Choosing the best wedding photographer is a crucial decision. Because they take pictures of your special day that you’ll always remember. Here are some tips from a client’s perspective to help you make the right choice.

Start Early
In the first place, search for a wedding photographer well in advance. This helps reduce the worry of finding someone good and free as your wedding day gets closer. Popular dates can fill up fast, so beginning your search sooner gives you a better shot at getting the photographer you want for your special day.



Wedding Photographer | PEDI Portugal Weddings | Photo by PEDIPortugal Weddings
Know Your Style
Before you start your search, figure out the kind of photos you like. Each photographer has their way of taking pictures. Whether it’s traditional or modern, knowing your style helps you find a photographer who gets your vibe, capturing the real you.
I have a few examples here for you. Do you like spontaneous photos or the ones where people just stand and smile? Do you like colours to stand out or prefer to keep things soft and romantic? Also, do you like taking pictures in natural light, or with flashes for a dramatic effect?


Look At Their Work
Afterwards, look at pictures from different photographers to see which one you like best. You can check what they have done before, on their websites or social media, and you can read reviews and get recommendations from other people.
Instead of only checking the best parts, go through the entire wedding album to see if their style is consistent, if they are creative, and if they can take good pictures anywhere. You can also get an idea of how they work. There are photographers who like spontaneous and natural pictures, while others might ask you to pose.
After that, create a list of photographers whose work you like and match your style.

Check Experience
Experience means they have done this job before. In other words, they know what they are doing! Make sure to find photographers who have worked at weddings before. A photographer with experience not only knows how to take good pictures but also knows what to do if something goes wrong. They know how to be professional, like coming on time, dressing nicely, and being respectful. With experience comes knowledge of the best tools, specifically the right cameras and lights to use.


Meet in Person or Virtually
When you set up meetings or online chats with possible photographers, you can discuss what you want in your wedding photos and ask questions. You can look here for a list of the most important questions you must ask photographers. Besides, meeting them in person or having a virtual chat helps you get to know them and see if you feel comfortable working together.
Since you’ll be with your photographer a lot of time on your big day, it’s important to feel like you get along with them. It’s like picking a friend who takes awesome photos. So, talk to the photographers before to make sure you’ll have a fun and happy time together on your day.

Discuss Packages and Prices
When talking about photography packages, it’s important to know what you get. Let them know about your specific needs so you can get exactly the services you want.
Understanding the prices lets you choose options that fit your budget avoiding any surprise charges. Some photographers offer payment plans as well as special promotions or discounts. So, it’s worth talking to them about this too. Clear communication about packages and prices avoids confusion and helps you to be sure that both of you are on the same page. I wrote an article about how to save money on photography that you might would like to read.
Ask About Backup Plans
Ask about backup plans in case of unexpected situations, like weather changes. A professional photographer should have backup equipment, for example, cameras and gear might have problems, and, if needed, a backup photographer or assistant. Another important aspect to consider is your photos! Make sure the photographer creates copies of all your pictures. This adds extra safety, so you have backups of your special moments.

Check for Flexibility
Make sure the photographer is flexible and adaptable. Weddings can be very dynamic, with lots of changes and surprises. The photographer should be prepared to adapt plans if things don’t go as expected or if something unexpected happens. By doing this, they make sure everything goes well. Also, they should be able to capture unplanned moments that add real beauty to your day and be able to blend into the crowd, capturing moments without being intrusive.


Know the Editing Process
Discuss the post-production process, like when you will get the edited pictures. Ensure that you like the photographer’s editing style. Being part of this process lets you work together, so you can share your ideas, personalise your wedding album, and make sure the final photos match your style.
Clarify Rights and Usage
When you hire a wedding photographer, it’s important to talk about the rights and usage of the photos. Ask if you own the pictures or if the photographer keeps some rights. Discuss how you plan to use the photos, for example, sharing with family or on social media, making prints or copies for yourself, using them for your job or business or making albums or other personal projects.
Check if the photographer wants credit when you use the photos. Also, ask them if you can make changes to the pictures or if they need to stay the same.
Get a Contract
Once you have found the right wedding photographer, confirm all the details well in advance. Make sure you have a clear agreement that says everything, like what services you get, how you pay, and how to cancel. This is a good time to figure out how many photographers you will need for your wedding and include that in your contract. Once that’s done, go ahead and book your date. The photographer will make sure everything goes according to plan.

Engagement Sessions
Think about having an engagement session with the photographer you chose. This gives you a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a good connection with your photographer before the big day.



Trust Your Instincts
Trusting your feelings when choosing a wedding photographer is like following your heart. It helps you find someone who not only takes great photos but also matches the spirit of your special day. If you feel something is not quite right, it’s perfectly fine to continue searching. It’s like finding the right puzzle piece. It just fits.
Now that you know how you can choose the best wedding photographer, it is also very important to learn about some mistakes that couples often make when choosing a photographer, so you can avoid them.


In short, your wedding photographer is super important because they take pictures that show the emotions and beauty of your big day. When you take the time to choose the right photographer, you make sure you’ll have awesome pictures that you can cherish forever.
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!
This article was originally published on Pediphotofilm.com. If it is now published on any other site, it was done without permission from the copyright owner.