Hiring a Wedding Photographer: Expert Advice from Larita Fisher Photography

At Heather Paperie, we’re always looking for ways to support our couples beyond just their stationery needs, which is why we teamed up with the talented Larita Fisher of Larita Fisher Photography to bring you expert advice on hiring a wedding photographer. In this collaboration, we dive into the importance of investing in a professional photographer and offer tips on how to pick a wedding photographer who’s the right fit for your big day.

Heather and I want to help make the planning process smoother by connecting you with trusted vendors who share our passion for creating timeless, unforgettable wedding experiences. Whether you’re wondering when to start your photographer search or what to look for during consultations, Larita shares her insights to guide you through the process and capture the magic of your special day.

Read on for Larita’s invaluable tips, and learn what it’s really like to work with a wedding photographer from start to finish!

Could you tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do?

I’m Rita with Larita Fisher Photography. I am a northeast and destination wedding photographer based out of Lancaster, PA. I’m obsessed with timeless, romantic photos, and I think everyone deserves photos that they feel their absolute best in! Art has always been a large portion of my life, and I strive to incorporate an artist’s perspective into every wedding.

Hiring a Wedding Photographer

Why is investing in a professional wedding photographer important?

Ahh, a loaded question! It’s important for the obvious reasons, that this is how you will remember your day for years to come and will be the photos that get passed onto your children and grandchildren. But also, it’s much more than that. Having an experienced, professional wedding photographer that you trust will put you at ease on your wedding day. You need to hire a photographer who can handle any lighting situation, any weather forecast, all relationship dynamics, etc.. that can still ensure you will be receiving beautiful, artistic, timeless images no matter what the day entails.

What should couples look for when hiring a wedding photographer? Are there any specific questions they should ask before booking?

Look at so much more than their social media! Look at their website and ask for full galleries. Ask about turnaround time for images, downloading restrictions for images, if they travel for engagement sessions (and if that’s included in their packages), if you’re required to order all prints through them.

When should couples start looking for a photographer?

As soon as you have your venue booked! Keep in mind that a lot of photographers book 1-2 years in advance so the sooner the better!

What does your process look like from the first consultation to the wedding day?

After their initial consultation and they officially book, I send a short welcome questionnaire and an extensive client guide with more information on the process, engagement session, vendor recommendations, and more. I help clients plan their engagement session, and it’s there that I really get to know them and how they interact as a couple. A few months before the wedding, I send an extensive questionnaire that helps me give them timeline advice and prepare for their day. One month before, we do a final consult to go over all the details, timeline, and any important information they want me to know!

How do you help couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?

I find that treating clients as a friend, from the initial consult to the first time you meet in person at their engagement session, will immediately make them feel so comfortable in front of your camera. This can be as simple as remembering their dogs name or little things they mentioned in their initial consult. Additionally, when actually posing I give enough of guidance to put them at ease while still incorporating movement into poses so that they never feel awkward or “stiff.”

Wedding Tips for Couples

What are some tips for getting the best photos on the wedding day?

Trust your photographer and lean into the emotions of the day! I promise your wedding photos will turn out 10x better, if you fully trust your photographer and give them full creative control with locations, posing, etc..

Do you have any favorite locations for engagement sessions?

Nemours Estate, Longwood Gardens, any type of architecture meets garden location!

Do you have any favorite wedding venues?

TPC Jasna Polana will always be a fav!

What’s your number one tip for couples planning their wedding right now?

Plan well and be thorough, but on the day of your wedding have people in place (planner/coordinators) to take care of everything so that you can truly enjoy your wedding day! Try to live in the moment and not worry about the small details on the day of your wedding.

Favorite Wedding Moments and Memories

What is your favorite moment to capture at weddings?

Ahh I could never narrow it down to one! But probably first looks, bride and groom portraits at golden hour, and dancing.

Can you share one of the most memorable moments from a wedding you’ve photographed?

Last year, one of my brides gifted her groom a puppy right after their first look! It was so precious!

What are your favorite trends in weddings right now?

Colorful florals, reception dress (always a fav), wedding weekends, mismatched bridesmaids dresses, champagne towers.

What do you love most about being a wedding photographer?

Being with people on their most special day of their lives, and being the one to document it for them. It’s an honor I will never take lightly.

Where can people go to learn more about you?

Website: https://laritafisher.com/ Instagram: @laritafisherphotography

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