How to Choose the Right Photographer for a Small Wedding

Photo credit: Unsplash/Chris

When people think of small weddings, they often think of what they will lose out on. The truth is that a small wedding can be as memorable and meaningful as a larger ceremony. Your guests are all handpicked, everyone has the best seat in the house, and, most importantly, everyone in attendance has an opportunity to be in the wedding photos.

You may think you must forgo a wedding photographer and have an attendee shoot the wedding to save money. However, the average cost of a wedding photographer is only 8% of the average wedding budget at $2,600, making it affordable for most couples — even those planning an intimate wedding.

Why You Should Hire a Photographer for Your Small Wedding

"Small" has a different meaning to everyone. Your idea of a small wedding might be 25 guests, but to someone else, it is 100. No matter the size of your wedding party or venue, a wedding photographer's focus is on you and your partner. Together, you are the "center" and "theme" of every photograph, with everything else extending from the center – this includes your guests.

With the right lenses, lights, and settings, a wedding photographer for a small wedding can make an intimate ceremony seem larger than life. They can also expand the focal field by adding depth or other effects. The key is to choose the right photographer for the job. Consider the following factors to ensure you hire the best wedding photographer for your small wedding budget.

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer: Factors to Consider

Before hiring a wedding photographer there are certain factors you should consider. Shooting style, skillset, and ease of communication are just a few.

Shooting Style

The first thing to consider is the wedding photographer's shooting style. To get creative photos for small weddings, consider a photographer who specializes in the following five shooting styles:

1. Vintage Style: This style gives your wedding photos an old-timey feel by shooting them in sepia or black and white.
2. Flash Photography: This style uses direct flash to highlight the center point of each photo. Each photo is meant to look natural, so there isn't any posing.
3. Editorial Style: Editorial wedding photos look identical to what you see in a magazine. Each photo requires precise posing, directions, lighting, and props.
4. Documentary Style: Think of this style as photography in motion. These shots are candid and spontaneous.
5. Traditional Wedding Photography: This style incorporates both candid and posed shots. The wedding photographer can use their artistic license to shoot or follow the bride and groom's directions. Traditional wedding photos are high-definition like the others but are less reliant on props or special lenses.

The Photographer's Skillset

Will your wedding photographer both shoot and edit the images?

Hiring a wedding photographer who can do both is typically more cost-effective. The price for photo editors varies based on their area of expertise, so the cost may exceed your budget. Ask your prospective wedding photographer if they can do basic touchups and enhancements as part of your package or if it is extra.

Availability for Block-Out Booking

A wedding photographer shoots every part of your wedding day. This includes getting ready, the limo ride, the ceremony, and the reception. Find a wedding photographer for a small wedding who will block out the full day to capture each of these special moments.

Proximity to Your Venue

A wedding photographer who works closer to your venue will be less costly than one who has to travel. Wedding photographers who travel more than a few miles to your location might charge a travel fee in addition to your wedding photo package.

Ease of Communication

Hiring a wedding photographer after looking at their online portfolio might be tempting. However, it's important to interview your prospective photographer beforehand. This ensures they understand the vision you have for your wedding photos. Finalize this vision in the contract so there are no cross wires on your special day.

Budget Constraints

Do you have a budget for your wedding photography? Does this budget include editing and processing? Before interviewing any of your prospective wedding photographers, discuss your photography budget with your partner. Make sure it includes extras like editing and travel if necessary. Align yourself with a wedding photographer who understands your budget constraints and can provide everything you need within this budget.

What to Do Next With Your Digital Images?

Most wedding photographers provide your wedding photos in a digital format. This allows you to send photos to your loved ones and add additional filters or editing options. However, having your photos in a digital format increases the risk of them being corrupted or lost. Consider having your photos printed in a photo book to minimize this risk.

Photo books are like traditional photo albums with a modern twist. You select the photos you want, the layout, the paper style, and the cover. This way, your photo book matches the theme of your special day. Make one photo book, or several, to highlight each part of your wedding, from getting ready to the reception.

Mixbook makes it easy to create your wedding photo book in a flash. After choosing your customizable options, order your book, which ships in one to two days. Order extra copies for your wedding guests, or have them collaborate on your photo book before placing your order.

Need inspiration? Check out unique photo books created by our Mixbookers worldwide.