How To Know If A Wedding Photographer Is Good?


Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

When you plan a wedding, one of the most important decisions is choosing a photographer. Your wedding photos will be the lasting memories of your big day, so it’s natural to want them to be perfect. But how do you know if a wedding photographer is good? With so many photographers out there, it can be hard to decide who will capture your wedding just the way you envision. 

In this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to pick the perfect photographer for your big day. These tips will help you feel confident in making the right decision.

Start With Their Portfolio

The portfolio is like a photographer’s calling card. It shows off their best work, their unique style, and what they can do with a camera. When you’re deciding if a wedding photographer is good, their portfolio is the perfect place to start. But what exactly should you look for? 

Variety of Shots

First, a strong portfolio will have a variety of shots. Weddings are made up of so many different moments, from getting ready to the first dance, and a great photographer knows how to capture each one. This includes:

  • Posed photos: These are the classic, organised photos, like family portraits or couple shots. They’re usually well-planned, with everyone looking their best. A good photographer makes these feel relaxed and natural, even if everyone is posed.
  • Candid moments: Weddings aren’t just about formal poses. A good photographer will catch the little, unplanned moments that make the day special, like a laugh between friends or a hug from a parent. Look for these types of shots, as they show the photographer’s ability to capture real emotion.
  • Details: It’s all in the details! A skilled photographer will get all the little details, like close-ups of the rings, the bouquet, or the decorations. These shots will give meaning to your wedding album, reminding you of the little touches you worked so hard to plan.
  • Wide Shots and Close-Ups: A strong portfolio will have both. Wide shots capture the big picture, like the entire venue or all the guests dancing, while close-ups zoom in on specific emotions and details. The mix makes the album feel more dynamic and complete.
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Lighting

Lighting is everything in photography, and weddings have all kinds of lighting challenges. You might be outside in bright sunlight, indoors in low light, or have candles at dinner. A good photographer knows how to work with all these situations.

  • Natural Light: Look for photos taken in daylight. How does the photographer use the sun? Are the photos soft and warm, or too bright and harsh? Handling natural light well is a must for any wedding photographer. 
  • Low Light: Evening receptions, candlelit ceremonies, and dimly lit dance floors are common at weddings. Can the photographer capture these moments without making the photos grainy or blurry? A talented photographer can make low-light shots look magical, capturing a romantic, moody vibe.
  • Artificial Light and Flash: Sometimes, using a flash or other lighting tool is necessary. A good photographer can use artificial light without making it look unnatural. The goal is to add light without taking away from the mood.
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Consistency

Consistency means you’re seeing quality throughout the portfolio. It’s not just one or two amazing photos followed by weaker ones. Every photo should look like it belongs and shows the photographer’s skill. 

  • Focus and Sharpness: One of the most annoying things is when a lovely moment is destroyed by a blurry or unfocused image. Every photo must be in focus, sharp and clear making sure that the couple stands out, the background looks amazing and that emotions are perfectly captured. 
  • Colour and Tone: You should look for consistency in colour and tone. Some photographers use warm and golden colour tones, while others go with cooler or more muted colours. No matter what style they have, it needs to make sense across their portfolio, not random or inconsistent.
  • Editing: A skilled photographer knows how to enhance photos without going overboard. Editing should add to the photos, brightening them up or enhancing colours slightly, but it shouldn’t make people look unnatural. If the editing feels too heavy, it might be a sign the photographer is trying to “fix” rather than enhance.
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Creativity and Originality

A good photographer brings some creativity into every wedding. They bring something unique to each photo with new angles, different perspectives, or original ways to shoot familiar moments. 

  • Unusual Angles: Some photographers get creative by shooting from different angles, like from above during the first dance or through an open door as you walk down the aisle. These angles make the photos much more interesting, making them feel less common. 
  • Unique Compositions: Composition is how they arrange things in the photo, like placing the couple off-centre or using a natural frame (like tree branches or a doorway) around them. A smart composition can transform a normal snap into an unforgettable picture. 
  • Storytelling: A great portfolio tells a story from start to finish. You should feel like you can see the whole wedding day, from the morning preparations to the last dance. This storytelling quality shows the photographer knows how to capture each moment in a way that feels connected and cohesive.
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Read Reviews and Testimonials

Once you’ve found some photographers whose work you love, dive into their reviews. What do past clients have to say? Reviews can give you valuable insight into how the photographer works on the day of the wedding and how satisfied other couples were with their final photos.

Look for comments on:

Punctuality

Did the photographer show up on time? Were they ready to get on the field? Weddings run on a tight schedule, and the last thing you need is a late photographer. Positive comments about coming on time and being ready are a good signal.

Professionalism

You can look for words like “organised,” “professional,” and “efficient.” Did they manage the day smoothly, fitting in without being too intrusive? The best photographers work confidently and calmly, even when things get a bit chaotic.

Personality

A photographer’s personality can make or break your day. Since you’ll be spending a lot of time together, you want someone who’s friendly, relaxed and knows how to make people feel comfortable. Look for reviews where people mention feeling at ease or having fun with the photographer. They should be able to lighten the mood, make you laugh, and put everyone at ease. 

Adaptability

Weddings don’t always go as planned! Look for reviews where couples mention how the photographer adapted when things didn’t go perfectly – maybe a sudden rain shower or a delay in the schedule. A great photographer will roll with the punches and still capture fantastic shots.

Responsiveness

Communication is key. Did the photographer respond to emails or calls quickly? If they were easy to reach before the wedding, it’s likely they’ll be responsive afterward too, keeping you updated on photo delivery times and any edits.

Quality of Final Photos

Of course, you want to hear about the quality of the photos! Did the clients love the final images? Were they pleased with the edits and the way their memories were captured? Look for comments about things like photo composition, emotion, and attention to detail. 

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Balancing Positive and Negative Reviews 

Finding a photographer who gets all positive reviews is unusual. Even in the best of scenarios, you will occasionally get one or two reviews that are neutral to slightly negative, usually for something relatively tiny or a personal preference. However, if a certain complaint keeps popping up, it’s likely a legitimate issue. When in doubt, it doesn’t hurt to ask the photographer yourself about any specific concerns raised in their reviews.

Assess Their Style

Wedding photography comes in many styles, and each photographer has its own way of how to shoot a wedding. You want to ensure their style matches your vision. Some common styles of photography are:

Traditional

Think of the classic family portraits where everyone is smiling at the camera or the sweet close-up of you and your partner with the sunset behind you. Traditional photographers know how to make everyone look their best. They’ll guide you on where to stand, how to hold your bouquet, or how to angle your chin.

Documentary

This is all about capturing moments as they happen. Documentary photographers move around quietly, snapping photos of genuine moments. This style is perfect if you want to relive the true emotions and unscripted moments of the day.

Artistic

Some photographers have a more artistic approach, using creative angles and lighting, with unusual edits to make their images stand out. They might photograph reflections in water, create images of shadows or use close-up shots to capture small details, like a little tear on your partner’s cheek or the lace on your dress.

Editorial

Like in fashion photography, these pictures usually involve bold and styled shots. It’s a glamorous approach that can give your wedding photos a high-fashion feel.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Look for Experience

Weddings move fast, full of unplanned moments, and there’s no space for errors. That’s why experience is key. A photographer, who has years of experience shooting weddings, will know how to improvise and handle difficult situations on the spot ensuring no major moments are lost.

Here’s why experience matters:

Time Management

Professional photographers are good at time management! They make sure to photograph every single moment of your big day without missing a piece. They plan photo sessions carefully, ensuring there is enough time for getting-ready photos, family portraits, and romantic shots of you and your partner. Photographers keep things running so you can have fun without thinking about when the next pic will be!

Handling Pressure

Weddings are full of surprises. Maybe the weather suddenly changes, or there’s a delay in the timeline. An experienced photographer have probably faced all kinds of situations before, so they stay calm and adjust quickly. Rain or shine, a good photographer is flexible and can make the best out of any situation.

Posing Skills

Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera. A good photographer knows how to help you feel comfortable and look natural. They’ll guide you into poses that look beautiful without feeling forced, and they know how to bring out your genuine smiles and laughter.

Capturing Key Moments

A photographer with experience knows where to be at the right time. They won’t miss the important moments like your first kiss as a married couple, the cake cutting, or the emotional reactions of guests.

Familiar with Wedding Flow and Teamwork

Experienced photographers also understand the rhythm of a wedding day. They know how to work with the rest of the wedding team, like planners, videographers and family members, to make everything flow smoothly. They’ll step in to help coordinate, suggest ideas, and adjust as needed to keep everyone on track.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Pay Attention to Communication Skills

Communication is the key between you and your wedding photographer. A professional photographer streamlines the process from the first meeting to the final photo delivery with zero stress for you. Imagine the peace of mind of knowing your photographer understands exactly what you want. 

Your communication with your wedding photographer is the glue that binds everything together. A good photographer keeps communication clear, responds promptly to your questions and concerns, listens well and is open to change when needed. So, they are not simply someone with a camera, they become someone you trust to make sure that nothing goes wrong on the biggest day of your life.

Comfort with the Photographer

Feeling comfortable with your wedding photographer is essential. You’re going to spend a lot of time with them on the big day, probably more time than with anyone else. You are not looking for someone who makes you uncomfortable or puts you stressed. Instead, you want a photographer who makes you feel at ease, relaxed, and even excited to be in front of the camera. The better you connect with your photographer, the more natural and beautiful your photos will look.

Here are a few tips to help you understand if you and your photographer will be comfortable together.

Meet in Person or Have a Video Call

Pay attention to how they communicate. Are they friendly, easy to talk to, and genuinely interested in your wedding? A good photographer will ask you questions, listen to your ideas, and show enthusiasm about capturing your day. It’s all about building trust, which makes it easier to open up in front of the camera.

Pre-Wedding Shoot

This is like a practice session where you can see how they work, how they give directions, and how comfortable you feel posing. If you’re not used to being in front of a camera, this can be really helpful. You’ll get to know their style, and they’ll get to know you, so by the time your wedding day arrives, you’ll feel more like friends than strangers.

Interaction with Others

Your photographer will interact with your family, friends, and even the wedding planner. Do they blend in easily, treating everyone with respect? A friendly photographer will make guests feel comfortable, too, resulting in more natural photos. They know how to step in when needed, give gentle directions, and also fade into the background when it’s time to capture candid moments.

Portugal | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings

Conclusion

Picking a good wedding photographer doesn’t have to feel like an impossible task. If you follow these tips mentioned earlier, you should be able to find someone that you like. Also, keep in mind that their photos are a memory keepsake from your wedding day, and you definitely want to make sure that the photographer is going to do an awesome job!

Your wedding day is going to be over in the blink of an eye, but the photos you take are timeless.

I am so grateful that you came on this journey with me. If you liked what you read and are interested in more of my work, please check my portfolio here. I want to know what you think. Thank you very much for your valuable support!

Pedro Cruz

Wedding photographer and videographer from Lisbon, Portugal. Here is Pedro Cruz's short bio.

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