When you envision your dream wedding photographer, you probably think of the stunning photos they will take of your wedding. But there is something even more important that goes into a great wedding photography experience. Beyond the beautiful images, your connection with your photographer can make or break your experience. The intimate, candid moments you will want to cherish forever can only be captured when you’re truly comfortable. So, what goes into feeling comfortable with your wedding photographer? And how can you make sure you are at ease so you have the best photo experience possible?

Finding the Perfect Match

How can you make sure you vibe well with your photographer? Before you book your wedding photographer, make sure they are someone you connect with and feel comfortable around. How can you do that? Here are four ways:

• Meet them in person if you can! Get to know their personality by meeting with them in person if possible, or via video chat. Ask them questions about the way they communicate with couples and guide them through the photo process. Make sure you can fully express yourself around them.
• Review their portfolio. As you look through a photographer’s work, look for consistency in how they capture emotions and vulnerable moments, not just pretty photos. Do their photos convey real love, joy and excitement? Do they have variety in their work that shows they can adapt to different situations? A versatile portfolio with lots of emotion indicates that a photographer can accurately capture your wedding day.
• Pay attention to their communication style. Take note of how quickly they respond to your inquiries or emails. Does it feel like they are genuinely interested in getting to know you as a couple? A photographer’s ability to communicate clearly builds trust and ensures you can be comfortable in front of their camera.
• Have a pre-wedding session to build a connection. A pre-wedding photo session, like an engagement shoot, is an opportunity to build rapport before the big day. Consider scheduling a shoot with a photographer before officially booking them for your wedding day. This will allow you to make sure that you can feel like yourselves around them.

Invest Where You Feel a Connection

Investing in a photographer you connect with isn’t just about comfort; it’s about the quality of your photos. When you are genuinely comfortable and at ease, it translates into natural, authentic images. If you are not comfortable with your photographer, you may look stiff and unnatural in your photos. It is much easier to take creative direction from someone you wholeheartedly trust will make you look your best. Relaxing in front of the camera allows your relationship to shine through in genuine, candid moments. On top of that, a photographer who clicks with you and understands your vision is more likely to capture the subtle, emotional moments that make your wedding unique. In short, the connection you feel with your photographer transforms your relationship from a simple service provider to a collaborative partnership. It is so worth investing in a photographer with whom you feel a real connection.

Maintaining a Great Connection

After choosing your photographer, maintain a strong connection with them leading up to your wedding day. Communicate with them regularly throughout the planning process. If possible, take engagement photos with your wedding photographer. This session allows you to get to know your photographer and become more comfortable with having your photos taken in a low-pressure setting. You’ll see firsthand how your photographer directs you and interacts with you. View your engagement session as a “practice run,” making it easier to relax and trust them on your wedding day. Once you see how beautifully your photos turn out, it will be even easier to trust their vision and feel less concerned about the way you look. Then you’ll be able to be fully in the moment on your wedding day.

Some photographers also schedule a call to go over your timeline shortly before the wedding. Use this time as an opportunity to build your connection with them. Show your photographer that you respect their time by being prompt in your communication. Finally, trust their expertise on your wedding day. Allow them to guide you, and just relax! The better the relationship you have built with your photographer, the more natural your wedding photo experience will feel.

Your Photographer’s Role

A good photographer will do more than just take photos; they will take the initiative to guide you through the process. Their role includes helping to ensure your day runs smoothly and that you feel as relaxed as possible every step of the way. Here are five things a great photographer does to make sure their couples are comfortable:

1. Guide: Your photographer is there to guide you through some really big moments on your wedding day. It can be easy to get wrapped up or stressed by all of the little details. But your photographer will help you stay focused on what truly matters. They will provide gentle direction with posing and encourage you to feel confident all day long!
2. Coordinate: A great photographer will also seamlessly coordinate with other vendors to fit your photos into the timeline of the day. By taking care of the timing and logistics, you will be able to focus on enjoying your day and celebrating.
3. Capture: There will be intimate, sensitive dynamics and emotions on your wedding day. A good photographer will use their intuition to capture the essence of your wedding without becoming a distraction. They will allow you to enjoy emotional, candid moments and find the best way to capture those memories for you forever. If there are specific moments you want documented, they will set up shots that align with your vision, ensuring nothing is missed.
4. Problem-Solve: As with any large event, sometimes things just don’t go as planned. A professional photographer will handle unexpected setbacks with grace and creativity. Whether it’s adjusting to challenging lighting or a shift in the schedule, a good photographer uses experience to make sure your wedding is still documented beautifully!
5. Ensure Your Comfort: Above all, a good photographer will make you feel comfortable. They will create a supportive environment where you can be yourself and feel relaxed. That reassurance will help ease your nerves, letting you focus on the joy of your special day.

Your photographer is an integral part of your wedding day. They will be there for the most vulnerable, emotional moments on your best day ever. Their role is more than taking photos; it includes creating an environment where you can feel beautiful and at ease, resulting in authentic images that capture the true essence of your wedding day.