Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding Photographer
Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision! There are so many factors to think about, questions to ask, and details to understand to ensure the best experience—from inquiry to gallery delivery. Before reaching out to vendors, take a moment to reflect on what matters most to you and your partner:
Is it a specific style?
Is it the cost?
Is it the overall experience?
Photography isn't one-size-fits-all. The person you choose can truly make or break your experience, so it's worth taking the time to find the right fit. In the spirit of celebrating love and creating the wedding of your dreams, here are some things to consider and discuss with potential photographers.
Style
When you think about your wedding photos, what do you envision? Your photographer's style affects how they capture your day—from their approach to moments to how your photos are edited.
Will you still love their edits in 5, 10, or 20 years?
Does their work feel authentic to you and your partner?
Are you drawn to a more editorial, documentary, or blended approach?
There are always buzzwords floating around online, like "editorial" or "documentary," and trends shift over time. The key is to choose what speaks to you. Personally, I love blending different approaches depending on the needs of each couple, but it's important that the style you choose feels true to your story and inspires joy.
Questions to Ask:
How do you approach [specific part of the day]?
How do you maintain a documentary perspective throughout the day?
How do you keep couples feeling natural for photos?
What can we expect in terms of editing?
Connection
While this might not be the first thing on your mind, the connection you have with your photographer makes a world of difference. You'll spend much of your day together—from getting ready to family portraits and couple photos—so it's important to choose someone you feel comfortable with.
Your photographer should understand your needs and priorities, making the process as stress-free and enjoyable as possible. It's not just about the photos but how your photographer supports you throughout the planning process and on your big day. You deserve to feel like your vendors are part of your team, fully invested in your celebration.
Questions to Ask:
How do you navigate difficult family dynamics?
What if we're not feeling up for sunset photos—how would you handle that?
How do you support your couples throughout the planning process?
Package Offerings
What's included in your package matters, and every photographer offers something a little different. From coverage hours to albums and even film photography, it's important to know what's available to you and how you can customize your package to fit your needs.
If you know you want something specific—like an album or film coverage—look for photographers who offer these services. Your wedding photos should feel like a true reflection of your day, preserved in a way that feels meaningful to you.
Questions to Ask:
What additional services do you offer?
Can we customize our package?
Can we add more services closer to the wedding?
Portfolio
You've probably seen a photographer's best work on their website or Instagram, but those are just highlights. To get a full picture of their skills and style, ask to see sample galleries.
Sample galleries let you see how a photographer captures a full day, from family photos to candid moments. While every wedding is unique, consistent quality across galleries is a good sign that your photos will meet your expectations.
Questions to Ask:
Can you show us sample wedding galleries similar to what we're envisioning?
Do you have engagement photo samples?
Price
Budgeting for wedding photography is an important step in your planning process. Many photographers' prices reflect years of experience, the services they offer, and the time and effort that go into editing.
While you don't need to break the bank, researching photographers who align with your vision and understanding what's included in their pricing can help you make an informed decision.
Questions to Ask:
What's included in your pricing beyond deliverables?
What happens if we need more time on the wedding day?
How do payment plans work?
When It's Not the Right Fit
Finding someone who aligns with your needs and vision is key to creating a wedding day that feels just right. If you decide to go in a different direction after inquiring, it's always appreciated when you let the photographer know.
As small business owners, we pour so much love into what we do, and hearing back—even if it's a no—means a lot. If writing that email feels overwhelming, here are a few ways to politely decline:
"Thank you so much for your time, but we've decided to go a different direction."
"We appreciate your time but have found a better fit for us."
"Thank you, but we're still exploring options and will be moving forward with someone else."
"Thank you, but your services don't currently fit within our budget. We appreciate your time."
