MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | MONDAY MEMOS | HIRE A FRIEND

MARYLAND WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER | MONDAY MEMOS | HIRE A FRIEND

I know what you’re thinking. Hire a friend? Yeah. That’s exactly what I said.

The industry changes all the time. Three years ago, almost every couple that inquired wanted to sit down with me. First-the email, second-the in person interview, and third-the follow up. These meetings offered a great opportunity for us to see if it was a good fit. I often found myself stuck in a booth at a Panera Bread chatting over stale coffee for hours. We would talk about the wedding, sure, but we were actually just getting to know one another. It was almost like a first date!

The wedding planning world has shifted a little bit recently. I’ve mostly done phone consultations, Skype calls, and email interviews at the couple’s preference. The engaged community has switched up the way they are planning things. I think so much of that has to do with how well the creative world brands themselves. For example, most people have a sense of who I am and what my work is like by simply visiting my website. They have already decided they might like me before they reach out.

Photographers are often the second vendor hired for an event after the venue. With competitive availability, this can be one of the biggest decisions a couple has to make. It’s so crucial that you find a photographer who is right for you. Not just in the type of photos that they take and edit, but ensuring that artist can see and appreciate your love for exactly what it is. Each love story is so unique and beautiful, and each wedding is like a finger print-all seemingly similar, but none the same. Finding someone who can capture your joy while also feeding the vibe of your energy will give you epic photos AND leave you feeling carefree. You’ll be completely able to enjoy your wedding day.

FIVE TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR PHOTOGRA-FRIEND:

1. ASK A FRIEND. If you have friends who have been recently married, ask them who they used! Get an inside scoop on their experience. If your friend likes someone, there is a good chance you will enjoy working with that person as well.
2. FOLLOW ALONG. Get inspired by following your photographer candidates on social media. Watching their work will inspire your planning choices, keep you excited for your turn, and gives you an easy platform to interact casually.
3. START A CONVERSATION. Whether it’s a call or a sit down in person, give yourself the opportunity to “meet.” Sharing introductions, talking over your expectations and ideas, or having an open topic conversation can give you an impression of whether you mesh well. I think it’s important to find someone who has a personality that mirrors your own.
4. IMAGINE THEM AS A THIRD WHEEL. As you think about your wedding day, you’ve curated a strong bridal party and leaned into your family for support. Be sure that you can imagine leaning into your photographer as well. They will be by your side all day, so feeling like you are in tune with them can help you relax!
5. DO AN ENGAGEMENT SESSION. Most photographers include a complimentary engagement session and I think this is wonderful. This is one of my favorite times to get to know a couple, and it’s the perfect trial run for portraits. You have a laid back chance to get to know each other more AND.. YAY.. more photos! :)

What’s even better about “hiring a friend?” You get to carry on that relationship through other milestones! I have recently had the pleasure of documenting an AKP couple becoming parents in the most adorable way, and I know this family will be a client for life. They say “when you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” Find someone who feels that way about your wedding day, family memories, personal successes, and everything in between. I say go ahead.. hire a friend!

-Ash