Your wedding photographer in Florence will be a big part of your day, so you'll want to take some time to find someone who truly resonates with you. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

Ask recently married friends and read reviews online. Once you have found a few photographers whose aesthetics jive with yours, ask for a consultation!

1. Look at Their Portfolio

Your photographer’s portfolio is a big part of what will make or break your wedding photos. A good portfolio will show you a range of styles from editorial to documentary, and will give you an idea of their creative approach.

It’s also important to keep in mind that the types of weddings shown in a portfolio are not necessarily representative of your day. If you are interested in a style that is not featured, be sure to ask the photographer to show you a full wedding gallery of a wedding that is similar to yours.

Finally, it’s also worth considering how you feel about the photographer yourself. You will spend a whole day (and the days leading up to and after) with your photographer, so it’s crucial that you get along. If you can, try to arrange a coffee date or a zoom call to meet them in person and see how you vibe with them.

2. Ask for Referrals

When you’re searching for a wedding photographer, ask friends and family for recommendations. Photographers with glowing reviews from past clients are more likely to be a good fit for your wedding.

If you can’t get a referral from anyone, request to see a full wedding album. You’ll be able to assess their consistency and style by seeing how the photographer captured the day from start to finish.

Another thing to consider is whether the photographers you’re considering specialize in editorial or documentary photography. Editorial photographers tend to have a more posed and glamorous look, while documentary photographers focus more on capturing authentic moments and emotions.

Once you’ve narrowed down your list, ask about their packages and pricing. Choose a package that fits your needs and budget, and make sure to get a quote before hiring. This will prevent any surprises after the wedding. You’ll also want to know how they deliver their photos – some photographers offer online galleries, while others may provide you with prints or USBs.

3. Ask for a Consultation

If you find a wedding photographer who meets the criteria on your checklist, schedule a time to meet with them in person. It will help you get to know them better and make sure their working style aligns with yours.

During this meeting, ask them to show you full galleries from real weddings, rather than just the highlight reels they post on social media. This will give you a more accurate sense of their skill level, whether they can capture dimly lit reception photos or snap beautiful golden hour portraits.

Another question to ask is how they handle unforeseen circumstances on the day of your wedding. If (God forbid!) someone breaks an arm during family formals, or images are inexplicably wiped off your memory card, it’s nice to know your photographer has protocols in place to ensure they can still provide you with high-quality photos.

Lastly, you should clarify exactly how many hours of photography are included in their packages. If you want your photographer to be there for your getting ready process, journey to the venue, and first-look photos, this will likely require more than four or six hours of coverage.

4. Look at Their Pricing

When choosing a wedding photographer, it’s important to consider their pricing. They should start their packages with a price point that doesn’t scare away potential clients, but that also allows them to stay profitable.

Photographers have many costs that need to be covered, including marketing and advertising, website hosting, business insurance, equipment maintenance, and more. These costs can add up quickly, so it’s important for them to have a sustainable income.

Some photographers also hire an assistant or two to help them capture all of the important moments on your wedding day. This will increase their price, but it’s worth the investment for couples who want to be sure that every moment is documented.

When looking at a wedding photographer’s pricing, be sure to look at their full portfolio of images from each wedding they’ve shot. This will give you a good idea of their consistency and style. A high level of consistent quality is key!