Planning your wedding is full of decisions, from attire choices and florals to table settings and seating charts. What will you say in your vows? Who is going to perform the ceremony? Should you just elope instead?
In addition to arranging all of the little details, another massive choice needs to be made: the wedding photographer.
In fact, choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you can make when it comes to your wedding day. On par with your wedding coordinator, your photographer will be with you nearly every minute of the day, capturing all of the details and fleeting moments—from your first look to your first kiss as a married couple.
With so many different photographers to choose from, it’s important to know what factors to consider. Here are some key dos and don’ts to help you find the perfect photographer for your big day.
Do: Research and Review Portfolios
Every photographer has their own unique style, and reviewing portfolios will help you determine if their aesthetic aligns with your vision. Some lean towards light and airy images, while others prefer more dramatic or moody tones.
Look through full wedding galleries if possible—not just the highlights on their website or social media—to get a sense of how they capture an entire event. Pay attention to the quality of candid moments, posed shots (like family photos), and lighting in different settings.
Don’t: Expect Them to Change Their Editing Style
It’s not generally acceptable to ask a wedding photographer if they’ll edit your gallery differently from the style they present in their portfolio. Most seasoned photographers will even add a clause in their contract that states the client has reviewed the photographer’s previous work and accepts that their photos will follow the same artistic aesthetic. Unless you receive your final photos back and something is glaringly different from the portfolio you reviewed, don’t expect the photographer to change their editing style.
Do: Set a Realistic Budget
Wedding photography can be a significant investment, and pricing can vary widely based on experience, location, and package offerings. Before reaching out to photographers, have a clear idea of your budget and what services are most important to you. Many photographers offer different packages that may include engagement sessions, second shooters, or additional coverage hours. Knowing your priorities can help you choose the best option within your price range.
Don’t: Book Without Meeting or Talking First
It’s important to have a conversation with your potential photographer before booking, and many photographers will make sure this happens as well. An in-person meeting, video call, or even just a phone call can give you a chance to gauge their personality, professionalism, and overall vibe. A photographer will be with you and your partner throughout the day, so you want to make sure they make you feel comfortable and at ease before getting in front of the camera.
Do: Ask About Experience and Backup Plans
Experience matters, especially when it comes to wedding photography. A seasoned photographer knows how to handle different lighting situations, unexpected weather changes, and fast-paced timelines. Ask how many weddings they’ve shot, what types of venues they have experience with, and if they’ve worked with weddings of a similar size to yours.
It’s also important to ask about their backup plan in case of emergencies. What happens if they get sick on your wedding day? Do they have backup equipment if a camera or memory card fails? A professional photographer will have contingency plans to make sure your day is captured flawlessly.
Don’t: Assume Every Photographer Offers the Same Services or Approach to Photography
Each photographer structures their packages differently. Some include full-day coverage, while others limit their time to a set number of hours. Some provide digital galleries with printing rights, while others charge extra for albums and prints. Always clarify what is included in the package, how many edited images you’ll receive, and if there are additional costs for travel, extra coverage, or expedited edits.
Additionally, photographers can have vastly different approaches to photography that might not be reflected on their website. Some photographers prefer to direct the scene and get “the shot,” while others tend to be more hands-off and capture the day as it happens through candid moments. Be sure to ask and communicate with your photographer to see if their approach matches your vision.
Do: Read the Contract Carefully
A contract protects both you and the photographer by outlining expectations, payment terms, deliverables, and policies. Before signing, carefully review details such as the cancellation policy, turnaround time for photos, and any usage rights for social media or publications. If anything is unclear, ask for clarification to avoid misunderstandings later.
Don’t: Minimize the Power of Online Reviews
Read online reviews and testimonials of your potential photographer to see what other wedding clients had to say—and not just about the finished product. Was the photographer on time? Were there any miscommunications that could have been avoided? Did the photographer bring energy to the wedding day? Did they make the client feel comfortable in front of the camera? Reviews can paint a fuller picture of the person or company you are hoping to hire.
Do: Schedule an Engagement Session
Many photographers offer engagement sessions as part of their wedding packages or as a standalone product, and this is a great opportunity to get comfortable in front of the camera and with the photographer. It allows you to see how the photographer works and helps you familiarize yourself with their style and approach before the wedding day.
Don’t: Wait Too Long to Book
Great photographers book up fast (sometimes a year or more in advance, especially for peak wedding season). Once you’ve found a photographer whose work and personality you love, don’t wait to secure your date with a contract and deposit. Waiting too long could mean losing out on your top choice!
Hiring a wedding photographer is about finding someone who understands your vision, makes you feel at ease, and delivers a collection of images you and your family will cherish for the rest of your life. By doing proper research, asking the right questions, and setting clear expectations, you can confidently choose a photographer who will capture your wedding day exactly as you imagined.