How to Find Your Dream Photographer

From the Big Wedding Day to adopting a Photographer that grows with your Family,

Finding a Photographer that aligns with your vision can be a fun journey, but it’s important to approach it with a little intention.

Hey, I’m Jess!

A vibrant, joy-filled family and wedding photographer serving St. Louis and beyond

With 15 incredible years behind the lens, I specialize in navigating a crowded dance floor and getting even the most serious partner to crack a smile during family photos.

I genuinely love meeting new people and adapting to the flow and energy of each experience.

While I enjoy keeping things fun and light-hearted for my Clients, I take my job seriously, and ensure that every moment is captured with care.

So, I know a thing or two about how important it is to find a Photographer that actually resonates with You.

Here’s how to make sure you find THE one!

Know what you want AND what you don’t!! First, get clear on the style and vibe you’re after.

♥️ Do you love candid moments or more posed, editorial shots?

🤷🏻‍♀️ Do you want someone who’s playful or a bit more serious?

🫡 Do you need someone to tell you what to do or really want to relax?

👀 Dark and Moody, Bright and Airy, True to Life or Colorful?

Your Photographer will be with you through some pretty memorable things, so make sure you enjoy who they are, how they work and the art they create!

Check out their Portfolio & Website

This sounds like a given, but I mean it! Every Photographer’s Portfolio is their best foot forward, so take a look.

⚡️ Do their photos make you feel something?

🥹 Do they capture moments that resonate with you? If you’re nodding your head YES, you might be on to something good.

❌ Uh-oh, Are you nitpicking?

😕 Not seeing stuff you like?

👎🏽Trying to convince yourself?

They are probably not the Photographer for You. That’s okay, move on.

What you see in the Portfolio is what You get! Trust me, you will have plenty of awesome Photographers to choose from who fit exactly what you are looking for.

Know the Costs for Your Area

Understanding Photography rates in your area is key when planning your budget.

In St. Louis, for example, a standard wedding photography package for an 8 to 10-hour wedding day typically ranges from $5k to $8k.

This usually covers everything from private getting-ready moments to the funky, cool dance floor action at the end of the night.

Family Photos range from $500 to $1,200 depending on the studio and this can include 30 minutes to 2 hrs of portrait time. It helps to make a comparison sheet of your top fave choices. I have an easy-to-use one here and yes, it’s free!

Can you find “cheaper” options? Absolutely. But, as with anything, lower rates often come with trade-offs.

You might find that you're sacrificing things like the number of hours you really want covered, or the experience of the Photographer.

A Photographer just starting out might not have the same level of expertise, but if you love their work and their price range fits your budget, it’s still a win in my book!! Budget is Queen. But if you love what they provide, it may be worth saving up for :)

Ultimately, when it comes to your photos, this is a lifetime investment. So, while it's okay to find a deal, make sure you’re not compromising on the experience or quality that you truly value.

Review Client Testimonials:
What are others saying about their experience? Reading testimonials or reviews will give you insight into their working style, personality, and professionalism. If clients mention they felt comfortable and at ease, that’s a great sign! If something gives you pause, Ask the Photographer directly to get a better idea of the situation and how it was handled. Things happen, how your Photographer handled it is what matters. Seeing a pattern of similar uncorrected issues? Run for the hills, bullseye.

Set Up a Consultation or Call:
In the era of technology, you can literally have a virtual date to see if you connect with someone within the first few minutes! Communication is key when it comes to making memories, so don’t be afraid to chat with them about your vision, ask questions, and make sure their personality vibes with yours. This is the fastest and easiest way to get to know someone.

Trust Your Gut:
This is the most important step. If you feel a spark or excitement about working with someone, go with it. Your photographer should make you feel heard, supported, and excited about the journey ahead. If your gut is telling you to head in a different direction? No worries.

Politely let the Photographer know that you appreciate their time, but have decided to go with someone else or in a different direction. It may sting a little, especially for my sweet people pleasers, but it’s much better than being ghosted. If they took the time to answer your questions, send you information and responded to your emails, the least you can do is show them the same level of respect and gracefully move forward on your search :)

Remember, finding your dream photographer is all about building a relationship that feels right for you.

Take your time and trust the process. You can find the calm, super profesh photographer who truly is a fly on the wall or you can find the one that will dance along at the reception, full of energy to keep the party going - whatever your comfort level is, don’t settle for anything less.

Xx, Jess