Wedding planning season is in full swing, and couples everywhere are securing their dream vendors and venues. But let’s be honest—hiring wedding professionals to work with you can be overwhelming. Between consultations, proposals, contracts, and deposits, it’s a lot to manage. As a wedding photographer who’s seen it all, I want to share some practical advice to make at least one part of your wedding planning journey smoother: finding and hiring your wedding photographer to capture your special day.

Start With Research (and lots of it)

Research isn’t just about finding photographers in your area or wherever you’ll be getting married—it’s about understanding styles, market rates, and what resonates with you personally. So when it comes to hiring your wedding photographer, begin first with style.

Identify your preferred photography style:

• Light and airy: Bright images with soft, ethereal qualities
• Moody: Dramatic photos with rich, deep tones and emotional impact
• Classic: Crisp, true-to-color images with balanced exposure
• Vibrant: Bold, colorful imagery with punchy contrast

Understand market pricing: Wedding photography costs vary significantly by location, experience level, and included services in your package. Chat with your recently married friends or family members about what they paid, but don’t be surprised if prices in high-demand areas like coastal cities and metropolitan areas are higher than the national average. Keep in mind: you get what you pay for!

Deep-dive into visual inspiration: Look through Instagram, Pinterest, and wedding websites with intention. When you find images you love, ask yourself specifically what draws you to them:

• Is it the composition?
• The way light is captured?
• The emotions conveyed?
• The color treatment?

This is one of the hardest parts! This exercise helps you articulate your preferences when you speak with potential photographers. Be mindful that styles vary across the board, so the more you can put into words, the better!

Connect Before You Commit

Once you’ve identified photographers whose work speaks to you, reach out and start a conversation. The best photographer-client relationships are built on mutual understanding and trust. I personally don’t book a single wedding client without first meeting them in zoom beforehand.

Ask thoughtful questions:

• How would they describe their shooting style?
• What’s their approach to managing the timeline on a wedding day?
• What’s included in their packages?

Share your story: While you’re vetting photographers, remember they’re also trying to understand if they will be the best fit for you. Tell them about yourselves as a couple, your vision for the day, and what matters most in your wedding photos. The best photographers want to hear everything you can share about yourselves so don’t hold back, let them in!

Establish a personal connection: Whether through video calls or in-person meetings, make sure you genuinely like the person who’ll be documenting one of your most important days. You’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else—choose someone whose presence feels comfortable and natural. Vibing with them is the most important part!

Trust Your Instincts

After conversations, portfolio reviews, and pricing discussions, you’ll likely have a strong feeling about which photographer is right for you. Trust that instinct.

Review contracts carefully: When you receive a contract, read every line. Professional photographers include specific terms to protect both parties. If something confuses you or doesn’t feel right, ask for clarification. A good photographer will appreciate your diligence and happily explain their policies.

Don’t Delay Decisions

The best wedding photographers book quickly, often 6-15 months in advance for prime dates. Once you’ve settled on your venue and date, make photographer selection a priority. Although I will note that people are booking much more last minute at this point. It’s been so interesting to watch the shift happening in real time!

Consider timing:

• Peak season (May-October) dates book earliest
• Saturday weddings are in highest demand
• If you’re flexible with weekday celebrations or off-season dates (November-April), you might have more options – and those are a photographer’s dream 😉

Final Thoughts

Remember that your wedding photos are one of the few tangible elements that remain after your celebration is over. They’re an investment in memories that will last generations to come.

Be transparent with potential photographers about your expectations and budget. Ask questions, follow your intuition, and communicate openly. When you find the right fit, you’ll not only get beautiful images—you’ll be hiring a wedding photographer who’s committed to capturing your unique love story just the way it deserves.

Need more guidance? I’m always happy to help, even if we aren’t the right fit for each other. Just reach out!