Get to Know: Zach Nichols Photography

In a wedding industry saturated with photographers, it is very important to take your time and find the right one for you and your style – after all, you will be looking at these pictures forever.

With that said, let me introduce you to Zach Nichols, a wedding photographer and outdoor enthusiast. I first met and worked with Zach on a few years ago at weddings held at the venue I was managing at the time. I had the pleasure of working with him several more times at the last venue I managed. When I opened my own planning business, he graciously reached out to me about doing a vendor highlight for his website and blog, so I thought it would be fun to reciprocate that idea for him on my blog.

Zach is definitely one of the best photographers in this area, he is very creative, and I feel like he is always up for an adventure or trying something new. I remember getting the pictures back from a wedding we did together this past year and wanting to mark favorite on every shot because his eye for detail and originality is phenomenal! When you look through his photos or work with him, it quickly becomes apparent that he has a true passion for what he does. A great photographer is worth every penny!

Following are some questions I asked Zach, not only regarding his own business and style, but also regarding advice for couples when considering a photographer for their big day.

What should brides and grooms look for in their wedding photographer?

I actually wrote an entire article on this on my website because of how passionate I am on this subject. Regardless of whether a bride books with me or not, I want her to have the best possible photographic experience.

If I had to be concise and summarize my article, I would say that brides should look for someone who’s style they absolutely LOVE. I would encourage brides to not stop at the portfolio but also look at full weddings or wedding highlights that show photos taken throughout the day.

Next, make sure to meet with photographers and make sure you like them. You don’t have to hit it off with them, but you should be fine with them spending the majority of your wedding around you and definitely not be creeped out or annoyed.

When meeting with the photographer(s) do ask them what they mean by the terms and jargon they use if you do not understand. Unfortunately, it is common for photographers to leave out information or hide costs (one of my largest pet-peeves) from brides. This is very common when dealing with image rights and quality. Make sure you are getting your files in the original resolution of the camera so that you can print them off as large as you want and that you do not have to pay extra for the rights to larger files. Just because a photographer says “full resolution”, does not mean that it is the original camera’s resolution. More often than not it is significantly reduced in size.

One of the most important things I ALWAYS tell brides to look for in photographers, is that they have a contract and/or other paperwork. Do NOT, under any circumstances, book someone without signing a contract that binds the photographer to your date. I have had brides every year whose photographer has backed out or ran off with their money and there was nothing the couple could do. It is rare but it does happen.

**If you would like a more in depth look on this question, here is a link to the article Zach mentions on his website… https://www.zachnicholz.com/blog/what-to-look-for-in-a-wedding-photographer-spokane-wedding-photographers

How would you describe your wedding photography style?

I would say that my style is natural, candid, and timeless. When taking photos, I love to capture couples in their natural element. I limit the amount of posing I do and encourage couples to joke with each other and talk while I shoot because there is nothing better than candid smiles and laughter. I tend to photograph couples among beautiful natural scenery (probably my largest specialty) and edit in a true-to-color style that is timeless. No matter when you look back on the photos, they will always be beautiful. While styled photos like the dark and moody look on the western side of the state or the brighter pastels found down toward California and the East Coast may be beautiful, I do feel like they will be much like how sepia was ten years ago. Sepia used to be very in style, but I have to ask that if you had all your photos in sepia, would you still love them today?

What is your favorite moment of a wedding day to capture?

I think my favorite moment is not at a set time of the day but instead, times and moments when there is emotion. Sometimes it is a single tear from a loving father or the moment the groom sees his beautiful bride for the first look. It really just depends; but there is nothing like those organic, unfiltered moments.

**See guys… This is why I always end up in tears and why I love weddings so much. It is such an emotionally vulnerable day!

Any additional tips or advice?

Honestly the only other thing I can think of is that of feedback I hear from friends and brides in general. When your wedding day is all said and done, there aren’t many things to carry forward to remind you of that day. That’s why photos are so important. There are many things that go into a wedding, but one of the places I would encourage brides not to go cheap or cut corners is in the photography. Great photography has the power to elicit emotion and feelings months, and even years down the road which is why you want the best, so do your research and shop around!

Can you feel the passion for what he does in Zach’s answers? I can! Pictures say 1,000 words. Make sure you find that person that tells your love story the way you want it to be told. If you are starting to look for your wedding photographer, take a stroll through the website of Zach Nichol’s Photography and you will understand why this guy is always so busy and why you don’t want to wait any longer to give him a call!

If you found this article helpful and want to chat further about putting together your vendor ‘A Team’, head on over to the services page for my packages and pricing information. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or leave a comment below!

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