Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision—your wedding photographer is going to capture one of the biggest days of your life, from the tiny details to the one-time moments. But how do you find the photographer who’s right for you? Here’s a little guide to help get you started. Hopefully, this guide on how to find a wedding photographer will help you narrow down your options and find someone who not only matches your style, but also feels like a great fit for your wedding day.
1. Find Your Photography Style: Shooting & Editing Styles
When it comes to wedding photographers, there’s so many and so much variety that it can feel overwhelming at first. It’s helpful to figure out what style of photos you’re drawn to. There are two main things to consider: shooting style and editing style.
- Shooting Style: This is how the photographer actually takes the photos. Some photographers are all about movement and candid shots, while others focus on posed, editorial-style images. Personally, I love a mix of both: I take the time to get those classic, timeless portraits, but I also love capturing fleeting moments—I’m talking about things like your sister staring at you as you get your veil on and admiring you as a bride, or the moments on the dance floor with your grandparents.
My goal is to document your day through my eyes: capturing all the big moments, but also the tiny, real, unscripted ones. - Editing Style: This refers to how the photographer edits the images afterward. There’s a ton of variety in editing style, and it’s totally personal preference! Personally, I keep things true to life/color, and I also sprinkle in some film inspired edits throughout the gallery, too. In fact, sometimes I also shoot on film! I want your photos to feel timeless—something you’ll want to look at years from now and still love. That’s not to say more stylized editing is bad; it’s all about what feels right for you. Just think about how those photos will age, and if they’ll still reflect the vibe you want down the line.
Here’s a mix of digital and film, all from the same wedding day:
2. Start Your Search: Use Social Media + Google
Now that you know the type of photos you want, it’s time to start searching! Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Google are all amazing places to discover photographers. I suggest searching for photographers near you and/or your wedding venue. There are so many talented people out there, and social media makes it easy to scroll through their work.
You can also look at your venue’s instagram page and look at tagged photographers (or other vendors!). I’ve had multiple couples find me on their venue’s instagram page.
As you look through different portfolios, ask yourself: Could I see myself in these photos? Does their work capture the kind of moments that matter to you? Don’t be afraid to reach out to a non-local photographer if you fall in love with a their style. Many photographers travel for weddings, so location is often flexible. Just keep in mind travel costs.
3. Personality
It’s not just about the photos—it’s also about how you get along with your wedding photographer. You’ll spend a lot of time with your photographer on your wedding day, so it’s important to make sure you connect with them on a personal level. Take a look at their website and social media to get a sense of their personality. Do they seem approachable? Professional? Do their photos make you excited to get in front of their camera? A wedding photographer’s website and socials should give you a good idea of who they are and how they work.
I’m super active on my Instagram stories because I love showing my couples what I’m like daily. I post about my golden retriever (she’s amazing), my homemade lattes, and silly things throughout the week. In fact, I had one couple notice how often I made cookie dough from my stories and they wanted to get me edible cookie dough at their ACTUAL wedding. It was SO cute. Another couple of mine gave me a little thank you gift at their engagement session. It included a mug for all my coffee drinks. All this to say, getting to know your photographer is SO important. It builds comfort, trust, and friendship for your wedding day. Some people feel really uncomfortable in front of the camera. Ninety percent of my couples tell me before a session that they’re really awkward and nervous. Afterwards, they always tell me how much fun they had. My personality and guidance always helps my more nervous couples. I treat them and their families professionally, and personably. It goes a long way.
4. Check Their Packages
When you find someone whose style you love, look at their packages and see what they offer. Wedding photography is an investment that lasts a lifetime. Your photographer will be the one documenting your memories on your wedding day. Remember, it isn’t just the ceremony; you’ll have moments and memories with parents, grandparents, and your close friends. It’s important to find someone whose pricing fits within your wedding budget and whose packages include what you need. Some photographers have different tiers of hours or include engagement shoots. Our packages include a variety of options for videography and add ons like film or second shooters. Look at their offers and see what fits well with you.
Photos and videos are one of the only tangible things you take away from your wedding day. They’re worth investing in.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone who can take beautiful photos. Find someone who understands your vision, fits within your budget, and is someone you’ll enjoy spending time with. Take the time to explore your options, and don’t rush the process. After all, your wedding photos will be with you forever.
