen to celebrate it.
6. Follow Your Heart
At the end of the day, choosing the right photographer comes down to trusting your instincts. When you’ve done your research, looked through portfolios, and had those conversations, ask yourself: Does this photographer feel like the right fit for us? Do we feel understood and comfortable in their hands? Your wedding photos will be a lasting reminder of one of the most important days of your life. They should reflect the real, beautiful, messy, emotional moments that made your wedding day yours. If a photographer can make you feel confident that they’ll capture all of that, then you’ve found the right one.
Let’s Tell Your Story
If you’re drawn to candid, authentic storytelling and want to capture the raw beauty of your wedding day, we’d love to chat with you. Our approach to wedding photography is all about capturing the heart of your day—the laughter, the quiet moments, the tears, and the unexpected joys.
Whether you’re planning a wedding here in Greece or elsewhere, reach out to us. We’d love to hear about your love story and be a part of making your wedding memories last a lifetime. Let's do this!
