Choosing your wedding photographer in Duluth, MN can be an overwhelming experience. There are many professionals to choose from, all with varying degrees of experience and style. Here are three questions that every bride and groom should ask themselves before hiring a wedding photographer. Remember, you are likely to spend more time with your photographer during your wedding day than with your fiancé, and if you can satisfy these three criteria, then you have made a great choice regardless of who you’ve selected.

1. Can we spend our entire wedding day with this photographer and still like him/her at the end of the day?




Wedding photography, more than any other kind of photography, is about capturing the beauty of relationships. The essence of any wedding is the inter-connection between two people, whose love is witnessed by their family and friends. It’s nearly impossible for any photographer to capture the beauty of those relationships without first having a genuine relationship with the couple.




Imagine the morning of your wedding day: You’re wearing your favorite yoga pants, your hair is full of bobby pins, and your make-up is half-done. It’s the day that has occupied your thoughts for years, and you’re absolutely gorgeous. But, let’s face it, you’re not quite ready. Now, a stranger you met once over a year ago walks into your bridal suite with cameras blazing in both hands. It’s an uncomfortable situation at best, and the result could be some very awkward images.




Now imagine a better scenario: A friend, whom you haven’t seen in a while, enters the room. You are thrilled to see each other, and spend the next few minutes catching up. Your friend casually takes a few photos as your make-up artist completes the finishing touches. The whole time with this friend is relaxing and enjoyable.




Realistically, your wedding photographer may never be your best friend, but they also shouldn’t be a complete stranger. Even the most experienced shooter has difficulty taking truly beautiful images, without first having a personal relationship with the bride. Having that relationship with the person behind the camera will make you feel at ease, which will make for a great experience and fantastic photos for your wedding album.




One of the best ways to begin a relationship with a photographer is to do an engagement session. An experienced wedding photographer will take the time to first, shoot a variety of engagement photos, and then observe what images you respond to most. Your responses will help guide him/her as to how to shoot your wedding day. The time you spend together before the wedding is invaluable, and is one of the most influential components of a positive wedding experience. Think of it like a dress rehearsal, with custom artwork as a bonus. This is the best time for you to get to know your photographer, and for him/her to get to know you two as a couple. Again, you’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer, so make sure he/she is someone you trust, and truly want to get to know.










2. Does the wedding photographer’s style match ours?




Take a good look at your top candidate’s professional wedding portfolio. Are they quality images? Can you imagine yourself in those photos? Does their style match the vision you have for your wedding? You should instantly know if you respond well to a photographer’s style. Trust your intuition. Also, ask questions and listen to their answers. A professional can explain their style, their methods, and why he/she took each shot.




Many couples who tie the knot choose to have an outdoor wedding, or at least spend some of their big day taking photos outside. Here in Minnesota, the beautiful nature that surrounds us every day is often incorporated into the wedding. If you are looking for some amazing nature shots, pay close attention to the photographer’s portfolio. Make sure that they can provide a balance for you, by capturing what happens indoors as well as the great moments outside.










3. Can we afford them?




You’ve finally found the perfect photographer, but can you afford it? Your wedding images are one of the few things from your wedding day that will increase in value over time. At the end of the night, when the music stops and your guests go home, the only thing that will remain is leftover cake and photographs. On your first anniversary, your memories will still be bright and fresh. But, will they be as vivid on your tenth, or your fiftieth? Will you wish you had invested more on your memories?




Wedding photographers have a unique skill set that requires many years to develop, and investing in that expertise will be well worth the money spent. If a photographer has really impressed you, then it will be worth stretching the budget. The images from your wedding will last a lifetime, and hiring the right photographer will ensure your moments are preserved forever.






Are you ready to decide?




If you and your fiancé can answer yes to these three questions, then you have chosen the best wedding photographer for you. Please note that the questions are listed and weighted in order of importance. Many couples reverse this process and start with the cheapest photographer in their price range, and then look for style.




Book early! Have your engagement session as soon as you can, and start getting to know your photographer. Your wedding planning will actually be easier, and you will feel more excited and less stressed. Remember, there is fierce competition between couples for prime summer weekends, and the best professionals will book in fast! Challenge yourself to look for the photographer that you could befriend, and let the rest fall into place.

Click Here to connect with Bryan and see if he’s the perfect wedding photographer for you.

Happy Planning!

-Bryan