My top tips and tricks for how to choose your dream wedding photographer in Denver CO and beyond. Keep reading for key points that factor into your decision, along with what to do when a family member approaches you about capturing your wedding.

1. Experience vs. Cost

First and foremost, I think it’s important to address cost. Hiring a wedding photographer, whether in Denver CO, or beyond will account for a large portion of your budget. In fact, something I hear all too often is newlyweds who regret prioritizing other elements (cake, dress, florals) of their wedding day over their wedding photography experience. To be clear, if those elements of your wedding day are important to you, then yes, you should include them. However, this needs to be done in a way that is also mindful of your photography budget. After all, your photos will be one of the only sentimental items left once your wedding day has passed.

Unfortunately, cheaper is not always better when it comes to wedding photography. In fact, hiring a seemingly cheaper wedding photographer in Denver CO, or beyond usually equates to hiring someone who is just getting started and doesn’t yet have the experience of a professional wedding photographer. They’ve dropped their prices in comparison to their competitors because they are attempting to build their knowledge base. 

Which will leave you with disappointing photos from your dream wedding day. And yes, couples have “redone” their wedding portraits after being frustrated with the cheap photographer they hired. As you can imagine, those recaptured photos aren’t recreations of the beautiful ceremony and reception they’ve already hosted with their guests in attendance. Wedding photography is one cost where the adage of “you get what you pay for” applies.

How much is a wedding photographer in Denver?

When it comes to hiring a professional wedding photographer in Denver CO you can expect the total cost of a photography package to range from $5000 to $15,000+.

2. The Role of a Professional Wedding Photographer

Aside from price point, how do you recognize the role of a professional wedding photographer in Denver CO, and beyond? Believe it or not, it takes a lot more than a “nice camera”. A professional wedding photographer is someone who has put in the work to understand their craft and produce their artistry. We get to know and understand lighting in a vast array of situations. 

Above all, we comprehend timing in photography. We also know how to manage the fast pace of a wedding day, on our feet, with everything the day brings our way. Carefully navigating those caveats with awareness and comprehension is not something that can be found with an up-and-coming photographer. In fact, hiring a wedding photographer in Denver CO who does not possess the know-how and intricacies of a wedding day will, in the long run, create more work and preparation for you as the couple getting married.

How to choose the right wedding photographer in Denver CO & Beyond!

3. Time, Lighting, and Communication

Timing

I know you’ve meticulously planned every detail of your dream wedding day. You’ve invested your time and your money into this once-in-a-lifetime experience and you cannot wait to stand beside the person you love and celebrate with all those in attendance. But, your wedding day will feel as though it’s flown by you in the blink of an eye. It’s a fast-paced day and you will be on the go from the time you wake up in the morning.

This fast pace means there is little room for error when it comes to your wedding photos. For example, your wedding photographer has to know where and how to position you for your first look. They have to know how to capture your first dance without the catering trays in the background or staff whizzing by. We have to be on our toes, ready to capture the moment as you experience it, leaving you with the most amazing memories to look back on for a lifetime.

Lighting

I touched on this above, but lighting is a critical element for a professional wedding photographer in Denver CO, and beyond. But, it’s also one element that we aren’t always in control of. What happens if it inexplicably rains on your wedding day or your outdoor ceremony is suddenly cloudy and gray? While these things are out of our control, the way we react to them is not. Being experienced in navigating and working with a variety of lighting is critical to capturing every moment beautifully. 

Communication

A wedding photographer is a small business owner, and we wear many hats in our business. Some wedding photographers may have a small ‘team’ that comprises their business, but more often than not we are solo entrepreneurs. The wedding industry is a heart-centered business and we know that our clients trust us with their cherished memories on one of the biggest days of their lives.  To that end, communication is of the utmost importance. It helps establish expectations and gives us insight. 

Not only that, but an open line of communication with your wedding photographer will show you that you are cared for and your wedding is as important to them as it is to you. Having said that, you can see how frustrating it would be to work with a less-than-professional wedding photographer who can’t answer emails in a timely manner, leaving you wondering whether or not they will show up on your wedding day. Strong communication comes down to time management skills and unclear expectations. You can see how poor communication could easily wreak havoc on what is supposed to be your best day ever.

4. Hiring a Friend or Family Member

From the moment you announced your engagement, you might’ve been inundated with questions and opinions. It happens to nearly all couples. I chalk it up to everyone around you being excited about this momentous occasion in your life. With that, you might have also received ‘recommendations’. Friends and family telling you to hire “good old friend of the family so and so” for this or that. Or perhaps, an uncle of yours with a penchant for photography has offered to capture your wedding. The offer may be tempting but I would caution you against it.

A professional wedding photographer in Denver CO and beyond will have a methodical way of doing business including a timeline for the editing and delivery of your photos. Your friend or family member, who offered you a free or “heavily discounted” service will not. Additionally, because familiarity is involved there will be a level of assumption that forgoes all professional boundaries. This is a recipe for disaster. Especially if you are constantly phoning, months after your wedding asking them for delivery of your photos. Even worse, you could be unhappy with the final images once they are delivered. And, in the absolute worst-case scenario, you could find yourself with no photos at all. You can see how each of these scenarios would put a strain on your relationship with them in the long run. 

Still Considering Hiring a Friend or Family Member?

If you are still mulling over the idea of working with a friend of family member to capture your wedding photos, there are a few ways to prepare. You should go into the scenario willing to dedicate the time and effort it takes to help them create the best images of your wedding.

1. Venue and Lighting Prep

Visit your ceremony venue at a similar time of day with them so they can test lighting and camera settings. For your reception, ask them to practice different lighting scenarios. This will be especially important if you’ve hired a professional lighting company for your wedding and will be introducing up lighting, string lights, lanterns, or dance floor lighting.

2. Check Their Equipment

Ensure that your friend or family member has at least one low-light lens (2.8f or lower). If they do not, you will want to allocate a portion of your budget to renting the necessary equipment for them.

3. Practice & Experience

If this is the first time they are shooting a wedding, ask if they’ve shot in a similar setting under low light or dynamic situations (not just static photos).

4. Make Adjustments to Your Wedding Day

Be flexible about working with them and making adjustments to your wedding day as needed. For example, if the proper equipment is not involved, consider scheduling your wedding earlier in the day for better natural light. Or, consider asking that your indoor lighting be turned up during key moments such as speeches or your first dance. Lastly, if at all possible, avoid planning a winter wedding if lighting is a major concern.

5. Be Proactive

The last thing you can do to help the friend or family member who will be capturing your wedding is to ask them to shoot in RAW format, in addition to JPEG. This will allow the space needed to make corrections and edits later.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding photos will mark the very beginning of your life together as a married couple. They will showcase the moments you shared with the people you love the most on one of the most important days of your life. They are a key part of your family’s legacy and will be looked over and beloved for years to come. While portraits can be redone, milestone moments cannot, so it is important to select your dream wedding photographer in Denver CO, and beyond, with the greatest of care.