How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer (aka Your Wedding Day Ride-or-Die)

Let’s be honest — choosing a wedding photographer is a big deal. This person isn’t just taking once-in-a-lifetime pictures. They’re with you more than almost anyone on your wedding day. So, how do you know who’s the right fit? Let’s break it down:

1. Start with the Portfolio (Don’t Just Scroll, Study!)

Before you even slide into someone’s DMs or hit "inquire," take a good look at their work. Does their editing style speak to you? Are the colors, lighting, and emotions what you envision for your own day? Make sure the images you're seeing reflect their current work — not just the best five photos from 2018.

Pro tip: Ask to see 1–3 full wedding galleries, not just highlight reels. You want to know how they shoot everything from flat lays to dance floor chaos.

2. Make Sure You Actually Like Them

Your wedding photographer is like your calm-in-the-storm sidekick. They’ll be with you while you’re zipping up your dress, managing the family photo chaos, and capturing tear-jerking vows. You want someone who:

• Hypes you up when you’re nervous

• Knows how to handle stressful moments with grace

• Can corral family members without turning into a drill sergeant

• Feels like a fun, professional, confident presence in the room

If you don’t vibe with their personality, it could throw off your whole experience. This is why meetings (either virtual or in-person) are so important — more on that below!

3. Questions You Should Be Asking

Don’t be afraid to treat your inquiry like a job interview. Here are some key things to ask:

• Is a second shooter included, or an add-on?
  Second shooters can catch additional angles and moments you’ll treasure later. I recommend having a second shooter at least for the ceremony and couple’s portraits.

• Can I see 1–3 complete galleries?
  This gives you a better idea of consistency, especially in different lighting or venue types.

• What are your package costs and what’s included?
  Don’t assume an engagement session, timeline planning, or travel is part of the base rate.

• How many meetings are included, and when will they happen?
  Good photographers often want to connect before the big day to discuss timeline, shot lists, and expectations.

• Do you have client testimonials or reviews?
  Google reviews are great, but if they don’t have many yet, ask if past clients would be willing to share a recommendation directly.

4. Bonus Thought: Go with Your Gut

Sometimes, the biggest green flag is just a feeling — that calm confidence when you read their emails, that extra care they take to remember your story, the way their galleries make you feel like you were there.

If you're torn between a few options, think about who you'd most want by your side during one of the most intimate and emotional days of your life. That gut instinct? It’s usually right.

If you’re currently searching for a wedding photographer (hi 👋), I’d love to connect and chat more about how I could support your day — whether that’s through dreamy golden hour portraits, keeping your family on schedule, or just reminding you to breathe and soak in the moment.

Let’s find the right fit for you, because you deserve to feel confident, beautiful, and cared for from the first click to the final photo delivery.