You’ll spend more time with your photographer than anyone else during your wedding day (let alone countless hours of planning, texts and meetings). Make sure you find someone who really resonates with you.

Ask to see a full collection of weddings they’ve shot, not just highlights. Also, look for images in lighting environments similar to your wedding to get a realistic idea of what to expect.

1. Look at Their Portfolio

Every photographer in Umbria has a unique creative style that shines through in their work. Spend some time looking through their portfolios and make note of how they make you feel. This is one of the most important things to consider when selecting a wedding photographer as the style you choose will largely impact how your photos look years down the road.

A good photographer will be able to capture a variety of environments, moments, and relationships and tell the story of your day through their lens. Look for a cohesive, beautiful narrative in their work that tells you they understand how to capture the big picture as well as the nitty gritty details.

Pay attention to their editing style as well - some photographers will prefer really dark, moody images, while others may favor lighter and more airy colors. Be sure to ask them how they would approach a lighting situation similar to yours. For example, if your wedding is in a dark church, you want to know how they would handle this scenario!

2. Talk to the Photographer

It's important to find someone who not only does amazing work, but also has a personality that meshes well with yours. After all, you'll be spending essentially your whole day with this person, so it's critical that they get along with you and have a pleasant demeanor.

Talk to each photographer about their style and how they would approach your wedding, as this will give you a good sense of their overall personality. You may also want to ask them about their backup equipment, cancellation policies, and any other relevant information that you should know before hiring them.

It's also a great idea to see if you can contact any previous couples for feedback about their experience working with that particular photographer. This can be a huge help, especially if you feel like their style isn't exactly what you're looking for. Just make sure they're okay with it before you reach out! They should be more than happy to provide references.

3. Ask About Low Light Situations

You’ll want to make sure your photographer is comfortable shooting both indoors (like a ceremony) and outdoors (like your reception). Ask them how they work in different lighting situations. Their answer should align with what you’re hoping to see in your final wedding photos.

Another important question to ask is how they deal with light that’s too bright. If the sun is blazing overhead, they should be able to provide shade so that you aren’t squinting in your photos. They may also be able to use lenses that are wide-open (meaning they create beautiful blurs in the background, called bokeh).

The other way they might handle this is by using backlighting or side lighting from a window. If they put the bride or groom at an angle to the window, it will create flattering and natural-looking light. Using the light that already exists can save you from having to use a flash, which isn’t always possible or appropriate.

4. See Their Work in Person

There are photographers who take photos and there are those who capture MOMENTS - the ones you look back on and get teary eyed because they bring you right back to that day. While anyone can snap a photo, you want to make sure that you're hiring someone who will do just that for your wedding photos.

When choosing a photographer, it's important to see their work in person. This way, you can get a better idea of their style and whether it matches your own. You'll also be able to ask them about their experience and how well they worked with past clients.

Most photographers will provide highlights from their best weddings on their website and social media, but it's important to ask for a full wedding gallery as well. This will allow you to view a wide range of shots, from amazing scenic landscapes to more standard wedding moments, like photos with Grandma or the cake cutting.