It’s been a while since I offered advice on how to choose the best wedding photographer, and since then my wedding knowledge has grown along with my appreciation for the right chemistry between a couple and their photographer. Even though you can find countless articles on how to find a great wedding photographer, a lot of them seemed too general or broad to really help you get past the interview phase, so let’s elaborate on how to find your wedding photographer – the one who will be perfect for you.

Pick a Style You Connect With

There are countless photography styles out there, and The Knot has a great guide on the specifics of each style. Take your time looking over the styles and deciding which ones you feel the most connected to. The beautiful thing about wedding photography is that it’s an art, and just like any other art-form, the way we feel about it is completely interpretive and intuitive. Are you more excited about catching your grandfathers tears in time forever? Then you should take the photojournalism approach. Maybe you just want a clear shot that’s perfectly planned and posed – that’s more traditional and classic. Know what you want before you begin your search – the right photographer will be waiting just around the corner.

Pay Attention to What Each Photographer Prides Themselves On

Every photographer is different, and every one of them has (hopefully) found their niche. Look at the headlines on their websites, the words they use to describe themselves repetitively and the photos they pride themselves on. It’s great that you loved one or two of their shots, but if they don’t use any photos you connect with as examples of their work then you may find yourself with different priorities than them. Focus on how they present themselves, and how you want to represented.

Quality Over Everything

I’m going to take this opportunity to quote your lovely mother – “quality over quantity.” There are important things to pay attention to when observing someone’s work. Here are the three main indicators of an amateur photographer:

1. The Eyes – Look closely at the life inside the subject’s eyes in every photo. If they seem dead, but they’re smiling, they’re clearly not at ease with the photographer and the photos aren’t as natural because of it. It’s fun for Mona Lisa but not for your wedding day.
2. Layers – Every great wedding photographer knows the importance of layering in their shots. Whether it’s a veil floating in front of the camera or a small beautiful flower in the foreground, these add depth to the photos that make them grow from a simple shot to Fine Art.
3. Coloring  – With the Instagram fetish growing like smallpox, everyone gets a taste of adding filters to their favorite photos. With professionals, the colors should be clear and crisp, and not over-saturated. The photos should feel real, but elevated.

Honorable Mention- Use of Photoshop: Nobody wants a zit in their wedding photos, or that scar that developed after you ran into a tree after a few too many in Cabo, but that doesn’t mean your face should look like Kim Kardashian after 40 layers of foundation. Stay away from photographers that over-edit to compensate for lack-luster photos.

Trust Your Gut

After you’ve done the research, checked out websites and pulled all-nighter on Pinterest, you’re ready to meet with photographers that match up to your expectations. It’s important to have a clear budget, and not to fret if your photographer can’t meet it – but remember that quality comes from somewhere. Your intuition is your best friend throughout your wedding planning process, and you have to trust the feeling you get when you actually meet them. Do they have a vision you respect? Do they value the moments that are most important to you? These are questions you need to ask yourself when making a final selection. No photographer wants to work with someone that doesn’t want to work with them and vice versa; be confident in your decision making and don’t be afraid to say no.