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A complete guide to finding the best Portland wedding photographer for your big day.
Before you can dive into the big task of choosing the right wedding photographer for your big day, you first need to ask yourself a few questions to best determine your needs first. You won't be able to find the perfect photographer to capture your love story if you don't know what to look for. I can help you there!
Here are a few key things to figure out about your dream wedding photos before selecting a wedding photographer:
What type of wedding photography style do you gravitate toward? Do you like the more traditional posed shots that look like they could be out of a magazine (editorial style) or do you prefer more documentary-style, candid wedding photos that capture the feeling of the day? Look around Pinterest to save some inspo and compare your vision board with the photographers you're seeing. Note the similarities in editing style and the way the big moments are being captured.
What kinds of wedding photos do you want to prioritize on your day? If you want to make sure you're going to get a lot of awesome group shots and combos of family and friends, look for a photographer with lots of group shots in their portfolio in different settings and lighting. If you want to prioritize candid photos of you and your guests, keep an eye out for those types of shots on their site and social.
What is your wedding size and budget? It's important to nail down your wedding photo budget early on so you're not disappointed when you all in love with luxury wedding photographers but realize you're on a backyard budget. Do some research for wedding photo price ranges in the area you're getting married and decide how much you're willing to spend. Having a budget will narrow down the search and make it easier to decide who's the right fit for your needs.
If you're getting married in Portland, there are many talented photographers to choose from, but how do you know which one is right for you? Here are 10 important questions to ask when selecting a Portland wedding photographer.
Portland, Oregon is a gorgeous place to get married, and the Pacific Northwest can make for some of the best wedding photos out there. But in order to get the best wedding photos possible, it's important to find the best Portland wedding photographer for your big day. But the perfect wedding photographer can mean a lot of different things for a lot of different people. That's why it's essential that you look for a few specific things when trying to find a Portland wedding photographer for your big day
What is your photography style?
You’ll get a good sense of the photographer's style from their portfolio but it's always a good idea to talk to them directly and make sure their shooting style is in line with what you're hoping to get out of your Portland wedding photography. It's important to know, in their own words, the photographer's style and approach to capturing your wedding day. Do they prefer traditional posed shots or candid, documentary-style photos? Are they comfortable with natural lighting or do they rely heavily on artificial lighting? Are they more in the action or do they prefer to hang back with a long lens so as not to interrupt?
In order to get an understanding of the right wedding photographer for you, it’s important that you as the photography client understand the shooting style and general wedding photography vibe that you're looking for. Make sure their style aligns with your vision for your Portland wedding photos. If you’re looking for a Portland documentary wedding photographer it’s important to prioritize someone who has a lot of strong candid shots and portraits that feel natural. If you’re looking for a Portland wedding photographer who specializes in 35mm film wedding photography it’s important to seek out those keywords and ask about the photographer’s film offerings.
How many weddings have you shot in Portland?
Shooting weddings in the Pacific Northwest can be a different kind of challenge than shooting weddings elsewhere in the country. Between the unpredictable weather and high likelihood of rain in Portland on your wedding day, it's important to know the photographer's experience in shooting weddings specifically in the Portland area. This will give you an idea of their familiarity with the area and potential locations for your wedding photos. It can also give you an idea of their reputation in the local wedding industry. Don't be afraid to ask for references or to see examples of their previous work as a Portland wedding photographer.
Can I see a full wedding album you’ve shot in Portland?
While public portfolios can give you a good sense of a Portland wedding photographer’s style, you can always ask to see a full wedding album from the photographer to get a sense of their style and how they capture the entire day. This will give you a better idea of their ability to tell a story through their photos and how they handle different lighting and settings throughout the day. Make sure to ask specifically for a wedding album shot in Portland to see how they handle the unique locations and lighting in the area.
Do you have backup equipment?
Regardless of the location It's always important for a wedding photographer to have backup equipment in case anything should go wrong with their gear on your wedding day. Don't be shy about checking to see what kind of gear your photographer shoots with and what they plan on bringing to your wedding.
It's important to ask your Portland wedding photographer if they have backup equipment in case of any technical difficulties on the day of your wedding. This includes backup cameras, lenses, and lighting equipment. A professional photographer should always have backup equipment to ensure that they can still capture your special day even if something goes wrong with their primary equipment.
How do you handle low light situations?
Low light situations can be challenging for photographers, especially during indoor ceremonies or receptions. It's important to ask your Portland wedding photographer how they handle these situations and if they have experience working in low light environments. They should be able to provide examples of their work in similar situations and explain their techniques for capturing high-quality images in low light. Additionally, they should have the necessary equipment, such as fast lenses and external lighting, to ensure that they can capture beautiful photos even in challenging lighting conditions.
How do you handle shooting in the rain?
This is an essential question to ask your Portland wedding photographer because of how much it rains in the Pacific Northwest and the Portland area specifically. Some Portland wedding photographers will require alternative indoor shooting locations in the off chance the weather turns. This is important so photographers can protect their equipment from the elements. But that shouldn't detract from your wedding experience or your ability to get back the best wedding photos possible another common solution to rain on your wedding day is to bring a couple of clear bubble umbrellas these make for gorgeous photo props and are a distinctly Pacific Northwest Edition to a gorgeous wedding photography session. don't shy away from rain on your wedding day but make sure you have a plan with your Portland wedding photographer to work around any possible turns in the weather.
What is the pricing structure for your Portland wedding photography packages?
Understanding the costs associated with hiring a wedding photographer can be challenging, as prices can vary depending on various factors. Several factors contribute to the cost of hiring a wedding photographer. These include the photographer's experience, reputation, package inclusions, the number of hours of coverage needed, the location of the wedding, additional services such as engagement shoots or albums, and the prevailing market rates in the Portland area.
The basic Portland wedding photography package usually includes 6-8 hours of coverage on the wedding day, a single photographer, high-resolution digital images, basic editing, and an online gallery. In Portland, the average cost for this package in 2023 and 2024 can range from $2,500 to $4,500.
A premium package can often include some of the following: unlimited hours of coverage, an engagement session, a bridal portrait session, fine art prints or albums, advanced editing, and a personalized online gallery. Prices for this package in Portland can range from $5,000 to $10,000 or more, depending on the photographer's reputation and experience.
Do you shoot 35 mm film wedding photography?
35 mm film wedding photography has exploded and popularity over the past few years. Especially in the Portland area, 35 mm film wedding photography is an extremely popular option for newlyweds looking for unique wedding photos that capture the day in a really special way. 35 mm film wedding photographers often offer physical prints or gift boxes to set their offerings apart from the standard digital wedding photography package.
Film photography has a timeless and classic look that can bring a nostalgic and romantic feel to your wedding photos. The natural grain, color saturation, and tonal range of film can create a unique and artistic look that cannot be replicated with digital photography.
Do you offer any additional services as part of your Portland wedding photography packages?
Sometimes you can find a Portland wedding photographer who offers additional add-on services to their overall wedding photography packages. These additional services can include anything from 35 mm film wedding photography to same-day Polaroid photos to video interviews of friends and family.
Make sure you ask your Portland wedding photographer what they offer in addition to their base Portland wedding photography packages. Oftentimes, with wedding photographers who offer additional services, you can get a great deal on a wedding photography package with unique add-ons without breaking the bank. If you're interested in adding a video element onto your wedding photography package it can be extremely expensive to hire a separate wedding videographer on top of your wedding photographer. Hiring both separately could easily double your bill for wedding imagery. Alternatively if you find a photographer who offers à la carte add-on services that can be a great way to get more bang for your buck out of your wedding photography package.
What is your delivery process for the photos after the wedding is over?
The delivery process can vary widely from photographer to photographer. This can depend largely on how busy the photographer is that season and how many other weddings they have to edit. A typical weight on wedding photos is 4 to 6 weeks to get your photos back. Many wedding photographers will send a sneak peek within a week of the wedding and that can include as many as 5 to 10 or more photos. keep in mind that the more popular and in demand your photographer is, the longer it could take to get the wedding photos back. Talk to your Portland wedding photographer directly about expectations for getting the photos.
Finding the best Portland wedding photographer involves a combination of research, careful consideration, and personal preference. In order to hire the best Portland wedding photographer who matches your dream wedding photo style, follow these tips:
Begin your search for a wedding photographer as soon as you set your wedding date. Many in-demand photographers book their calendars months or even years in advance, so it's essential to secure their services early.
Trust Your Instincts. Ultimately, choose a photographer with whom you feel comfortable and confident. Trust your instincts and select someone who not only has the technical skills but also understands and appreciates your vision for capturing the magic of your wedding day.
Determine Your Style. Consider the style of wedding photography that resonates with you. Do you prefer traditional, classic poses, or are you drawn to candid, documentary-style shots? Understanding your preferred style will narrow down your search and help you find photographers whose portfolios align with your vision.
Remember that finding the best Portland wedding photographer is a subjective process. What matters most is finding someone who resonates with your style, understands your vision, and can capture the essence of your special day in a way that brings joy and cherished memories for years to come.
If you're looking for a Portland documentary wedding photographer for the 2023 or 2024 wedding season reach out for a consultation or a quote. Yeticorn is a Portland wedding photographer who specializes in candid and documentary-style wedding photography. With a degree in photojournalism and 10 years of experience shooting weddings Yeti corn will capture your Portland wedding with a keen eye for detail while prioritizing a fun and stress-free experience for you.
My Portland wedding photography style is focused on fun, creative and bold imagery. Your wedding day should be full of joy, laughter, and happy tears - and your wedding photography should be a fun addition to that. I strive to make the photo experience as stress-free as possible - regardless of your comfort level in front of a camera. Whether you're eloping at a waterfall or having an intimate backyard wedding - I'll help capture the moments you'll want to look back on forever.
Yeticorn Portland wedding photography packages include 35mm film wedding photography, same-day Polaroid photos, and video interviews of friends and family.