Top 10 tips to find your Alberta wedding photographer
It’s sometimes hard to know where to begin when looking for your wedding photographer. Chances are, you’re doing this for the first time and navigating into unknown territory. Parents can help, but even then, they most likely found theirs in the Yellow Pages (what’s the Yellow Pages??) “back in the day.” Now, you can look in a variety of ways and quickly compare styles, prices and personalities.
1. Bridal shows AND trade shows: Chances are you’ve already hit up a local bridal show or two. You’ve most likely met with several photographers at the bridal shows and gathered information. Did you know that if you go to your local Chamber of Commerce trade show, women’s shows, business trade shows, etc, that you will most likely visit with photographers who also shoot weddings, but don’t participate in bridal shows? Many photographers photograph weddings in addition to families, corporate work, newborns, etc.
2. Ask your friends: This one is kind of a no-brainer. Ask your friends who they used. I find most of the brides who contact me have had a friend or family member pass my name along.
3. Suss out Instagram: Instagram is a cool way to see beautiful images. You can easily search for wedding photographers in your area by using hashtags. I often hashtag weddings like: #yycweddingphotographer or #yllweddings, etc. In the photo to the right, for example, I’ve also included the links to other vendors at each wedding.
4. Head to Kijiji: Many wedding photographers that don’t have big marketing budgets (and even some that do) will advertise on Kijiji for their services. Scroll through the lists in your area and see what you find!
5. Facebook groups: I often get Facebook notifications popping up where someone has referred me through Facebook on a group. There are tons of buy and sell and rant and rave groups for each town and brides post looking for a wedding photographer…and usually my name comes up in my local area. Ask and ye shall receive…..
6. Online searches: Again, another pretty obvious tip. However, keep scrolling past page one, two and three when you Google. There are so many great photographers out there, but they don’t all live on page one of Google. Calgary, for example, has like a gazillion wedding photographers. I know many high-end names that I see on page 8 instead of closer to the top. Dig deep.
8. Online forums: Join an online forum like the Wedding Bees. You will find like-minded brides to chat with about all things wedding. Ask around the boards about who some great photographers are.
9. Hire a wedding planner: Wedding planners are pros at finding you the perfect wedding photographer. They’ve worked with a variety of photographers and vendors and often will have several names for you to choose from.
10. Read blogs: There are lots of cool and interesting blogs floating around that have an unlimited wealth of knowledge on the wedding industry. They feature everything from tips and tricks to decor to unique Alberta wedding photographers.