Couples! What to Look for in a Photographer

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you'll make during your wedding planning. Your photos are the lasting memory of the day, so it's important to get it right. Here's my guide on what to look for.

Style Alignment

First and foremost, make sure the photographer's style matches your vision. Browse their portfolio — not just a highlight reel, but full galleries if they offer them. Do you prefer posed, traditional shots or candid, documentary-style photography? Do you like moody, dark tones or bright, airy images? Make sure what you see is what you want for your own wedding day.

Friendliness & Rapport

Your photographer will be by your side for the entire day — potentially 12 hours or more. You want someone whose company you genuinely enjoy. Meet them beforehand, whether in person or over a video call. Do they put you at ease? Do they listen? Your comfort level with your photographer directly impacts how natural and relaxed you'll look in your photos.

Communication

Pay attention to how responsive and clear they are from the first enquiry. A good photographer will answer your questions promptly, explain their process, and keep you informed every step of the way. If communication feels like pulling teeth before the wedding, it won't improve afterwards.

Contracts & Insurance

This is non-negotiable. Any professional photographer should provide a clear contract and carry public liability insurance plus equipment insurance. The contract protects both of you — it outlines what's included, delivery timelines, cancellation terms, and what happens if something goes wrong. I cover this in more detail in my FAQ.

If a vendor doesn't have a contract or proof of insurance — do not hire them. Full stop.

Pricing & Value

Wedding photography is an investment, and it's worth understanding what you're paying for. A typical wedding involves hours of shooting followed by days (sometimes weeks) of editing, culling, and colour grading. Factor in equipment costs, insurance, travel, software, and the years of experience behind every shot.

Be wary of prices that seem too good to be true — they usually are. Similarly, the most expensive photographer isn't automatically the best. Look at the value: what's included, how many hours of coverage, when you'll receive your gallery, and whether there are any hidden costs. You can see my packages and pricing for an example of transparent pricing.

What Else to Consider

• Backup equipment: Does the photographer carry spare cameras and memory cards? Gear can fail — preparation matters.
• Family photo systems: How do they handle group shots? Do they have a system for gathering everyone efficiently?
• Delivery timelines: When will you receive your preview and full gallery? Is it clearly stated?
• Full gallery examples: Ask to see complete wedding galleries, not just highlight reels. This shows consistency.

Choosing the right photographer takes a bit of research, but when you find someone whose work speaks to you and whose personality clicks — you'll know. And on the day, you'll be so glad you took the time.