Choosing your wedding photographer - part 1
How to Choose Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
Your wedding photos will outlive the cake, the flowers, and even your memories of the day, so it’s worth getting the right person behind the camera.
Feeling Overwhelmed?
Searching for a wedding photographer can feel like a full-time job. A quick Google search for “wedding photographers” returns thousands of results. Post on Facebook and suddenly you’ve got hundreds of comments, mostly from well-meaning friends and family tagging someone they know.
So how do you sort through the noise and find the photographer who’s actually right for you?
This guide walks you through each step to help you confidently find your perfect match.
Start With the Basics
Before you get caught up in dreamy portfolios and Instagram aesthetics, it’s essential to get clear on a few key logistics:
Budget
Decide what you’re comfortable spending. This is your first filter, it instantly narrows down your list of candidates.
Coverage Time
How many hours of the day do you want captured? If your favourite photographer’s full day package is out of budget ask if they offer a half-day option that covers from ceremony through to first dance.
Think about what matters most to you:
Do you need the morning prep?
Or is the ceremony and reception enough?
One Photographer or Two?
For larger weddings, or if both partners want their prep moments photographed, consider a second shooter. Make sure you factor this into both your budget and expectations.
Many photographers offer a second photographer as an optional add-on.
Others work in pairs as standard.
Once you’ve nailed down these essentials you’re ready for the creative part…
Find a Style You Love
Ask yourself “How do I want my wedding photos to look and feel?”
Wedding photography styles vary in both shooting approach and editing tone. Understanding what resonates with you will help you zero in on photographers who match your vision.
Shooting Style
Traditional: Posed portraits and formal group shots
Documentary: Unobtrusive storytelling; real moments as they unfold
Editorial: Stylish, polished, often fashion-inspired
Candid & Fun: Playful, spontaneous, lighthearted
Romantic: Soft tones, emotional captures
Hybrid: A mix of the above (most modern photographers fall into this category)
Editing Style
Light & Airy: Bright, clean, dreamy
Dark & Moody: Rich shadows, dramatic tones
True to Colour: Natural skin tones, timeless colour grading
Vintage-Inspired: Muted tones, film-like textures
Bold & Colourful: Vibrant and punchy
💡 Pro tip: Browse Instagram and Pinterest with intention. Save the images that speak to you and look for common threads in style and tone.
But remember: editing trends come and go. Colour pop anyone? 🤔
📷 Want to See Style in Action?
I’ve edited two of my own images in a few different styles to show how a single photo can change.
Summary
Choosing your perfect wedding photographer is part research, part intuition and a big dose of trust.
Once you:
Set your budget
Decide on coverage time
Choose the style you love
…you’ll be well on your way to finding the right person to document your day exactly the way you imagined it.
✨ Coming Next…
In the next blog post, I’ll walk you through how to make your shortlist, what to ask photographers when you contact them and some red flags to look for before you book.
Stay tuned!
Ready to Start Your Search?
Explore my portfolio or get in touch to check availability for your date. Let’s see if we’re a good fit!
