They’re one of the most important vendors you’ll hire. Here’s how to find the right photographer for your Long Island wedding.
Image courtesy of Marco Photography
Your pictures will be the one aspect of your wedding day that lives on through the years. So choosing a photographer that delivers exactly what you’re looking for is crucial.
There are tons of talented photographers on the Island, so how do you even start to choose one? It can feel like an overwhelming task, but taking time to research and determining your priorities are two big steps. Here’s how to find the right photographer for your Long Island wedding.
Decide on your style
Every photographer has a slightly different approach. Some document your day in a photojournalistic style, some take portraits that feel more like spontaneous moments, some feature images with a light and airy feel, and some highlight more bold and dramatic looks.
There’s no right or wrong way to photograph a wedding, just one that fits your vibe! Sit down with your fiancé and decide how you’d like to remember your wedding day. Do you want cinematic pictures that feel like they’re out of a movie? Do you want to capture the more intimate parts of your day? Do you want your wedding album to feel more like a melding of two different families? Get a solid idea of what you’re after before you start looking through portfolios.
Image courtesy of JS Visions Photography and Cinematography
Browse Brides of Long Island’s Preferred Photographers
Once you have an idea of the style that fits your love story, start your research with Brides of Long Island! Our Preferred Photographers are the “best of the best” in the Long Island wedding industry, and come with an extra seal of approval from brides just like you.
On the BOLI website, you can browse through each photographer’s portfolio, learn about their philosophy and specializations, read their stellar reviews, get linked to their website and social media pages, and even send them an email.
Source the brides-only BOLI Facebook group
Have you joined the brides-only BOLI Facebook group yet? Just visit our page, answer the required questions, and you’ll be submitted to our membership committee for approval! Keep in mind that approval can take some time, so while you’re waiting, get to know the Brides of Long Island website.
One of the biggest benefits of our Facebook group is that you can read real, recent reviews from brides just like you. Our brides love giving major love to the vendors that made their day special, so you can use those reviews to start gathering potential options for your own wedding.
Reviews almost always include a few amazing pictures, so while you’re reading through all the details, see which images catch your eye. Note the photographer and add them to your list!
Image courtesy of ADA Studio
Scroll your feed
Let’s be real — the fact that you’re even reading this article means your social media feed is about to be FILLED with wedding pictures and photographers (and hey, we’re not complaining).
Sometimes a simple scroll sesh can land you on the vendor of your dreams! Start paying attention to your FYP a bit more, and be sure to tap through to the Brides of Long Island feed. We’re always featuring the amazing work of our area pros.
Ask around
There’s no better advertisement than a personal referral! If one of your besties is tying the knot, ask about their photographer. They may have taken stunning engagement photos, or have an album of previews that look like they belong in a museum.
On top of seeing their photographer’s work, friends can also give you a first-hand experience of working with their team. Because let’s be honest, if the pictures are good but the photographer was…well…not the easiest person to get along with, you may be better off looking elsewhere.
Image courtesy of JoVon Photography
Search engines and AI chatbots
Google, ChatGPT, and Claude should be your absolute last resort for finding the right photographer. Why? Google search results can be bought, reviews can be faked (that’s one thing you’ll never have to worry about with BOLI reviews!), and AI can be wrong. Very wrong.
Use search engines and AI for some initial findings, but then delve deeper with your own research.