How to Choose a Wedding Photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding or elopement. Your photos are what remain long after the day is over, so finding someone whose approach and personality align with you matters just as much as loving their images.

Here are a few important things to consider when choosing the right photographer for your day….

Look beyond highlight reels

When browsing photographers websites or social media, it is easy to fall in love with a handful of standout images. But, you need to look for full galleries and blog posts that showcase how a photographer captures an entire day. From the getting ready moments with family and friends to posing with movement, laughter, and in between moments between guests.

Here are is a link to one of favourite wedding blogs that showcase the kind of photographer I am!

Personality and comfort play a huge role

Your photographer will be with you for most of your wedding or elopement day, often during intimate and emotional moments. Feeling comfortable around them makes a huge difference in how your photos turn out.

When you trust your photographer you naturally relax. You feel more comfortable, laugh more easily, and forget about the camera altogether. This is especially important if being photographed doesn’t feel natural to you. A photographer who creates a calm and laid back experience allows real moments to unfold without pressure or forcing anything.

The right fit should feel easy, like having one of your friends that you have known for years taking your photographs. They should be able to adapt when plans shift and helps the day flow smoothly. That comfort is what leads to photos that feel authentic and makes you look back and feel like you genuinely had a good time.

Pay attention to how the photos feel

Technical skill matters, but emotion is what makes photos truly timeless. When you look through a photographer’s work, notice how the images feel. Do the couples look relaxed and like themselves? Do the moments feel honest and unforced?

If natural, candid moments are important to you, your photographer’s approach matters just as much as their visual style. Photographers who create a light hearted atmosphere help people loosen up through gentle guidance, movement, and humour. Instead of constant posing, they make space for genuine laughter and those in-between interactions that happen when you’re fully present.

The result is photography that feels natural and joyful. They feel like true memories that are full of emotion, movement, and moments you didn’t even realize were happening.

Trust your instincts

If you feel drawn to a photographer’s work and are comfortable during your conversations that is worth paying attention to. Chemistry matters. Your photographer should feel like someone you trust, someone who listens and someone who understands what matters to you. This will all make the process feel easy rather than stressful.

When you choose a photographer based on that connection, you’re going to feel so much more relaxed on the day itself. You won’t be performing for the camera or second guessing your photographers decisions because you know you’re in good hands. Instead, you can focus on being present, knowing your story is being captured in a way that feels honest and true to who you are.

If it feels right, it usually is!

Experience matters, especially outdoors

Every wedding day comes with unpredictable elements like shifting timelines, changing weather, tricky lighting, or unexpected location challenges. Choosing a photographer with experience shooting outdoor weddings and elopements means they know how to adapt quickly and stay calm when plans change.

This experience allows you to stay present and enjoy your day without stress. A skilled outdoor photographer can anticipate moments before they happen and find the best light in new environments. They will capture authentic emotions all while navigating the environment seamlessly. Whether it’s a mountaintop ceremony, a lakeside vow exchange, or a forest elopement, having someone who’s familiar with different venues and conditions ensures your photos look effortless.

Understand what you’re investing in

Wedding photography pricing reflects so much more than the hours spent on your wedding day. It includes planning guidance, experience, editing, communication, and the ability to anticipate moments before they happen. Often what you are really paying for is the photographer’s experience shooting weddings at a variety of venues, from intimate elopements to large celebrations, from mountain peaks to backyard gardens.

Choosing based on value rather than price alone often leads to a smoother and more enjoyable experience. Experienced photographers know how to adapt to different lighting, terrain, guest dynamics and they bring creative problem solving skills that can make a huge difference in capturing your day beautifully and naturally.

I would love to chat with you about your dream photo shoot!

From family sessions, engagements, proposals, adventure elopements to weddings.

I love capturing all moments, big and small.