How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer
You just got engaged — congratulations!
It’s such an exciting time, and it usually comes with a little overwhelm, too. Most couples are diving into wedding planning for the first time, and it can be hard to know where to start. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make early on is your wedding photographer — the person who will be with you all day and create the images you’ll look back on for the rest of your lives.
I remember being in your shoes. When I got married, I had a budget and only a vague idea of how to find the right photographer. I didn’t do much research, I mostly knew who my friends had hired, and I chose based on photos I liked. That approach worked out, but I’ve learned so much since then — both as a bride and as someone who has photographed hundreds of weddings. Here are some things I wish I had known, and what I now share with couples who are starting their own search.
Decide Where to Invest
Weddings can be expensive, and it helps to decide early what matters most to you. For some couples, it’s the food and drinks; for others, it’s music or florals. If photography is one of your top priorities, give yourself the space in your budget to hire someone you truly connect with. These images will last far beyond the day itself.
Do the Research Together
Make a night of it — pour some wine, sit on the couch, and browse photographers together. Search Google for local terms like Oahu wedding photographer or Northern California wedding photographer. Look through Instagram hashtags, scroll websites, and talk through what you both like and don’t like. Having both voices in the decision helps you land on someone you’re equally excited about.
Experience Matters
Wedding days move quickly. Timelines shift, weather changes, and moments happen in an instant. A photographer who has documented dozens of weddings knows how to adapt, anticipate, and keep things running smoothly. There’s no redo button on your wedding day, so having someone with experience is one of the best investments you can make.
Find Someone You Connect With
You’ll spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone else on your wedding day. Do you feel comfortable with them? Do you enjoy their energy? The right fit will feel more like having a friend by your side than just another vendor. If you don’t feel that connection, it’s okay to keep looking until you do.
Look Beyond the Photos
Of course, you should love the style of the photos — the colors, posing, and overall feel should draw you in immediately. But also think about what else the photographer provides. Do they offer planning resources? Do they share vendor recommendations? Are they available to help with your timeline? A photographer who offers guidance throughout the process can take a lot of stress off your plate.
Love Their Work Completely
Don’t settle for “I like their editing, but…” or “They seem nice, but I’m not sure about their posing.” If you’re making exceptions, it’s probably not the right fit. When you find the right photographer, you’ll feel fully excited about their work and how they capture couples. That’s when you know you’ve found your person.
Get On a Call With Them
There are so many photographers out there, and you probably already know a handful. Take the time to really look through websites and Instagram, email with them, and — most importantly — get on a consult call or FaceTime. Talking through your day together is one of the best ways to figure out who you want by your side from start to finish.
There are so many talented photographers out there, but the right one for you is the person whose work you love, whose presence feels comfortable, and whose experience gives you peace of mind. Take your time, trust your instincts, and don’t be afraid to ask questions along the way.
I’d love to connect with you and hear more about what you’re envisioning for your wedding day.
Love,
Grace