You’ve chosen the venue, maybe even found your dress, and now you’re looking at photographers. There are hundreds of talented people with cameras—so how do you find the one?
The person who won’t just take photos, but who you’ll trust implicitly to capture the spirit of your day without missing a beat?
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make during your planning.
And not just because they’ll be delivering the photos that’ll live on your walls, in your albums, and in your hearts for decades to come.
You’re inviting this person into one of the most intimate, emotional, and high-energy days of your life — so it needs to be someone who feels like the right fit.
But with so many options (and so many styles), how do you even start narrowing it down?
This guide is here to help you tune out the noise, get clear on what matters, and ask the right questions to make a confident decision.
First: Why This Choice Matters
When the music fades and the flowers have wilted, what you’ll have left are your memories — and the photos that take you back there. The right photographer will do more than take beautiful images; they’ll help shape your experience of the day.
They’ll support you, make you feel seen, and capture the in-between moments that you didn’t even realise were happening.
But beyond that, there’s also trust.
Your photographer is responsible for backing up and delivering the only visual record of your day. And unfortunately, not all vendors treat that responsibility with the same care.
A Story That Stayed With Me
Recently, a couple reached out to thank me — months after their wedding.
They’d booked me with a short lead time and were so glad they had… because their videographer (a budget-friendly agency they found independently) had lost all of their reception footage.
Gone.
Every speech.
Their entrance.
Their first dance.
All the entertainment they’d poured not only their heart but their hard-earned money into — from dancers to a jumping castle for the kids — was gone without a trace.
They had my photos, which meant so much to them. But they were devastated to lose the video they’d been dreaming of watching for years to come.
That email gutted me — and reminded me exactly why I now offer an in-house videography option and share my own personally vetted supplier list with every couple I work with.
Because your memories are too important to hand over to someone who won’t protect them like they matter.
Keep reading for my top tips on choosing the right wedding photographer for you.
1. Start With How You Want to Feel in Your Photos
Do you want photos that feel editorial, but still natural? Images where you’re not stiffly posed, but gently guided when needed? Choose someone whose approach feels aligned with your own energy. Ask yourself: Do I see myself in their photos? Do the couples look relaxed and connected, or styled and distant?
2. Pay Attention to Personality & Communication
You’ll spend more time with your photographer on the day than almost anyone else (other than the person you’re marrying of course!).
Are they someone who feels calming? Uplifting? You don’t need your best friend—you need someone who can read the room and make you feel seen and not staged.
Are they warm? Organised? Do they make you feel understood? Do they respond in reasonable timeframes to your emails? This will matter more than you think on the day and in the lead up to your wedding. The less stress the better – trust me on this one!
3. Consistent Quality Across Full Galleries
Ask to see full wedding days. Not just the highlight photos that get blogged/uploaded to their website but the full gallery that is delivered to the client.
You want to know they can capture everything from bright daylight to dim receptions, but also maintain a consistent quality of editing across each of these lighting scenarios.
Pay particular close attention to weddings that are similar to yours. It doesn’t necessarily have to be the same venue but a similar type of venue with similar lighting. It may also be a similar colour scheme or size of wedding you will be having – whether it’s a big party or an intimate elopement, you want someone who understands the flow.
4. Ask These Questions Before You Book:
- Can I see 2–3 full wedding galleries in different lighting situations?
- What’s your approach on the day—do you direct or observe more?
- How do you handle the unexpected (bad weather, delayed timelines, tricky guests)?
- Will you help us with the timeline and group photo planning?
- How do you approach moments that are emotional or high-energy?
- Do you work with film, digital, or both?
- What happens after the wedding—how long until we see the gallery?
- What’s your backup process for both shooting and storing images?
The way a photographer answers these will tell you a lot about their professionalism, preparedness, and care.
5. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you can ask every question in the world but when you meet them—whether it’s on Zoom or in person—you’ll probably feel if it’s right. Trust that.
The right photographer will make you feel calm, heard, and like you’re in good hands.
And if you leave the call more excited about your wedding than when you started? That’s a good sign you’ve found the one.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your wedding photographer isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about choosing someone who will honour your day, protect your memories, and give you a gallery that lets you feel the day all over again.
If you have questions, want to bounce around ideas, or just chat things through, I’d love to hear from you. You can book a discovery call here — no pressure, just a conversation.
And if you do choose me?
You and your once-in-a-lifetime memories will be in very safe hands.
About Emma
I’m Emma, a wedding and elopement photographer based in Melbourne and travelling worldwide. My approach is calm and intentional—I work with couples who want their day to feel as beautiful as it looks, without pressure or performative moments.
Photography, for me, is about more than capturing a day. It’s about giving you space to be present in it.
I only take on a limited number of weddings each year so I can give each couple the attention and care they deserve.
If that sounds like the kind of experience you’re after, I’d love to hear from you.
Let’s capture the wedding photos you’ve always dreamed of!
+ view the comments
