Wedding planning is stressful, and finding the right photographer is perhaps one of the most stressful (and important) decisions you’ll have to make.
We recently sat down with New York City-based wedding and engagement photographer, Rachel Leiner, and asked her what she thinks are the three most important questions to ask a potential wedding photographer.
Keep reading to see her responses, plus the unexpected challenges of shooting a wedding, her favorite parts of the day to capture, digital vs. film POV, and more.
In your opinion, what are the three most important questions that couples should ask when vetting potential wedding photographers?
Before hopping on calls with wedding photographers, it’s important to converse with your partner about what you’re looking for. There are so many personalities and styles out there, and there’s a photographer for everyone!
1. When capturing a wedding day, how often does the photographer intervene? Do they stage shots, or capture them as they’re flowing? Whether you’re a couple interested in pure photojournalism or tend to prefer more tailored moments, it’s important to know!
2. Ask the photographer to share full galleries! Often what you see on social media is just a highlight reel (photographers–they’re just like us!). It’s essential to see if you love how each part of the day is captured–from the getting ready, to the portraits, details, ceremony, dancing, even family photos!
3. What is their favorite part of the day to photograph? This can say a lot about the photographer and their style! If you’re a couple who is ultimately looking forward to having a dance-floor rager, and their response is the reception, voila! You’ll probably be a great fit. If the photographers’ response is the vows and speeches, and your love language is words of affirmation, perfect!
What would you say differentiates your work from other wedding & engagement photographers?
My approach to wedding photography has always been rooted in authenticity and connection. I truly believe that through friendship, art thrives. I get to know my clients: what makes them tick, who their community is, how they show their love to one another. By the time the wedding rolls around, I’m able to capture everything from the perspective of a guest. I’m less fly-on-the-wall, more-so a part of the celebration. I want to have a front row seat to all the joy, spontaneity, nervousness, excitement, and FUN at each celebration.
How did you get your start in photography, and specifically, wedding & engagement?
I got my start in weddings in 2017! I was a college student in Boston, photographing anything anyone would pay me for, and ended up with a wedding inquiry! I communicated to the couple that it was my first ever wedding, and they were elated to let my creativity flow! I’m so grateful to them for trusting me (shoutout Janina and Corey), and kickstarting what has become my life’s calling. And serendipitously, I now live around the corner from that wedding venue!
Do you have a favorite moment or part of the wedding to shoot?
This one’s tough! Every single wedding, I leave the celebration with a different favorite moment—it’s always the smaller ones that catch my eye. The wedding couple finding each other on the dance floor when all is said and done, going in for a big grinning smooch. A tight hug from a grandparent, their beautiful aged hands holding tight, reminding me of the love stories that came before. Dad off to the side, shoveling down a piece of cake before rejoining the dance floor. The giggles and sighs of relief when the couple returns to the ground after the hora. Or even the moments before the ceremony where there’s quiet anticipation–I love it all!
What are some challenges or obstacles that people might not expect when it comes to shooting a wedding?
Something that makes photographing weddings such a unique skill is the breadth of knowledge you need to have of every genre of photography—especially if you’re a photojournalist and lean toward capturing the moments authentically as the day flows! Weddings are fast-paced—the lighting is constantly changing as you move through each part of the day. Photographers have to have strong technical skills to keep up with the quick environment shifts, as well as a keen sense of what’s going on around them at all times. You could be capturing a couple cheersing on flash, then pivoting to photograph a tear falling down a parent’s cheek with ambient light—all within a minute.
What can a couple do to set their wedding photographer up for success and make the day as seamless as possible?
Definitely hiring a wedding planner, month-of, or day-of coordinator is the key to success! Without someone there to ensure the day is running smoothly, the responsibility defaults to the photographer. Then we end up playing two roles, and less focus can be placed on ensuring we document the day to the best of our abilities!
Do you recommend shooting film, digital, or both?
Film photography at weddings has become quite popular the last few years, and it’s beautiful that the bygone craft is having a resurgence! There’s something so special about the quality and feel captured in a film photo—most especially because what you get is what you get. Since each film roll only allows a limited amount of frames, it creates an authenticity unmatched by digital. That being said, it’s not for everyone! If you are drawn to a certain photographer’s work, inquire with them and ask about their process! Sometimes if potential clients are unsure about where they stand, they share their Pinterest board with me so I can decipher which medium they are mainly saving! Personally, I photograph a mix of both digital and film. Each medium has its own strengths, and overtime you learn which cameras feel right for each moment!
What’s your favorite location you’ve shot a wedding or engagement at? Do you ever shoot weddings outside of the NYC area?
My favorite location I’ve shot a wedding at would have to be Balthazar, the iconic French brasserie in Soho. I’m most inspired by old-school architecture, chic interiors, the color red (who isn’t), and anything that feels timeless New York. I do a handful of destination weddings each year in Europe!
Do you have a favorite shot you’ve ever taken? We’d love to share it!
I feel like I have a favorite shot from every wedding! But in recent years, this photo has stayed dear to my heart:
Questions? Give us a shout at help@hiholden.com or a ring (pun intended) at 646.722.6817.
