Because not all wedding photos are created equal—and neither are the people behind the lens.
When choosing a wedding photographer, what actually matters? Here’s what to look for when finding a photographer who fits your vision.
If you’re in the middle of planning a wedding and you’re feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options (and all the price points), you are absolutely not alone.
But here’s the thing most people don’t realize until after the wedding: the only thing that lasts is the marriage and the photos. So how do you choose a photographer you’ll still be grateful for 20 years from now? Let’s talk about what actually matters.
1. Comfort > Content
Your photographer is with you more than almost anyone else on your wedding day. If you don’t feel comfortable around them, it will show up in your photos.
Look for someone whose presence makes you feel calm, confident, and fully yourself. Someone who makes space for real emotion, not just poses. Someone who knows when to step in—and when to disappear into the background and let the moment breathe.
2. Full-Day Storytelling
Instagram shows the highlight reel. But your photographer should be able to show you the full story.
Ask to see full galleries, not just pretty portraits. Look for emotional range. Look for quiet moments. Look for images that make you feel something—not just say, “That’s cute.”
Because your wedding isn’t just a Pinterest board. It’s people. It’s presence. It’s memories that deserve to be remembered honestly.
3. Experience (Not Just Followers)
A beautiful feed doesn’t equal preparedness.
Ask how many weddings they’ve photographed. Ask about backup plans. Ask how they handle timeline delays, dark venues, unexpected weather, or well-meaning uncles with iPads.
Your photographer should be your calm in the chaos, not another stressor.
4. Shared Values
This one’s not talked about enough: Does your photographer get what matters to you?
Do they notice the hand-squeeze from your grandma? The way your partner looks at you during the vows? The laughter during the speech your sister gave?
You want someone who sees the same things you do. Who values presence over performance. Who knows the difference between a good shot and a good story.
5. Editing that Ages Well
Trendy filters will fade. True-to-color editing that honors the tone of your day will not.
Ask yourself: Will this still look beautiful and honest to me 10 years from now? Do these colors feel like my wedding?
You deserve photos that feel timeless—not tied to a trend.
A Gentle Reminder Before You Choose
You don’t need to spend the most. You just need to spend intentionally.
Ask yourself: what will matter to me after the day is over?
Not just what’s affordable now—but what you’ll want to show your kids one day. What you’ll want to frame. What you’ll wish you had when the people in your photos aren’t here anymore.
Photography is more than content. It’s memory. It’s story. It’s legacy.
And If You’re Looking For Someone Who…
- Will help you feel comfortable, not performative
- Knows how to capture the quiet, emotional in-betweens
- Sees your people and your story as the real priority
I’d love to talk with you.
And no matter who you hire, I hope you get the kind of wedding photos that make you say, “That’s exactly how it felt.”
I hope this helped you choosing a wedding photographer and finding what actually matters to you!
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