Andre Blom Photography | East Coast + Destination Wedding Photographer
If you’re in the process of finding your photographer, congratulations on this new chapter! You’ve started one of the best journeys of your life! I’m under no delusion that finding your destination wedding photographer, is a journey with a magnitude of options. I do however, believe there truly is a perfect photographer to compliment your exquisite destination wedding. Here are some fundamental things to consider when choosing your wedding photographer. Hope this resource helps your process.
1. Portfolio and Style
First and foremost, when choosing a wedding photographer, you should consider their portfolio and style. Documenting your bespoke event should be a curated experience that celebrates the stories of you and your loved ones. The style and approach of your photographer has a heavy hand in elevating the emotive aspect of photography. Naturally, as technology progresses, many people can capture a ‘clean’ image. However, turning that moment into a statement art piece is the depth and value. Therefore, analyze the photographers’ work in different settings, envisioning how your vision is complemented by their approach.
As stated, stylization has a beautiful role in crafting the narrative you want to present. If a photographer specializes in ‘dark and moody’ stylized work in a intimate Charlotte barn venues; they might not complement a Charlotte uptown wedding with a high-fashion approach or a ‘light and airy’ Charleston beach wedding. If you’re investing in articulated pieces of decor, florals and designs, do you want the editing style to drastically change its aesthetic? Look for a style that will benefit your curated event, not one that removes the expression. When considering a portfolio, make sure you see images from all aspects of the celebration. Not only different parts of the event, but also different lighting conditions. You don’t want to end up with someone that is brilliant in one aspect and unreliable in another (Especially regarding indoor vs outdoor – natural light vs flash photography).
Curated Planning for your bespoke wedding
It’s pivotal to acknowledge that there’s no right or wrong regarding stylization (I have however noticed the industry leaning more towards the true to life look as of late).Therefore, do not adjust your vision to accommodate the photographer’s style, rather find one that compliments your vision. P.S. consulting a planner (such as Honey+Thyme or Madison Moseley Events) is a reputable way to find a vendor team to help ensure your vision for your bespoke event). As a Charlotte wedding photographer, my approach is true-to-life with a hint of film inspiration to add character to the elegance of each moment. Click here to look at my portfolio as a East Coast wedding photographer.
2. Experience and Reviews: What Brides are saying
Secondly, experience and client feedback are crucial when selecting your photographer. With the overwhelming amount of options you get when looking on social media, it can become daunting comparing wedding photographers. To simplify this step; when you see something you like, look at whether past clients had feedback beyond the images. This means looking at reviews or even engaging with past clients. Naturally, a good indicator of a photographer’s expertise is their experience. This includes how long they’ve been photographing weddings as well as their background in other types of photography. Beyond reviews, booking a consultation is always a golden tell whether you are a fit. During consultations the frills and images are put on hold and visions are explored to see if they align.
As stated before, I fully believe there is a photographer that will perfectly match your vision, even elevating it. Having an authentic connection with your wedding photographer is invaluable to the experience you’ll have. Remember, for this exquisite celebration, your wedding photographer is fully present and fully involved with your day. It affects both you and your guests and the story you want to document.
3. Personally connecting with your photographer
Additionally, it’s important to feel comfortable with your photographer. Exceptional story telling requires exceptional expression. This does not mean you have to be an overly expressive person, but rather that you’re comfortable in front of your photographer to the extent that what is captured is authentic. Connection is at the core of wedding photography. It’s capturing the sophistications and elegance that is your story. Naturally, you’d want your photographer to know your expressions, passions and hopes. To elevate your story, your photographer relies on how engaged you are with each moment—there are no shortcuts.
This means considering what demeanor you want your photographer to have. Do you want someone more on the calm and considerate side? Maybe your wedding needs someone determined and on the louder side. Factors such as the feel you want for you and your guests (guest interactions) play an enormous role in what kind of photographer fits your day best. At the end of the day, there are numerous destination wedding photographers that can create stunning images, yet character is something that sets each one apart – CONSULTATIONS ARE PRICELESS.
4. Photographer Pricing
Moreover, budget is a significant consideration for most couples. Based on the intricacies and sophistication of a wedding day, investments can vary drastically. East Coast wedding photographers often offer either set packages to select from; or custom tailored packages created in collaboration with you and your planner. Neither is right or wrong, it’s simply based on what experience you’re looking for. I do however, lean towards the collaborative tailored packages. This simply ensures you invest in a curated service. This is not a step and repeat experience for every client that trusts me with their time. I approach all my work open to collaboration and create investment packages based on your specific needs.
This decision is simply based on which approach works best for you and your planner. Regardless of the photographer you’re communicating with, you should expect them to be open to a collaborative approach regarding what is offered. Naturally, pricing does speak to the quality or confidence of the work you’re investing in. Keep pricing in mind with the prior considerations, and you’ll find your perfect destination wedding photographer.
5. Vendor referrals
As a full-time East Coast wedding photographer, I see vendor relationships as priceless. The relationship and communication between vendors on your wedding day can have an immense impact on your day. Having a team that watches out for each other and seamlessly collaborates; that’s when elegance shows off. The golden rule is to have vendors that prioritize you over their own vision. When you have a planner that can trust the other vendors, it simply sets everyone at ease. Connecting with planners, venues, florists etc. is an invaluable asset in selecting your wedding photographer.
6. Afterthoughts from a East Coast destination wedding photographer
There are still a few things worth considering. However, I 100% believe the prior considerations will ensure these receive approval. You want to ensure proper gear1 is used, proper backup procedures are implemented, and of course, that contracts are understood. I can provide very detailed recommendations on this, but as stated, the prior focus points should cover it. Your role on your wedding day (or even during the planning journey) should never include worrying about photography details, knowledge, or curation—your goal is to have vendors that allow you to be present.
My work documenting weddings in the East Coast has always been driven by my passions; The union of art and connection. Striving for excellence and keeping it authentic means aligning with the right couples. I’m always delighted to assist in finding the right photographer for my couples, even if it means directing them to other photographers who might be a better fit. Don’t hesitate to make this process personable. With the intricacies and sophistication that make your celebration, you deserve a bespoke experience.
If you want to connect regarding any questions, thoughts or interests – contact me here.
Recap for your wedding photographer checklist |
- Stylization that compliments your bespoke event
- Experience with reputable reviews
- Personable connection + demeanor
- Collaborative investment packages
- Credible vendor referrals
- Professional gear, appropriate storage + contracts (Above should filter these shortcomings)
Credits |
Photography- Andre Blom Photography ( Assisting the wedding of Scott Stockton Photography )
Florals – Meraki Blommor
Venue 1 – The Casey CLT
Venue 2 –The Duke Mansion
HMU – LookLoveBeauty
Planner – Madison Moseley Events
Read the Comments +