A step-by-step guide to finding a wedding photographer who truly gets you and your vision.


Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as you plan your big day. After all, they’ll be the ones preserving those beautiful, candid moments and unforgettable memories that you’ll cherish forever. But it’s not just about the photos—they’ll also be a part of your wedding day experience, so it’s essential to find someone whose style, personality, and professionalism fit seamlessly into your vision. Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to consider when hiring your wedding photographer.


1. Find a Photography Style That Feels Like You

Before you even reach out to photographers, spend some time reflecting on what kind of photos make your heart skip a beat. Every photographer has their own style, and you want to choose one that aligns with your aesthetic. Here are a few popular shooting styles:

  • Documentary & Photojournalistic: Think candid, real moments, and emotions. If you love the idea of your photographer blending in like a fly on the wall, this might be your style.
  • Traditional: For couples who want classic, posed portraits of the family, wedding party, and key moments, traditional photography is timeless.
  • Fine Art & Editorial: More artistic and creative, this style turns your wedding day into a visual masterpiece with thoughtful composition and beautiful lighting.

And a few popular editing styles:

  • Light & Airy: Soft, romantic, and glowing—this style uses natural light and pastel tones to give your photos a dreamy feel.
  • Dark & Moody: If you’re drawn to photos that evoke drama and emotion with deeper tones and shadows, you might love this style.
  • True to Life: This style focuses on natural colors and realistic lighting. If you want your photos to look as close to real life as possible, with minimal edits and authentic tones, this approach ensures your day is captured just as it happened.

Browse portfolios and ask yourself: Do these photos reflect the way I want to remember our wedding day? Your photographer’s style should speak to you on a personal level.


2. Build a Connection

Your photographer will be there during some of the most intimate moments of your wedding, so it’s important to feel comfortable with them. When you meet potential photographers, think about the connection. The right photographer should feel like a trusted friend who genuinely cares about your vision and understands your personalities. They should also communicate clearly and be detail-oriented, helping you feel confident they’ve got everything under control.

  • Do they make you feel at ease?: You want someone who can make you and your partner feel relaxed in front of the camera.
  • Do they understand your vision?: A great photographer will take the time to get to know you as a couple and understand the atmosphere and mood you’re trying to create.
  • How is their communication?: Are they responsive and helpful when answering questions? Communication is key, and they should make you feel confident that they’ll take care of all the details.


3. Look for Professionalism in Communication

Professionalism starts the moment you reach out. Pay attention to how they handle communication:

  • Promptness: Do they respond quickly to emails, calls, or texts? A photographer who values your time will stay responsive and clear throughout the process. The exception to this is when a photographer is in peak wedding season. Expect a delay in response if you're reaching out in the middle of the season (May through November in colder climates, October through April in warmer climates.)
  • Detail-Oriented: Are they asking questions about your wedding timeline, location, and expectations? Do they show interest in your unique love story?
  • Customer Service: A professional photographer will provide helpful, informative answers and make you feel valued. They should also be flexible and open to accommodating your specific needs.


4. Experience Matters

Weddings can be unpredictable, with shifting timelines, emotional moments, and everything in between. A seasoned photographer will know how to handle anything the day throws at them. Ask about their experience with weddings similar to yours and how they’ve handled challenges in the past (think: weather issues or tight schedules). If they’ve worked at your venue before, even better—they’ll already know the best spots for beautiful shots!

  • How many weddings have they shot?: Experience with different types and sizes of weddings is key to making sure they can handle your specific needs.
  • Have they worked at your venue before?: While not essential, familiarity with your venue can help the photographer know the best spots for photos and be prepared for the lighting conditions.
  • How do they handle challenges?: Ask for examples of how they’ve handled tricky situations, such as bad weather, tight timelines, or technical issues.


5. Review Full Wedding Galleries

Sure, it’s easy to fall in love with a few handpicked images on social media, but it’s important to see a photographer’s full body of work. Ask to review complete wedding galleries so you can see how they cover every part of the day, from getting ready to the dance floor. Look for consistency in their style, a variety of shots (candid, posed, details), and high-quality editing throughout.

  • Variety of shots: Do they capture a good mix of candid moments, posed portraits, and details (like decor and stationery)?
  • Consistency in quality: Are the images consistently well-lit, in focus, and well-composed from beginning to end?
  • Storytelling: Do the photos flow together to tell the complete story of the wedding day, capturing not just the big moments but also the in-between, emotional ones?


6. Contracts & Legalities

A professional photographer will provide a well-drafted contract that clearly outlines the services they’ll provide. Key details to look for:

  • Services Provided: The contract should specify what’s included in the package (e.g., number of hours, second shooter, engagement session).
  • Payment Terms: You’ll want clarity on the total cost, deposit amount, and payment schedule. Ensure you understand what happens in case of cancellations or postponements.
  • Cancellation Policy: Make sure the contract includes terms for rescheduling, cancellations, and refunds—especially in these unpredictable times.
  • Copyright and Usage Rights: Understand who retains the rights to the images and whether you have full printing rights. Some photographers might want to use your images for marketing, so make sure you're comfortable with the terms.
  • Liability and Insurance: Many venues require photographers to carry liability insurance. This protects both you and the photographer if any accidents happen.


7. Reliability & Backup Plans

Things don’t always go as planned, but a professional photographer will have a solid backup plan. Make sure they have:

  • Backup Equipment: They should bring spare cameras, lenses, memory cards, and lighting in case anything malfunctions.
  • Contingency Plan: What happens if they fall ill or have an emergency? A seasoned photographer will have a network of trusted colleagues to step in if needed.
  • Image Backup: How do they handle backing up your precious photos? They should have a system to protect your images both on-site and during post-production.


8. Organization & Timeline Management

A professional photographer should be highly organized, as weddings often involve tight schedules and multiple moving parts. They should help you:

  • Create a Photography Timeline: Professional photographers often help couples build a timeline that ensures they have enough time for key shots (e.g., getting ready, first look, ceremony, family portraits). They should ask for your full schedule ahead of time and plan around it.
  • Coordinate with Other Vendors: Your photographer should be willing to coordinate with your wedding planner, videographer, or venue to ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • Punctuality: They should arrive on time (early) to scout the location, prepare their equipment, and start capturing the day.


9. Post-Production & Delivery

After the wedding, the business side of things continues with editing and delivery. Ask about:

  • Editing Process: What kind of editing can you expect? Some photographers stick to color correction and exposure tweaks, while others offer more extensive retouching.
  • Turnaround Time: Get a clear idea of when you’ll receive your photos. Some photographers offer sneak peeks, while others might take several weeks for the full gallery.
  • Delivery Method: Will your photos be delivered via an online gallery, USB drive, or physical album? It’s also worth checking if they offer high-quality prints or products like canvases and albums.


10. Client Reviews & Testimonials

One of the best ways to gauge a photographer’s professionalism is through the experiences of other couples.

  • Read Reviews: Look for reviews on third-party sites like The Knot, WeddingWire, or Google. Focus on feedback related to their professionalism, punctuality, communication, and ability to adapt to the flow of the day.
  • Ask for References: If you want more in-depth feedback, ask the photographer if they can provide references from past clients. This allows you to ask specific questions about their professionalism and business practices.


11. Transparent Pricing

When it comes to pricing, transparency is key. A professional photographer will provide a detailed breakdown of costs, including any potential extra fees (like travel or additional hours).

  • Detailed Pricing Information: A professional photographer will provide clear information about their pricing structure, including any additional fees (e.g., travel, albums, or extra hours).
  • Payment Schedule: Understand when payments are due, including the deposit (usually required to hold the date) and any subsequent payments.
  • Flexibility: Some photographers may be flexible on what’s included in their packages, so ask if they can customize a package to suit your needs.


12. Albums, Prints, & Products

Some photographers offer albums, prints, and other products as part of their packages. Be sure to check the quality of these items—request to see samples of their work in print.

  • Quality of Products: Look at samples of albums or prints to gauge the quality. A professional photographer uses high-end printing services to ensure your photos look their best in print.
  • Design and Collaboration: If an album is part of your package, ask about their process for designing it. Do they allow you to provide input on photo selection and layout, or is it left entirely to them?


13. Business License & Tax Compliance

Last but not least, a professional photographer should operate as a legitimate business:

  • Business License: Ensure that they are a licensed business, which shows they are serious about their work and responsible for their commitments. This means their business is recognized as Sole Proprietorship, Limited Liability Corporation, S-Corp, or something else that requires them to have an EIN.
  • Tax Compliance: Professional photographers will charge appropriate taxes and provide invoices that outline costs clearly. This shows that they are running a legitimate and well-structured business.


Bonus: Not Sure What Questions to Ask your wedding photographer?

If you’re still in the research phase, don’t miss my latest blog post: 13 Questions to Ask Your Potential Wedding Photographer. It’s full of helpful insights to ensure you find the perfect photographer who fits your style, budget, and personality.


In the end, finding the right wedding photographer is about more than just pretty pictures—it’s about connecting with someone who understands your vision and runs a professional, reliable business. Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. The right photographer will capture the magic of your day in a way that’s uniquely you while making the whole process feel seamless and stress-free.

Looking for a Wedding Photographer in New York, New Jersey, or anywhere in New England?

If you’re planning your wedding in the Northeast and want a photographer who can capture your day with a mix of traditional, documentary, light and airy, and timeless style, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect and chat about how we can make your wedding photos reflect your story in the most authentic way possible. Feel free to reach out—I’m excited to help you bring your vision to life!