How to Choose a Wedding Photographer: Avoid These Costly Mistakes
How to Choose a Wedding Photographer: Avoid These Costly Mistakes
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Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your big day. You want someone who not only captures the beauty and emotion of your wedding but also delivers photos that truly reflect your memories. That’s why I put together this guide on how to choose a wedding photographer—so you know what to look out for and avoid the pitfalls that can lead to disappointing photos.
You wouldn’t believe how many times I hear married folks say something to this effect.
–“If I could change one thing about our wedding, we would have hired a better photographer!”
-“We hired a friend, but the photos were just not very good.”
-“They lost ALL our photos!”
And I get it! When my wife and I hired our wedding photographer, we picked the first one we came across and were disapointed be the final result.
That’s why I put together this guide on how to choose a wedding photographer—so you know what to look out for and avoid the pitfalls that can lead to disappointing photos.
-Charles
Mistake 1: Picking the Trendy Photographer
Having been in the photography world for a while now, I have seen a lot of trends. Orange & Brown, Selective color, sepia, distressed.
Right now the main trends we are seeing are direct flash, crooked images and image blur. Now there is nothing wrong with these trends in and of themselves, but your wedding photos will be something you treasure for a lifetime.
Your photos should be a reflection of you, your spouse and your loved ones, rather than some hip trends. Make sure to pick a photographer with true-to-life colors and true black-and-white images. Click here to see our timeless images
This way, years from now, you won’t be embarrassed sharing your wedding photos with friends and family.
Mistake 2: Not Checking out full galleries
When you are on a photographer’s website you are seeing the best of their work. Want to know a secret? A lot of times these photos aren’t even from real weddings. This is why it is essential to see at least 3 full wedding galleries from any photographer you are considering hiring.
How to choose a wedding photographer wisely:
- Request to see at least three full wedding galleries from real events.
- Ask yourself: Can you feel the emotion of the day?
- Does the photographer handle both natural light and flash effectively?
- Is there a consistent editing style with accurate skin tones?
Here are 4 of my galleries so you can decide for yourself:
Mistake 3: Not Vibing with your photographer
Of all your wedding vendors, you will spend the most time with your photographer. If you do not enjoy them, you are in for a long day!
When talking with photographers, ask what they are like on the wedding day. Are they there to hype you up? Do they blend into the background? Or is it somewhere in between?
I like to say, think of me as a friend with a camera. I will be near you all day, but folks often forget I am there. Of course, we will have a great time, but I am there to document your wedding first and foremost. Your wedding is about relationships with your friends, family, and spouse, not with me and my camera.
Mistake 4: Not Reading Reviews
The proof is in the pudding. Read reviews from couples who have worked with this photographer before. This will give you the best idea of what working with this person will be like.
Check out my 50+ reviews on Google to hear from couples who have worked with me in the past.
Mistake 5: Hiring a friend or an amateur
I know it can be extremely tempting to hire a friend, but even if they are professional, I have seen friendships get awkward because the friend didn’t do a good job.
You need a professional with years of experience to document one of the biggest days of your life. I have seen it all dress tears, wrestling matches, rain, snow, fights with parents, cameras, and lenses breaking.
You don’t want the situation to happen where it starts raining, the ceremony moves inside, and the photographer comes up and says, “I don’t know what I am going to do.”
Every wedding I photograph, I bring duplicates of all my gear (even things I shouldn’t need just in case), all the photos are backed up to multiple cards, and when I get home, all of your images are backed up to 3 additional locations so you can rest easy knowing your most important memories are being documented.
Mistake 6: Not getting Albums & Digitals
Some photographers will hold your digital images hostage forcing you to buy them after the fact.
Personally I think that is messed up! Every collection I create includes high-resolution digital files that are individually edited and available for you to enjoy for years to come.
With that said, your photos shouldn’t end up in the digital abyss either…
I want you to have something REAL, something you can hold in your hands to remember your wedding day and pass on to future generations.
After your wedding, we will work together to design the perfect wedding album so you can treasure your images for a lifetime!
Final Thoughts:
Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t just about selecting someone whose work looks good online—it’s about ensuring that every moment of your wedding day is captured perfectly. Follow these tips on how to choose a wedding photographer and avoid the mistakes that leave couples regretting their choice. Your wedding photos are memories that last a lifetime; don’t settle for anything less than the best.
Essential Questions to Ask When Deciding How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
One of the best ways to learn how to choose a wedding photographer is to start with a solid consultation. When you meet with potential photographers, asking the right questions can reveal whether they’re the perfect match for your big day. Here are some must‑ask questions to guide you through the process of choosing a wedding photographer:
- What’s included in your package?
Understanding what services are bundled (like engagement sessions, second shooters, or albums) is crucial when figuring out how to choose a wedding photographer that meets your needs and budget. - Can you show me several full wedding galleries?
Don’t settle for a curated highlight reel—ask for full wedding galleries so you know exactly what to expect. Seeing how each photographer covers the entire day helps you decide how to choose a wedding photographer whose work consistently impresses. - What is your turnaround time for delivering photos?
Knowing when you’ll receive your high‑resolution digital files and albums is important. This transparency is key when you’re trying to choose a wedding photographer who values clear communication and reliability. - Who will be photographing our wedding?
Make sure you understand if the photographer will work alone or if an assistant or second shooter will be involved. Personal connection matters—this insight is critical to learning how to choose a wedding photographer with whom you feel comfortable and confident. - How do you handle unexpected challenges?
Ask about backup plans for issues like equipment failure or inclement weather. A photographer with a strong contingency plan demonstrates professionalism—one of the key factors when you decide how to choose a wedding photographer for your special day.
By asking these essential questions during your consultation, you’ll gain the insight you need to confidently decide how to choose a wedding photographer who not only fits your style but will also capture your day exactly as you envision it. If you’re ready to take the next step in ensuring your wedding photos are nothing short of perfect, reach out today for a personalized consultation!
