You recently got engaged (YAY!!) and now it’s time to start planning your wedding day. Maybe you’ve been dreaming about this moment your entire life, or maybe it’s all new and a little overwhelming. Wherever you fall, wedding planning is a lot. There are so many tiny details that come into play, and I believe you should have the resources to help guide you toward your dream wedding.
I’ll be honest, as a photographer, I know my style isn’t for everyone. That’s exactly why I felt drawn to write this post. There’s so much that goes into finding the right photographer for you, and I think it’s truly special to connect with someone who resonates with your vision and mood.
Below are eight tips for choosing your photographer. Whether it’s for your wedding, an engagement session, or even your family Christmas card, these tips apply to everyone.
1. Know the feeling you want to remember
Before you even scroll through portfolios, ask yourself what you want to feel when you look back at your gallery. Do you want true documentary-style images with zero posing and all candids? Do you love cinematic imagery where each photo feels like a work of art? Do you want your photos to feel fun, dreamy, romantic, or timeless?
Once you can name that feeling, you’ll start to recognize it in certain photographers’ work.
2. Study their editing style
There are countless photographers out there, and their editing style truly sets them apart. Think about what draws you in. Is it light and airy, moody and cinematic, vibrant, or true-to-color?
Choose a style that feels authentic to you, not just what’s trending.
3. Read between the lines of their portfolio
Don’t just look for pretty pictures…look for emotion. Notice how they capture connection, how details are framed, and what stands out to you. A strong portfolio should make you feel something, not just show you what happened.
4. Look for consistency
Consistency in a portfolio shows that a photographer can handle all types of lighting, locations, and weather while still maintaining their style. That’s key for a well-rounded final gallery. If a portfolio feels inconsistent, it might mean your gallery results could vary, too.
5. Connect with their personality
This is a big one, maybe the most important. You’ll spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone else on your wedding day. For photographers like me who offer full-day coverage with no time limits, that can mean I’m with you from getting ready until your very last kiss at your exit. That’s a lot of time together, and you deserve someone whose energy makes you feel calm, seen, and excited.
The comfort you feel with your photographer directly translates into your photos. That’s why I always do phone calls with my couples before booking. This is to get to know each other and make sure it feels right for both of us.
And if that’s not me? No offense taken. There’s someone out there who’s perfect for you, and that’s exactly who you deserve.
6. Ask about their process
A great photographer will have a clear, organized process. From booking and timelines to communication and delivery. Talking through how they handle unexpected weather, timeline changes, or other surprises will help you feel confident and stress-free.
Transparency and organization are huge green flags.
7. Read the reviews
Reviews are a small business owner’s best friend, and one of your best tools. When reading them, look for how couples describe their experience. Did they feel comfortable? Were they cared for? Were their emotions captured authentically?
Reviews often reveal the heart of how a photographer works, beyond just the photos.
8. Trust your gut
At the end of the day, connection matters more than anything. If a photographer’s work moves you and their energy feels right… that’s your sign.
The right photographer won’t just capture your day, they’ll help you relive it for years to come.
In Conclusion
Choosing your wedding photographer is about more than finding someone who takes beautiful photos. It’s about finding someone who feels right. Someone who notices the quiet, in-between moments, makes you feel comfortable enough to be fully yourself, and turns your day into art you’ll cherish forever.
If you feel connected to the way I approach storytelling with blending guided, cinematic moments with genuine emotion, I’d love to connect with you. Let’s chat, dream together, and see if we’re the right fit to create something timeless for your day.
