If “Find a wedding photographer” is glaring at you from your to-do list, this blog post is for you.

So here you are, on the hunt for the person who will immortalize one of the most important days of your life. You’re drowning in tabs. Fifty? Sixty? Yawn 🥱.  Who even knows anymore? The portfolios are already looking the same!

Here’s some good news: this is NOT the guide that helps you find just any wedding photographer. 

This is the guide that helps you find a wedding photographer who is a perfect fit for you.

Park yourself somewhere comfortable, grab whatever’s keeping you sane right now (coffee, wine, both—I don’t judge), and strap in for the most refreshingly honest advice you’ll ever get about finding a wedding photographer. Let’s do this.

Wedding photographer topics in this article: 

2 Things to Know Before Searching for a Wedding Photographer

When tackling the “nuptial-versal” problem of finding your wedding photographer, there are multiple entry points. However, these two points are all you need to guarantee a productive search: 

1. 1. 1. Know Your Photography Style and Editing Preferences

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You don’t need to know all the photography jargon to figure out what photography styles you prefer.

There are only two choices: what you like and what makes you want to burn the photo album.

So, think about the moments that matter most to you. Is it the candid, unscripted laughter between friends? The quiet, emotional moments? Maybe you love those airy, romantic tones or prefer something moody and dramatic.

Spend some time browsing Instagram or Pinterest and see what catches your eye. Look for photographers who’ve worked at venues similar to yours—it can help you imagine what your own day might look like through their lens.

Note: Don’t assume that because a photographer has not shot at your venue or your type of wedding, they somehow will be incapable of doing a good job. They may just have not been hired to do that type of wedding venue…yet.

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2. Set Your Photography Budget

 Wedding photography rates often include more than just the wedding day coverage—they may also include pre-wedding consultations, engagement sessions, editing and post-production (this is a big one).

 Confirm this. Most wedding photographers will have pricing details on their website or send it immediately upon receiving your inquiry. 

Questions to Ask A Potential Wedding Photographer 

It’s time to make contact with the photographers you narrowed down during your search. What questions should you ask during your chats?

• What is your approach to shooting a wedding?

Some photographers capture EVERYTHING including the not-so-elegant-double-chins-and-weird-faces while some look for the most elegant versions of the day. You know whom to avoid.

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• How do you pose/prompt your clients?

Awkward photos last forever too, unfortunately. You want someone who can help even camera-shy couples look relaxed and genuine, not like a deer caught in headlights.

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• What is your favourite part of a wedding day to capture and why?

Passion translates into quality. A photographer who’s genuinely excited about specific moments will put more energy and creativity into capturing them. If they’re just going through the motions, your photos will reflect that.

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• How long have you been doing wedding photography/how many weddings have you photographed?

Weddings are unpredictable. You want someone who’s seen it all – bad lighting, last-minute schedule changes, family drama.

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Other questions you want to ask your potential wedding photographer are:

📌 Can you provide one or two full galleries from past weddings? (PLEASE ASK THEM THIS, I BEG YOU)

📌 Do you capture candid photos during getting ready or is that staged? How long do you stay for this?

📌 Do you often shoot weddings that have a similar size to the one we are planning?

📌 Do you work with a second shooter and would you recommend one for our wedding style and size?

📌 What is the process of ownership of prints? Do you only give the top 100 pictures in an album or all of the ones taken? 

📌 How long does it take to receive our photos after the wedding?

Questions The Right Wedding Photographer Will Ask You

Finding the right wedding photographer for you is also about finding someone who takes the time to truly understand your story, your quirks, and yes, even the complicated family drama (we all have it). 

It goes without saying- if they’re not asking the right questions, they might not capture the wedding you’re dreaming of.

So, how do you spot a keeper? Easy. They ask questions like these:

• Tell Us Your Love Story

Did you bond over a shared love of bad karaoke? Did one of you move across the country for the other?

A  good photographer should want to know the milestones that define your relationship—how you met, the moments that brought you closer, and what makes your connection unique.

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• Do You Have Any Cultural or Personal Traditions?

Photographers use this information to respectfully document rituals, religious ceremonies, or family traditions that are central to your celebration so highlight the traditions or rituals that are non-negotiable for you.

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• What’s Your Wedding Day Timeline Like?

Beyond the logistics, your wedding photographer needs to understand the flow of your day to capture your memories while also navigating the rhythm of your celebration seamlessly. 

For example, if there is a stepparent situation, you should let them know so they can navigate the nuances without missing the moments that matter.

A wedding photographer who dives deep into these topics is showing you that they’re invested—not just in the photos, but in you. And if they’re not asking? Well, that’s your cue to keep looking.

What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer’s Portfolio

1. How they capture moments other than the couple: 

This is the advice that many past wedding couples will want to give you. Ask the photographer for a full gallery from a recent wedding. The guests, the details, the funny moments. Just do it, trust me.

Look for consistency in quality throughout the day and an ability to capture both big moments, carefully selected details,  and subtle emotions.

If all their portfolio shows are perfectly posed couples in dreamy light and you want natural, real storytelling, you might want to look elsewhere.

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2. If you are a multiracial couple, check their past work with skin tones similar to yours and your partner’s

In my 8 years of wedding photography, I’ve worked with many multiracial couples and they have all been concerned about how some photos seem to favor one person’s skin tone over the other- well, until they check my portfolio.

Truth is, not all photographers have the experience or skill to balance mixed skin tones properly. Lighting, editing, and color correction all play a huge role here, and it’s something you should feel comfortable asking about. 

 A photographer who values inclusivity will have a portfolio that reflects that—and they’ll be more than happy to talk to you about their approach to editing.

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3. How They Work in Different Lighting Conditions 

Good photographers know how to work with various lighting conditions, from bright outdoor daylight to darker, indoor reception spaces. 

What if it rains on your day and they have to do all your portraits inside? 

Does your photographer know how to properly use flash? This is why seeing a FULL wedding gallery is so important. If you notice many overly dark or too bright photos, it might be a red flag.

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4. Their Attention to Detail

A great photographer focuses on the small moments that often get overlooked—the delicate lace of your dress, the intricate folds of a groom’s suit, soft touches or glances, and the quiet smiles shared between guests. Look for portfolios that show attention to these details.

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5. Their Storytelling

Browse through full wedding galleries to ensure that the photographer is consistent in telling a cohesive story throughout the day. A good photographer will document the excitement of getting ready, the deep emotion of the ceremony, and the joy of the celebration without missing any critical moments.

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6. Their Editing style 

Some photographers will apply vibrant, rich edits, while others may focus on soft, muted tones. It’s essential to know what you’re getting. Editing should enhance the natural beauty of the images, not distort them. Be wary of over-saturation or heavy use of filters that might make the photos feel artificial or dated. Check if their photos retain a timeless quality that will look beautiful decades from now.

Final Tips on Finding the Right Wedding Photographer

• Be open minded- and not afraid to be a lil judgy, duh😁. 

This process is like a photographer Hinge, if something is not clicking at first glance, close the tab and move on to better options!

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• Be upfront with your budget:

Budget talks are never sexy, but they’re necessary.  If you find out your budget is not aligning with your potential photographer’s price, do talk to them NICELY about it. They may be able to come up with a solution  or craft a custom package for you or refer you nicely to someone else. If what you want is looking like $1000+ over your budget, it might be time to move on.

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• Vet them online

Look for testimonials on their website or good old Google reviews. Pay attention to feedback about their personality, professionalism, ability to blend in during the event, and how well they handled challenges.

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• Choose a photographer whose social skills suit yours. 

Make sure you are aligned, that you are comfortable with him/her. Notice things like: do they make us feel calm and accepted? Are they professional and confident? Are they kind and patient or do they seem pushy and outspoken?

This person will be by your side all day on your WEDDING day; it is important that you vibe well with them.

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• When stuck between choices, review personalities AGAIN

Who’s more keen for you to understand everything about the contract and who’s unresponsive?

Who answers your questions completely, instead of being vague or skipping over parts?

Who seems really interested in making the day go smoothly?

Who tries to get to know you, rather than “Great, here’s the contract and I’ll wait for your retainer.”?

These are the questions that should help you make snap decisions. 

Hi, it’s me. I love my job and my clients!

What I Think is Important As a Wedding Photographer? 

First of all, I am not a fly on the wall, but I am not omnipresent either. 

I love the art of noticing and will make sure that all moments and details are captured in the most beautiful, timeless and intentional way.

Rigid and uptight people who care more about how everything looks than how everything feels on their day aren’t really my jam. But throw me a joyful, intentional wedding that reflects the love story of a couple who truly cares about their guests and loves to laugh? We are in business!

My attitude: The weddings I photograph are usually very romantic, with a timeless, elevated flair. I think it is important I blend in and contribute to maintaining a stress-free flow for the day. A wedding is successful when all vendors work with each other, and we communicate with each other effectively to ensure that the experience is the best possible for you as a couple. 

Will there be a wedding planner and/or stylist present?

If so, I would work in close contact with them, so that timings can be adhered to and the most beautiful photos can be captured. I will be your biggest hype woman, unofficial wedding coordinator, honorary bestie, and occasional therapist. 

As your wedding photographer, I will capture your day with authenticity, creativity, and a good sense of humor to boot. Because, hey, wedding days are stressful—but your photographer shouldn’t be.

If timeless, playful and romantic wedding photos full of real emotion and your important details appeal to you, don’t hold back! Begin the no-pressure process HERE.