Wedding Tips

How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer

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Benjamin Holthaus • February 14, 2025

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Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding day. Your photos will capture the emotions, details, and once-in-a-lifetime moments that you’ll cherish forever. Whether you’re getting married in Washington, Michigan, Utah, Tennessee, North Carolina, Massachusetts, or Virginia, finding the right photographer for your style and vision is crucial. Here’s what to consider when selecting a wedding photographer for your big day.

1. Decide on Your Photography Style

Before reaching out to photographers, determine the style that resonates with you. We specialize in a classic, editorial, and documentary approach, ensuring your wedding photography feels natural and authentic. Some styles to consider:

  • Fine Art Photography: Soft, light-filled images with an elegant and polished feel.
  • Documentary Style: Candid, unposed moments that capture the story of the day.
  • Editorial Photography: A fashion-inspired approach with striking, posed images.
  • Classic & Traditional: A structured style with planned compositions and family portraits.
Beach wedding kiss with bridal party cheering.

2. Review Full Wedding Galleries

It’s easy to fall in love with a photographer’s Instagram feed, but it’s important to review full wedding galleries to understand their consistency throughout an entire event. We ensure every part of the day, from getting ready to the final send-off, is documented beautifully.

3. Look for Experience in Your Venue’s Setting

Every venue presents unique lighting and composition challenges. Whether you’re hosting a beach wedding in North Carolina, a historic estate ceremony in Massachusetts, or a vineyard celebration in Virginia, working with a photographer familiar with those settings ensures you get the best possible images. They don’t need to have shot at your specific wedding, but just something similar is helpful!

Photographer capturing couple on expansive salt flats.

4. Understand Their Approach to Posing and Directing

If you’re camera-shy or want natural images, ask how your photographer helps guide couples. We use candid prompt posing to make you feel comfortable while capturing the authentic connection between you and your partner.

5. Discuss Wedding Photography Timelines

A professional wedding photographer will help structure your timeline to maximize photography opportunities. For example:

  • Getting Ready: 1.5 – 2 hours
  • First Look: 30 – 45 minutes
  • Ceremony Coverage: 30 – 60 minutes
  • Family & Wedding Party Portraits: 20 – 45 minutes
  • Couple’s Portraits: 30 – 60 minutes
  • Reception & Dance Floor Coverage: 2 – 4 hours
Small dog figurine on wooden table.

6. Confirm Package Details and Deliverables

Make sure you understand exactly what’s included in your wedding photography package. Our packages include:

  • A minimum of 400+ fully edited images
  • A private online gallery for easy viewing and sharing
  • Custom editing to enhance lighting, tones, and clarity
  • Optional wedding albums and fine art prints

7. Read Reviews and Ask for Referrals

Hearing from past couples can give you insight into the photographer’s reliability, professionalism, and ability to capture real emotions. Our team is highly rated across multiple states, including Washington, Michigan, Utah, Tennessee, North Carolina, Massachusetts, and Virginia.

8. Schedule a Consultation

Before making your final decision, schedule a call or meeting with your photographer. This ensures you feel comfortable with them, as they’ll be with you throughout your entire wedding day.

Final Thoughts Finding the perfect wedding photographer isn’t just about beautiful images—it’s about finding someone who understands your vision, makes you feel at ease, and ensures your most cherished moments are captured authentically. Whether you’re planning a coastal wedding in North Carolina, a fall wedding in Michigan, or a vineyard ceremony in Virginia, we are dedicated to creating timeless memories.

Bride and groom run on beach, ocean background.

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