How to find the perfect fit in your wedding/elopement photographer: 4 questions to ask that have nothing to do with budget
Planning a wedding can be such a stressful time. From trying to narrow down the guest list to finding the right vendors, there are lots of choices to make. Unless you’ve planned a wedding before, it can be overwhelming and hard to even know where to start. Here are a few questions to keep in mind or ask your photographer to make sure you are working with someone who will be your perfect fit!
Does the photographer’s portfolio highlight work that is representative of what you want your wedding/elopement to look like?
When you’re looking for a photographer, you’re not just looking for someone who can take pretty pictures. Sure, that’s part of it. But you might find a photographer who takes really beautiful photos of indoor venues and cityscapes when you’re looking for garden vibes in the mountains. The photographer who highlights work that matches your vision will likely have a better idea of how to navigate your day in that setting and incorporate all of the details - whether you have thought of them yet or not!
2. How does the photographer show their values throughout their work and their portfolio? and do they align with your values?
After reviewing a photographer’s website and social media profiles, you’ll be able to get a good idea of what the photographer values both through the words they use, what photos they highlight in their portfolio, through how they interact with others, and through other aspects of their business structure. If you value spaces that are safe and inclusive, how does the photographer show you that they do too? If you value a luxury experience, how does the photographer show you that they do too?
3. Does the photographer outline a process of what it’s like to work with them, how they will help you feel comfortable, and best serve you?
You can find this information from looking at social media pages and websites. Many photographers will have a specific page related to their process and the client experience. How does the photographer walk you through each part of their process? Are there services that they offer and steps in their process that are going to serve your needs and help make your life easier? Photographers who care about your experience will be looking for opportunities to serve you. Perhaps it will be giving you vendor recommendations or offering a specialized guide about wedding/elopement planning. They are going to be with you on one of the biggest days of your life - how are they going to help you to enjoy it and be present through it? How are they going to take away stress rather than adding to it?
4. Does their vibe match your vibe?
This question is a little vague and there may not be a very concrete answer, but it is still important because it gets at the nature of the relationship. You might be able to answer this question by looking at their website and social media profiles but you may not have a good idea until you are face to face with them or chatting on the phone. Photographers who care about finding the right fit will often offer options of meeting over a phone/zoom call (or in-person if you’re in the same place) to get to know each other and talk about all your dreams and needs for your special day. And if the photographer has not explicitly stated that, you can always ask to meet so that you have an opportunity to see if its a good fit. Again, this person is going to be with you for most of the day on a day that you have likely been planning for several months if not years. You want to be hanging out with someone that you actually vibe with.
Idaho elopement/wedding photographer
As an Idaho wedding and elopement photographer, I value bringing couples a meaningful, thoughtfully crafted experience that celebrates the Idaho wilderness while telling their story through a blend of candid documentary and gently prompted photography. In my photography, I seek to capture connection, witness and document life’s most important moments, and tell a story. As a photographer, I am greatly influenced by my experiences as a multifaceted human being and know that you are as well.
I was born and raised in Idaho and care deeply about protecting and celebrating the land and the community here. To me that means that I live by Leave No Trace practices to care for and protect the land and that I welcome and celebrate all forms of love. I want anyone who works with me to feel safe, cared for, and celebrated, regardless of where they come from or who they love. Additionally, I am bilingual and speak English and Spanish. I recognize the profound impact that the Latino community has had on Idaho, and I want all members of the bilingual and Spanish speaking community to feel welcome with me. These values impact every aspect of my work, and I am continuously seeking to grow so that I can better serve my community.
What services I offer:
In addition to the values that guide my photography, I have worked to bring clients wrap around services that don’t stop at taking their picture. This includes:
Location scouting and guidance
I have spent the majority of my life in Idaho, exploring its mountains, lakes, and trails. This means I can offer a local perspective to many of the locations that we might venture together. More importantly, living in Idaho has taught me how to find the best trails, what gear you’ll want to bring, and when you’ll want to go. This is even more valuable because I can help you find the best location for you even if I have not yet been there myself.
Elopement Planning
In traditional weddings, many couples will hire a wedding planner to help coordinate and direct their day. In an elopement, the photographer also fills that role. I like to help my couples every step of the way, from finding the right location, to planning activities, to choosing vendors. It brings me so much joy to help you bring your dream elopement to life.
Ordained officiant services
To legally marry in Idaho, you’ll need an ordained officiant. For elopements, I can offer the service in both English and Spanish. You can check that off your list :)
Vendor recommendations
I love to be able to offer recommendations for other vendors who I know will serve their every need. If I have not worked with them myself, I will do the research to help make your life easier in choosing who will be working with you to craft your special celebration.
What packages I offer
I offer wedding and elopement photography packages ranging from half day and ceremony only to multi day experiences. Reach out to find out which package is right for you :)
