Choosing the right photographer for your wedding or special event is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Your photographer will capture once-in-a-lifetime moments, so you want to ensure they have the skills, experience, and approach that align with your vision. Here are some key factors to consider when hiring a photographer:

1. Experience Matters

When hiring a photographer, experience is crucial. A seasoned photographer knows how to work quickly, identify the best lighting, and solve problems on the fly, all without you even noticing. With over a decade of experience, I can anticipate how your final gallery will look before I even begin editing. This level of expertise ensures that your special day is captured beautifully and seamlessly.

2. Review Full Galleries, Not Just Highlights – I recommend asking for 3 full wedding galleries to review.

Many photographers showcase their best shots online, but it’s essential to look at complete galleries to assess consistency. Pay attention to:

• How they capture the ceremony
  
• Their lighting techniques throughout the day
  
• Whether they use multiple flashes to properly light reception spaces
  
• The quality of their dancing and candid photos
  

Do you love their photos and editing style? Every photographer has a unique approach to capturing and editing images, and it’s important that their style matches your vision. The best way to determine this is by comparing full galleries of images, rather than just highlight reels. Ask for multiple galleries. This will give you a clear idea of whether their work consistently aligns with what you’re looking for.

I provide a minimum of 100 images per hour of coverage, and I never hold back on photos that might be meaningful to you. Most of my galleries range from 1,000 to 1,400 images, and I deliver both color and black & white versions to give you a variety of options that are print-ready!

3. Professional Equipment is a Must

A photographer’s gear plays a huge role in ensuring your photos are of the highest quality. Your photographer should have at least two full-frame cameras with dual card slots, so if one card gets corrupted, your images are safe. I have 2 nikon cameras. They should also have a variety of lenses to capture every aspect of your day.

My gear includes:

• A 24-105mm lens is a versatile lens that for capturing tight spaces and can zoom in for more emotional moments.
  
• A 70-200mm lens for close-up shots without being intrusive during the ceremony. This lens is also perfect for stunning portraits. My favorite to use throughout the day.
  
• A macro lens for detailed shots of rings and other small elements like earrings and decorations at the reception.
  
• An 85mm lens for more beautiful portraits
  
• Four flashes along with modifiers for lighting receptions and creating artistic nighttime shots.
  

4. Do They Prioritize Your Experience?

Your photographer should focus on capturing moments that are meaningful to you, rather than just creating images for their portfolio.
My priority is your experience, whether that means minimizing photography time so you can enjoy quiet moments with your spouse or traveling to multiple locations for portraits. Your wishes should always come first, and I ensure we have multiple conversations to tailor the day to your needs. I also take your lead on the wedding day.

5. How Do They Pose for Portraits?

A great photographer knows how to pose couples naturally and find the most flattering angles. Do they take multiple angles of the bride? Do they understand how to make you feel comfortable in front of the camera? Do they find the most flattering light?

I use interactive posing techniques, guiding my clients with natural movements that create authentic, relaxed expressions. I also move around my clients to capture multiple points of view, ensuring a wide variety of portraits. During your session, I make small adjustments and provide all of those variations, so you’re guaranteed to have images of yourself that you love.

6. Helping You Determine the Right Coverage

Many couples struggle with deciding how many hours of photography they truly need. I will help you plan a realistic timeline because photography fatigue for couples is very real. Sometimes too many hours is a overwhelming experience. For example:

• Most brides don’t need photography coverage from the very start of hair and makeup, capturing the final touches is usually preferred.
  
• You may not need coverage until the very end of the reception, as the dance floor often sees the same guests throughout the night.
  
• You might prefer to enjoy some private time with your significant other rather than having a photographer follow you all day.
  

This ensures your photographer stays energized and can give their best throughout the day. Experienced photographers know how to get what is important to you within your timeline.
I work closely with each couple to determine the perfect amount of hours to capture what’s truly important to them. Experience over hours is key!

With that being said, if you want us at your wedding all day and all night we will be there!!!!

7. Consider a Second Photographer

If you’re on a tight budget, choosing a package that includes a second photographer rather than extra hours can be a smart decision. A second photographer will:

• Provide alternate angles of the ceremony and throughout the day, capturing different perspectives
  
• Offer a greater variety of images of your significant other when you are apart
  
• Capture more candid moments while the lead photographer focuses on the couple, resulting in more photos overall
  

Having a second photographer means you won’t miss any special moments, and your final gallery will be even more diverse and well-rounded.

8. Communication & Personality Matter

A great photographer is more than just skilled with a camera, they should also make you feel at ease. Your photographer will be with you for much of your wedding day, so it’s important that their personality meshes well with yours. Are they friendly and approachable? Do they take the time to understand your preferences?
I make it a priority to communicate with my couples throughout the planning process to ensure we’re on the same page. Whether you’re camera-shy or love being in front of the lens, I’ll help guide you to feel confident and natural in your photos.

9. Is the Photographer You Meet the One Who Will Photograph and Edit Your Wedding?

When booking a photographer, it’s important to confirm that the person you meet during your consultation is the same one who will be photographing and editing your wedding. Some studios send different photographers on the wedding day, which can lead to inconsistencies in style and quality.
I personally photograph and edit every wedding I book, ensuring that my signature style and attention to detail remain consistent from consultation to final delivery. When you hire me, you know exactly who will be capturing your most important moments.

10. Is Your Photographer a Confident Leader?

A great photographer does more than just take photos, they help keep the day on track. Weddings can be fast-paced, and sometimes schedules run behind. Your photographer should be able to gently but assertively guide the timeline, making sure key moments happen smoothly.
I take on the role of a leader when necessary, helping to:

• Keep the schedule on track – Making sure you’re where you need to be without feeling rushed.
  
• Work as a team with other vendors – Working alongside planners, DJs, and coordinators to ensure a seamless experience.
  
• Make family portraits a breeze – Directing large groups with confidence so family photos are efficient and stress-free. I have years of experience handling family dynamics with grace ensuring family photos go smoothly.
  

With the right approach, I will keep things fun, lighthearted, and enjoyable for everyone.

11. Beware of “Deals” That Seem Too Good to Be True

While it’s always great to find ways to stay within your budget, be cautious of photographers offering prices that seem significantly lower than the industry standard. If a deal seems too good to be true, it often is.

Here’s what to watch out for:

• Lack of experience – A lower price may mean a photographer is just starting out and lacks the expertise to handle unpredictable wedding day challenges.
  
• Low-quality equipment – Professional gear is expensive, and a price that’s too low might indicate they’re using subpar cameras, lenses, or lighting.
  
• Hidden fees – Some budget photographers offer a low upfront cost but charge extra for essential services like full-resolution images or an online gallery.
  
• Inconsistent work – Reviewing multiple galleries will ensure they deliver quality images throughout an entire day, not just a few great portfolio shots.
  
  

Final Thoughts

Hiring a photographer is an investment, and finding the right one ensures you’ll have stunning images that tell the story of your day. Look for experience, consistency, professional equipment, and a photographer who truly values your experience over their portfolio. By choosing wisely, you’ll not only love your photos but also enjoy a stress-free and personalized experience.

If you’re ready to have a photographer who truly understands your needs and captures every precious moment, don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to discuss your wedding day in more detail and help you make the right choice for your memories. I will do everything I can to ensure amazing photos and experience! XOXO ~Sarah