How to Pick a Wedding Photographer in Colorado
Photo Credit: Sweet Justice Photography
Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. You'll want to make sure you hire a photographer who can capture all the special moments to ensure you have beautiful memories to look back on for years to come. So how do you go about choosing a wedding photographer in Colorado? Read on for our best tips for how to pick a wedding photographer that’s right for you.
How to Pick a Wedding Photographer: 5 Tips
When picking a wedding photographer in Colorado, you have hundreds of people to choose from. It can be overwhelming to narrow your search to the perfect photographer for your event. We understand, which is why we’ve compiled a list of our best tips for how to pick a wedding photographer in Colorado.
1. Decide the Style of Wedding Photography You Want
There are many different photography styles out there, from traditional and classic to dark and moody to editorial to cinematic and more. While you might not know the name of the style you’re going for, it’s a good idea to gather wedding photography inspiration from Instagram and Pinterest. That way, when researching wedding photographers, you can choose ones that match the vibe you want.
Each wedding photographer in Colorado has a unique approach to capturing and editing photos. While none are right or wrong, you may like one more than another. For example, do you want candied, in-the-moment shots or perfectly posed pictures? Are you going for deep, romantic vibes, or do you want something more light and whimsical? Knowing your style will help you pick a wedding photographer that can bring it to life in pictures. For examples of different styles, check out some of our favorite wedding photographers to work with and see how they capture amazing photos but in different ways:
Sean Lara Photography - Best wedding photographer in Colorado for couples who want a cinematic look with dramatic lighting and detailing:
Sweet Justice Photography - Best wedding photographer in Colorado for couples who want a lighter, airy look:
Lyndsey Leach Photography - Best wedding photographer in Colorado for couples who want a moody style or a photographer with experience capturing elopements:
2. Select a Wedding Photographer with Experience Shooting in Colorado
Picking a wedding photographer with experience shooting weddings in Colorado is beneficial for many reasons. First, you can look at their past Colorado-specific weddings to determine if you like how they capture Colorado culture. Additionally, they will be more aware of the best places in Colorado to take wedding photos and may even be familiar with your wedding venue.
3. Browse the Photographer’s Portfolio of Previous Weddings
Viewing a photographer’s past weddings is the best way to decide if you like their style–both the types of pictures they take and how they edit them. You can check their website and social media pages for examples of past events. If a particular wedding stands out, take note of it. That way, if you choose the photographer for your wedding, you can refer to your favorite wedding photos as examples.
4. Read the Photographer’s Online Reviews
Choosing the right wedding photographer in Colorado is not just about the photos but the entire experience. Even if someone takes fantastic pictures, it’s important they are also friendly, easy to work with, knowledgeable, and helpful on the wedding day. One of the best ways to find out is by reading the photographer’s online reviews from past clients. You’ll get an idea of what it’s like working with the person, as well as how their photos turn out.
5. Set Up a Call with the Photographer and Ask Questions
Once you’ve selected a few wedding photographers in Colorado, it’s time to set up a call with them and ask a few final questions before making your decision. The call is when you can share your vision for your wedding and see if you connect with the photographer’s personality. It’s essential for you to feel comfortable around your wedding photographer because the vibe is captured in the images. Here are some questions to ask about services, budget, experience, and examples.
What is Included in Your Wedding Photography Packages?
Consider other wedding-related events you want professionally photographed, like your engagement photos or rehearsal dinner. Some wedding photographers in Colorado offer robust packages for multi-day events, while others provide one-day services for the ceremony and reception. Get the specifics regarding how many hours they consider a “full-day” and additional fees associated with their prices. You may also inquire about their cancellation and rescheduling policies.
How Much Do Your Wedding Photography Services Cost?
Once you know what each package includes, ask about the cost. Wedding photography is typically one of the more expensive wedding investments you’ll make, but it’s worth it. The price you pay depends on the photographer’s experience, availability, services, and style. Highly sought-after photographers can charge more for their services, and costs can be upward of $6,500. It’s critical to keep your wedding budget in mind as you talk to potential photographers.
What Type of Experience Do You Have Shooting Weddings in Colorado?
If you don’t go with a local Colorado wedding photographer, be sure to ask if they’ve ever shot in Colorado before. If they are from Colorado, it’s a good idea to gauge how much wedding photography experience they have. While it’s not a deal-breaker if someone is new to the industry, it’s always good to know how comfortable they are behind the camera.
Can You Share About One of Your Favorite Weddings to Date?
Hearing a photographer talk about one of their favorite experiences shooting a wedding is a great way to learn more about the heart behind their work. Consider asking about any challenges they faced on the wedding day and how they overcame them. What is their favorite part about shooting weddings? What makes their favorite wedding so unique? Connecting with the photographer in this way gives you a good idea of how they’ll relate to you on your wedding day.
Find the Perfect Wedding Photographer in Colorado with Mountainside Events
At Mountainside Events, we know finding the perfect wedding photographer in Colorado is essential. That’s why we include vendor services in our wedding planning packages. Rather than you having to wade through hundreds of potential options, we learn your wedding style, consider your budget, and present you with a pre-vetted list of the best options for you. It’s one of the easiest ways for how to pick a wedding photographer. Learn more about what's included in our wedding planning packages!