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Guide to Choosing Your Photographer

by Jessica Gardner

When choosing your photographer, you want to be sure to vet them thoroughly (like any vendor!). They will be with you almost all day so make sure you find someone whose personality matches yours. At an outdoor venue like Vernonia Springs, you also want to ensure they have experience with the elements. You never know if you’ll get harsh sun all day or rain drops, especially in the PNW!

 

Over our past 10 years as a venue, we have worked with many vendors. Below are some suggestions we have for you to consider when choosing your photographer.

Determine Your Style Before Choosing a Photographer

There are different styles of capturing moments as well as different styles of editing. It is important that you determine what style you like, before inquiring with photographers. This will help ensure that you are connecting with the right person and will LOVE their work. While Pinterest can sometimes be overwhelming, it can also be helpful for things like this. We suggest creating a Pinterest board for your wedding. Save various photos that match your theme, color scheme, and venue type and see if there is a pattern. Are they mostly light and bright photos, or do they have more of a moody vibe? Are the portraits classic and posed, or more candid and documentary style?

 

Now, you have a Pinterest board full of images – what’s next? Look through the ones you’ve saved and see which style of photography stands out the most. Maybe it will be easy; perhaps you coincidently only saved photos of one style! 

Wanting to get a general idea of what we mean? Check out our Photography Styles board!

 

P.S. Can you see the difference in Kate Holt’s photography style (top) vs Rebecca Rizzo’s (bottom)? Both pictures are taken in the same spot, facing the same direction!

Outdoor Wedding Venues Oregon
Outdoor Wedding Venue Flower Garden

Begin Researching Those In Your Budget

Once you’ve settled on your style, you can move onto the next step of choosing your photographer! Take a peak at your budget and timing needs to ensure everything aligns. Most weddings at Vernonia Springs are roughly 6-hours, so we recommend a 8-10 hour photography package. This typically covers a few hours prior to the ceremony for getting ready pictures and portraits. You’ll want to determine what photos are most important to you though and discuss the options available with your photographer.

 

Rather than mass inquiring with multiple photographers, do a bit initial legwork and inquire only with those who:

  • Match your chosen style (take a peak at their Instagram and website)
  • Fit within your budget (many photographers have starting prices listed on their website)

  • Appear to have experience with outdoor venues (if getting married at Vernonia Springs, or a similar venue)

  • Have reviews online from past clients (look to Google, Facebook, or wedding websites)

Ask to See a Full Gallery

When you’ve moved into the interviewing process we suggest asking to see a full gallery from your top 5. This way you can get a sense of how they photograph different parts of the day. You’ll also be able to see if their editing style is consistent throughout. This also gives you an idea of how many photos to expect in the final album delivery.

 

(P.S. Here are two local photographers that include full gallery samples on their website: Sierra Storm Photography and Sean Carr Photography).

 

We hope that this helps you in the task of choosing your photographer!

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