Choosing a Wedding Photographer, PT II
Continuing on from last week’s discussion on choosing a photographer, we have two more short essays by our esteemed preferred vendors that I think you’ll find interesting.
Enjoy.
Your Love Story: Timeless, Romantic, and Artfully Captured
Photographs are some of the most memorable keepsakes we can have. I want to leave you with pictures that are full of emotion, love, and laughter. I want to capture your authentic love in true-to-color images that you can treasure for a lifetime!
Your wedding day is a masterpiece of love, and your photos should reflect that timeless, romantic, and emotional essence. Capturing your unique story with artistry and grace is my passion, and your wedding photos are treasured heirlooms that deserve meticulous care and skill. Choosing a photographer who understands you, brings depth and creativity to their work, and is dedicated to excellence is key.
An experienced wedding photographer has honed many skills: connecting deeply with couples, crafting poses, mastering light, and using angles to capture emotions and enhance storytelling. This expertise creates a collection of photographs that will fill you with joy for years to come.
Connection
Creating a meaningful connection with you is at the heart of my work. I put thought and effort into getting to know you personally, so you feel at ease, natural, and genuine in front of the camera. My sessions are designed to be relaxed, filled with energy and laughter, with an effortless flow that makes it easy to be yourselves.
During shoots, I engage with playful banter, ask questions, and help you feel comfortable, ensuring that your authentic selves shine through every image. A relaxed, confident photographer sets the tone for a beautiful shoot, and I bring that confidence to each session, creating a collaborative experience that allows true personalities to emerge.
Poses
Crafting poses is more than just positioning; it’s about bringing out your best. I guide with gentle direction and often model poses myself to help you feel at ease. I work to create poses that feel natural yet refined, and I welcome your inspiration too. Collecting favorite images can be helpful as we create both candid and elegantly posed moments that capture the spectrum of your love.
Light
Light is the heart of photography. I am inspired by the softness of natural light, and I strive to capture its beauty as it enhances each image. Whether it’s a soft glow through a window or a burst of golden hour light, natural light allows me to create photographs that are timelessly beautiful. However, I am also well-versed in more technical lighting techniques, ensuring that no matter the environment, the lighting is always sophisticated, artful, and perfectly suited to you.
Angles
Angles are a subtle yet powerful element in telling your story. The perspective of each shot creates mood, depth, and personality, shaping the way each image is experienced. I love experimenting with creative viewpoints—from eye level to low angles, panoramic scenes to intimate close-ups. Each angle tells a unique part of your story and infuses your gallery with originality, creating photographs that are as stunning as they are meaningful.
These are the elements I bring together to create wedding photography that is truly artful and unforgettable. A lifetime pursuit of art and light has led me here, capturing the beauty of love stories with timeless elegance.
Amber Smith
@weddingsbyamber
How to Choose your Photographer
Hi! We're Taylor and Ian Steadman - a husband & wife, photo & video team. We specialize in digital, 35mm & Super 8 footage.
Here are our steps to choosing a photo + video dream team for your wedding day if you're dreaming of a vintage vibe!
Define Your Vision
What does “vintage” look like for you? Do you love true to color edits, dreamy lighting, or maybe even film photography? Find a team whose style gives you those nostalgic feels!
2. Seek a Photo/Video Team
Working with a team that does both photo and video keeps things seamless and consistent. Flip through their portfolio to see if their photo style matches the video’s vibe and feels totally “you.” Look to see if they offer 35mm film and Super 8 footage to capture the emotion of the day in a timeless and authentic way.
3. Evaluate Storytelling Skills
Look for a team that captures the real moments—not just the posed ones! Those little looks, laughs, and happy tears bring your photos and video to life. This storytelling approach adds depth to your collection, with photos and videos that feel natural and authentic to YOU.
4. Check Compatibility
You’ll be spending a lot of time with these people! Make sure you feel relaxed around them and enjoy their company, so the photos and video come out naturally.
The compatibility of the team is also very important. Working with a husband-wife team will guarantee you that they already know how to seamlessly work together! No need to stress about missed shots or uncomfortable situations.
5. Discuss Their Process
Get a feel for how they work from start to finish. Knowing their approach helps make sure everything flows smoothly on your big day and that they capture all the best moments!
Summary
Hopefully part one of these hints will gives you some tips as you select the second most important of wedding vendors (Hint - the venue is first…but we’re biased) to help you celebrate your special day.
Remember, a good photographer isn't just about the gear or the price tag; it's about the magic they capture through their lens. So look for someone who gets you, matches your vibe, and keeps your budget happy. After all, in the grand ballroom of life, you deserve a photographer who makes every moment look like a masterpiece.
Good planning!
