Finding a Photographer

I totally understand your dilemma! I, too, felt that looking at websites the photographers provided were very .... cookie cutter. Like, pretty but it's not ME (or my style) The best advice I can give you is to physically talk (or email if easier) to each photographer to get a sense of their style and philosophy. Will they work with you to accommodate YOUR vision? Do they seem flexible, do they have a back up plan for weather issues? I really wanted a photographer that was familiar with my venue - so they know all the good spots for shots and understand the logistics of lighting, glare, etc. The other big thing - for me - was their flexibility. I am an older bride who doesn't need/want the standard photo shots (no parents, no 'getting ready' shots, no silly bridal party photos, bouquet/garter toss etc) So I sure didn't want to be stuck in a "Package" deal where I had "x" amount of hours ... most of which were a waste because I didn't have enough stuff to fill those hours! LOL I was blessed to find the perfect fit - they charge by the hour, totally understood the why's of the "no shots" stuff, and actually had photos of weddings they had done AT my venue. Bottom line - shop around and don't be afraid to ask lots of questions. Remember, YOU'RE doing the hiring and providing their paycheck. Oh, and p.s. - if they tell you it's too early to book, move on!! I have everything booked out for our May 2023 wedding. I 'moved on' from 2 vendors who wouldn't even discuss stuff with me because they felt it was too soon. Their loss.

What is the “vibe” of your wedding? I think taking the vibe into account really helps narrow down the style of photography that would work best. For instance, if you were having a boho vibe wedding, then dark moody photography tends to compliment it best. If you’re having a super romantic wedding, you may want soft, dreamy photography. If you are using high contrast colors/jewel tones, rich, saturated photography looks beautiful. If you are having a black tie wedding, more traditional photography will be your best bet.
If you are having a nighttime wedding, you are going to want a photographer who is skilled at night time photography (trust me, not all photographers are lighting experts! Nighttime photography requires a whole different skill set than photographing during the daylight!)

View Quoted Comment

Thank you, Pat!

This was super helpful. I need to remember that I am the one hiring so it is ultimately up to me and it is okay to be picky. I think that's a great idea of asking photographers if they are familiar with the venue. I'll be sure to ask lots of questions!

Thanks again

View Quoted Comment

Oh yes, taking into account the wedding vibe is a great point! I think my vision is definitely more of a boho style, so I will start there.

Thanks for your advice

View Quoted Comment Boho photography tends to be dark/moody, or focus on a muted color palette, which complements the vibe beautifully 🤩 I will attach a few photos for reference. Do you like this type of photography?

Have you browsed Instagram? Do a search for “your city wedding photographer “ and see what comes up. There will be millions of pictures to gauge what style you are drawn to pretty quickly. Get in touch with the ones whose style you like best. Most have actual websites in addition but some don’t.


There are so many different styles and not everyone likes all of them. The current trend, regardless of super crisp lifelike or muted watercolor painting style is the Golden Hour, which either really love or they really hate (the hate arguments are that the glare of the sun puts subjects into shadows so they are difficult to see) . Other styles are bright and airy which looks lifelike as well it’s opposite dark and moody. Be careful going so artsy that it looks like the camera is out of focus. At the end of the day, it’s all about what you and fiancé decide you like best.

Think about what is trendy vs what is timeless and decide what you want. There’s nothing wrong with either but that can help narrow down some options.

I recommend instagram! You can search tags of your venue and see how different photographers have shot your exact venue.

I agree with checking out instagram. Not just so you can see the style of photos they post (photo journalistic, very posed and structured, etc) but also to see if you can get a sense of their 'voice' and style when they post pictures from weddings in real-time.

One photographer I follow is very conversational and very interested in capturing the tiny details that no one else might have noticed on the day - like a tiny ring bearer copying the groom's pose in the background or whatever. It helps you think about what images you truly want captured of the day - do you want perfect, posed photos or do you want a relaxed set which reflect what actually happened on the day, including the groomsmen all carrying your dress, or the bridesmaids making silly faces to each other or whatever?

View Quoted Comment

Thank you so much everyone for all the advice and tips! I'm hoping to secure a photographer soon.

Check us out ! www.8nfinityphotography.com

View Quoted Comment Gorgeous photography! ❤️

I don’t know you have one yet but these are some example photos from the guy we hired for our wedding next October. He travels all around the country but he is very expensive









I just had to go with him despite his insane cost because I love the dark and moody vibe and the pictures are gorgeous

I would do some research if you haven’t yet and figure out your vibe first and that’ll help narrow it come I think. Then start looking on instagram or googling the area you’re getting married in and maybe talk to them. That’s what we did with this guy. I loved his work so we video chatted so we could ask all the questions