How to Choose a Wedding Photographer That Fits Your Style
Picking a wedding photographer in Roanoke, VA, is a big step when you're planning your special day. The right photographer will take pictures that truly show your personality as a couple and capture all the happy little moments. The best way to find them is to look at their past work and talk to them about what you like and don't like.
When you're getting ready to say "I do" in beautiful Southwest Virginia, especially if you're thinking about a place like Bent Oaks Manor, you want your photos to look just right. This guide will help you understand different photography styles and how to find a photographer whose work makes you feel excited.
What Kinds of Wedding Photo Styles Are There?
Before you start looking, it's a good idea to know about the different ways photographers take pictures. This will help you tell photographers what you're looking for.
Classic and Traditional Photos
This style is about timeless, posed pictures. Think of the formal family photos you see in albums. These photos are usually clear, well-lit, and focus on everyone looking at the camera. They often have a very clean and polished feel. If you want pictures that will look great for many years and never go out of style, this might be for you.
Photojournalistic or Candid Photos
If you love pictures that tell a story without feeling fake, this style is a good fit. A photojournalistic photographer tries to capture real moments as they happen. They might take pictures of you laughing with your friends, your partner wiping a tear, or little kids dancing. These photos are often taken when people don't even know they're being photographed, making them feel very real and natural.
Light and Airy Photos
This style uses lots of natural light to create bright, soft, and often pastel-colored pictures. The photos tend to look very romantic and dreamy, almost like a fairy tale. They often have a gentle, warm feeling and focus on beautiful, delicate details. If you like soft colors and a romantic vibe, this could be your style.
Dark and Moody Photos
On the other end of the spectrum is the dark and moody style. These photos use shadows and deeper colors to create a more dramatic and artistic look. They can feel very intense and emotional, with rich tones and strong contrasts. If you prefer pictures that are bold and artsy, this might be what you're looking for.
Bohemian or Earthy Photos
This style often uses natural settings, warm tones, and a relaxed feel. Pictures might be taken outdoors in a field or by a lake, especially in places like the Blue Ridge Mountains. They often have a slightly rustic or vintage feel and focus on natural beauty and a relaxed vibe. If you're having an outdoor wedding in Roanoke, VA, this style can fit in really well.
Editorial or Fashion Photos
This style is like something you'd see in a fancy magazine. It's often very posed and artistic, with a focus on dramatic lighting, unique angles, and a polished, high-fashion look. If you want your wedding photos to look super stylish and unique, this could be a fun option.
How Do You Find a Photographer Who Matches Your Style?
Once you have an idea of the styles you like, it's time to start your search.
Look at Their Past Work (Portfolios!)
This is the most important step! Every photographer has a "portfolio," which is like their online photo album of past work.
When you're looking at photographers in Roanoke, Salem, or Blacksburg, check out their websites and social media pages. Pay close attention to the weddings they've shot in places similar to where you'll be getting married, like a manor house or an outdoor garden. Do their photos make you feel something? Do they look like the kind of pictures you'd want to hang on your wall?
You can also ask photographers if they have full galleries from recent weddings you can look at. Sometimes, a photographer's best work is on their website, but seeing a whole wedding helps you know what to expect.
Read Reviews and Ask Friends
What do other couples say about their experience with a photographer? Websites like The Knot or WeddingWire have lots of reviews. You can also ask friends or family who recently got married in Southwest Virginia if they loved their photographer. Personal recommendations are really helpful!
Talk to Them (This is Key!)
After you've found a few photographers whose work you like, set up a time to chat with them. You can do this over the phone, by video call, or even meet for coffee. This is your chance to ask questions and see if your personalities click.
Here are some things to talk about:
Your Vision: Tell them about your wedding day plans, including your venue (like Bent Oaks Manor!), the number of guests, and what's most important to you. If you're planning a wedding, check out our weddings page for more ideas.
Their Process: How do they work on a wedding day? Do they prefer to blend in, or do they give more direction?
What's Included: Ask about their packages, how many hours they'll be there, if you get all the digital photos, and if they offer albums.
Timing: Make sure they are available on your wedding date. Popular photographers, especially in busy wedding seasons in Virginia, book up fast!
Personality: Do you feel comfortable talking to them? You'll be spending a lot of your wedding day with your photographer, so you want to get along well!
Think About Your Venue
Your wedding venue plays a big role in the style of your photos. A historic venue like Bent Oaks Manor, nestled near the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers many different backdrops. An experienced photographer will know how to use the beautiful gardens, the grand staircase, and the natural light to create stunning photos that fit your chosen style. You can also see examples of our venue's beauty on our photography page.
For example, if you love the "light and airy" look, a photographer who knows how to use the bright, open spaces and natural light at Bent Oaks Manor will be able to capture that beautifully. If you prefer "dark and moody," they might focus on the rich textures and shadows inside the manor house.
Consider Your Budget
Photographer prices can vary a lot based on their experience, what's included in their packages, and how long they'll be at your wedding. Have a general idea of what you'd like to spend before you start looking. Remember, wedding photos are something you'll keep forever, so it's often worth investing in someone whose work you truly love.
What Questions Should You Ask a Wedding Photographer?
When you're talking to potential photographers, these questions can help you decide:
"Have you ever shot a wedding at Bent Oaks Manor or another venue like it in Roanoke, VA?" (This helps you know if they're familiar with the lighting and layout.)
"What is your main photography style?" (Even if you've seen their work, it's good to hear it from them.)
"How many photos can we expect to receive, and how long does it take to get them?"
"What happens if you get sick or have an emergency?" (They should have a plan for a backup photographer.)
"Do you offer engagement sessions?" (This is a great way to get to know your photographer before the wedding day.)
"What kind of equipment do you use?" (While you might not understand all the technical terms, it shows they are professional.)
Choosing the right wedding photographer for your special day in Roanoke, Virginia, is about finding someone whose artistic eye matches your vision. Take your time, look at lots of pictures, and talk openly with photographers. When you find the one who truly "gets" you, you'll feel confident that your wedding memories will be captured just the way you imagined.
For more wedding planning tips, check out our blog. You can find articles on topics like wedding planning or vendor selection for all kinds of events. We also have information about our beautiful manor house if you're still looking for the perfect spot to say "I do."
FAQ Section
Q: How far in advance should I book a wedding photographer in Roanoke VA?
A: It's a good idea to book your wedding photographer 9-12 months before your wedding date, especially if you're getting married during a popular season in Southwest Virginia.
Q: What is the average cost of a wedding photographer in Virginia?
A: The cost of a wedding photographer can vary widely, but in Virginia, you might expect to pay anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000 or more, depending on their experience, what's included, and how many hours they shoot.
Q: Should I do an engagement photo shoot with my wedding photographer?
A: Yes, an engagement shoot is a great idea! It helps you get comfortable with your photographer and their style before the wedding day, and you'll get some fun, casual photos too.
Q: What should I look for in a wedding photographer's portfolio?
A: Look for consistency in their style, how they use light, how they capture emotions, and if their overall look matches what you envision for your own wedding photos.
