How to find a Wedding or Elopement Photographer - A Step-by-Step Guide
Your wedding day is one of the most memorable moments of your life, and choosing the right photographer is essential to preserving those memories. With so many options out there, the process can feel overwhelming. It’s hard to know where to start! How do you find the right match to capture your wedding day? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered!
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through the process of finding and booking the perfect photographer for your big day. First, we’ll help you identify the photography style that resonates with you—whether it’s light and airy, moody and dramatic, or candid and documentary. Next, we’ll show you how to begin your search, narrow down your options, and find photographers who match your needs and budget.
From exploring portfolios to understanding contracts and asking the right questions, this guide ensures you’ll feel confident choosing the photographer who aligns with your vision. Let’s make finding your dream wedding photographer stress-free and exciting!
Step #1 - Style
Before you start looking for photographers, take some time to figure out what kind of photography style resonates with you. Are you drawn to light and airy photos, dramatic and moody tones, or candid documentary-style shots? Let’s find out!
Photography Style is separated into two main topics - Lighting/Color and Posing. There are three main styles of lighting and three main styles of posing/directing the subject. Below is some examples of each style. Take note of which ones speak to you and start looking for photographers that specialize in that style.
Lighting/Color Style
Dark and Moody
This style looks exactly as it is described - dark and moody. The lighting in the photos tend to be darker and photographers use the shadows to tell a story. A lot of the posing usually comes with a moodier look and feel because of the dark lighting being brought into the photo. Dark and moody photography emphasizes rich tones, dramatic contrast, and an emotional atmosphere. It’s perfect for couples who want a more dramatic and cinematic vibe to their photos. If you are someone who loves dramatic feelings and emotions being shown in a photo, this style might be the one for you.
Light and Airy
Again, the photography world has made understanding this style fairly simple; it’s all in the name. Light and airy usually has bright tones and even some very brightly exposed photos. The posing for this style is very versatile but many bright and airy photographers lean towards “brighter” feeling poses. This style uses natural light, soft colors, and a pastel-like aesthetic to create dreamy, romantic images. It’s popular for outdoor weddings and couples who love a bright, ethereal look.
True to Color
This style, often referred to as “true-to-color” or “traditional,” focuses on capturing photos with lighting and colors that closely reflect what the naked eye sees. Since cameras often interpret colors and lighting differently than we perceive them, the photographer works diligently to produce images that are both beautiful and faithful to the original moment. While some might assume this style requires minimal editing, it actually demands significant skill and dedication to achieve a balance between authenticity and artistry. Each photo is carefully refined to preserve the essence of the scene while enhancing its natural beauty. Couples seeking a photographer who prioritizes capturing memories with accuracy and honesty may find the true-to-color style to be the perfect choice. This approach ensures that your photos will feel timeless and genuine, reflecting your wedding day exactly as you remember it.
Posing Style
Documentary/Photojournalistic
This candid style captures events as they unfold naturally, without much posing. It emphasizes storytelling, focusing on emotions, reactions, and real moments throughout the day. Perfect for couples who want their photos to feel authentic and unscripted. Many also call this style a “cinematic” or “candid” style as well. The photographer that uses this style will use everything around them to document the day as organically as possible.
Fine Art
Fine art photography is creative and artistic, often featuring dramatic lighting, unique angles, and styled compositions. This style blends artistic vision with storytelling, resulting in images that feel like works of art. Each photo is carefully curated, with an emphasis on emotion, texture, and detail, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary pieces. Couples who love a refined, gallery-worthy aesthetic often gravitate toward this timeless and elegant style.
Traditional/Mixture
This style focuses on posed and timeless photos, capturing key moments like the first kiss, family portraits, and the ceremony. Quite honestly, this style a lot of the time is a mixture of posed and documentary photos. This style is a good style for couples that are looking for a few traditional poses but also want photos that capture their personality and style.
Other Styles to Consider mentioning to your photographer
There are countless photography styles beyond those mentioned above, offering endless ways to capture your special day. While the styles outlined earlier are among the most popular, there are additional approaches worth discussing with your photographer if they resonate with you. Many photographers seamlessly blend multiple styles into their work, creating diverse and dynamic galleries. If you’re drawn to a specific style or element, don’t hesitate to share your preferences with your photographer. This will help them tailor their approach to your vision and ensure your wedding day is captured just the way you imagine.
High Fashion/ Editorial
Inspired by magazine shoots, this style incorporates bold poses, dramatic lighting, and a high-fashion aesthetic. It’s great for couples who want their wedding photos to have a glamorous and polished feel.
Black and White
This timeless style focuses on contrast and simplicity, often highlighting emotions and details that might be overshadowed in color photos. Black and white images work well for storytelling and classic portraits.
Lifestyle/Candid
Lifestyle photography captures posed moments that feel natural and relaxed. It’s a balance between candid and posed, often showcasing people in their environment with a focus on connection and interaction.
Some Final Thoughts on Style
Of course, photography style is subjective and ever changing so don’t be afraid to spend some time browsing Instagram, Pinterest, and wedding blogs to identify the styles that speak to you. (Pinterest is personally my favorite search engine when looking for photography styles) Knowing your preferred style will help you narrow your search to photographers who specialize in that aesthetic.
Step #2 - Budget
Photography is often one of the largest investments in a wedding, and for good reason—it’s how you’ll preserve the memories of your day for years to come. Start by determining how much you’re comfortable spending and look for photographers whose pricing aligns with your budget. While high-quality photography often comes with a higher price tag, it’s a meaningful investment in moments you’ll treasure forever. Many photographers offer a range of packages, so take time to explore options that fit your priorities. Remember, no matter your budget, there’s a photographer out there who can capture your special day beautifully.
Your budget will also help guide you when looking for photographers. Couples with larger budgets may focus on full-service studios or highly sought-after professional wedding or elopement photographers, while those with tighter budgets might explore emerging photographers or studios with wedding day deals. The key is to make this decision personal—sit down with your partner to decide which aspects of your wedding day are most important to splurge or save on. Once you’ve prioritized, you’ll feel more confident searching for a photographer who meets your needs without exceeding your financial comfort zone. By planning thoughtfully, you can find a photographer who perfectly balances quality and budget.
Once you’ve established your budget, don’t hesitate to be transparent about it when reaching out to photographers. Many professionals are happy to work with you and can often recommend packages or customize options to fit within your price range.
Step #3 - Searching
Once you have a clear style and budget in mind, start your search for photographers. Use platforms like Google and Instagram to find local professionals. For example, if you're planning a North Carolina wedding, search for terms like “Asheville wedding photographer” or “Outer Banks elopement photography” to find experts in your area.
Another great resource is Facebook groups for brides and wedding planning. Join local groups for your region, where many brides post requests for photographers based on their budget and style. Once a post is made, photographers will often respond with their portfolios, making it easy to explore your options quickly.
After narrowing down your choices, it’s crucial to review a full wedding gallery from each photographer. While Instagram and portfolio pages showcase their best work, a full gallery offers a comprehensive look at how they perform throughout an entire wedding day. This allows you to see how they handle various lighting conditions and challenging scenarios—not just the perfect moments. Many photographers include full galleries on their websites under sections like “Weddings” or “Portfolio,” but if you can’t find them, don’t hesitate to reach out and ask. A good photographer will be happy to share examples, especially from weddings at venues similar to yours.
When reviewing full galleries, keep in mind they represent a complete story of the wedding day, from getting ready to the reception. However, the length of the gallery can vary depending on how long the photographer was hired for - especially if you are looking for an elopement or wedding. Elopement galleries are very different from wedding day galleries. If you plan to book a shorter or longer time frame, let your photographer know so they can provide galleries that align with your timeline. This ensures you’ll have a realistic expectation of what your own gallery might look like.
Take a look at a few of my own full galleries to give you a good idea of what you may be looking for in the photographer you choose:
M+G Wedding Gallery Example
C+J Elopement Gallery Example
N+J Wedding Gallery Example
Step #4 - Personality
Your photographer will be by your side for most of your wedding day, so it’s crucial to choose someone you genuinely feel comfortable with. Schedule consultations or video calls to get a sense of their personality and approach. A great photographer should make you feel at ease, understand your vision, and bring positive energy to your special day.
In many ways, your photographer will be like your shadow, documenting every emotion, moment, and interaction throughout your wedding. Because of this, it’s essential to find someone whose presence feels natural and reassuring. Even if a photographer aligns with your style and budget, if you don’t feel completely comfortable with them, it’s okay to keep searching. You deserve to feel cared for and supported by the person capturing such intimate moments.
Look for a photographer who feels more like a friend—someone you trust to handle your most precious memories with care and professionalism. When you have that level of comfort, you can relax and fully enjoy your day, knowing your photographer will preserve each tender moment beautifully.
Step #5 - Reviews
Reviews are an essential tool when choosing a wedding photographer. Be sure to check their website, Google or Facebook reviews, and even Instagram comments to gain insight into other couples’ experiences. Look for consistent feedback about their professionalism, timeliness, communication, and the quality of their work. Positive reviews are a strong indicator of a photographer’s reliability and skill.
While reviews are always helpful when making a significant purchase, they are especially important in the wedding industry. Unfortunately, there are rare instances of scam photographers who take payments but fail to deliver images—or worse, don’t show up on the wedding day.
To avoid such situations, it’s crucial to take extra precautions. Schedule a consultation or video call to "meet" your photographer and gauge their professionalism and personality. Additionally, consider booking an engagement session with them well before your wedding. A reliable photographer will prioritize this session, treating it with the same care as your wedding day. Not only does this provide a chance to meet your photographer in person, but it also allows you to build rapport, practice poses, and ensure you're comfortable with their approach.
My intention isn’t to scare you but to empower you with knowledge so you can make an informed decision. While most photographers are passionate professionals dedicated to their craft, it’s wise to stay vigilant. Trust your instincts, thoroughly read reviews and contracts, and choose someone who makes you feel confident and cared for. A little due diligence goes a long way in ensuring your wedding memories are in safe hands.
Step #6 - Contracts
Before booking, carefully read the photographer’s contract. It should outline essential details like pricing, payment schedules, delivery timelines, and cancellation policies. Make sure everything is clear and aligned with your expectations. Don’t hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear—this is a big decision, and it’s important to feel confident.
Below are some key points to look for when reviewing contracts:
Delivery time of photos after the wedding day
Does your photographer require a break for food or a meal provided after a certain amount of hours?
What happens in the event of a natural disaster or act of God?
What happens if your photographer is running late on delivering photos?
Return/Refund/Reschedule policies
Copyright policy (personal or commercial)
Every photographer handles situations differently. A contract with your wedding photographer not only protects them but also you. If you have any questions about your contract don’t hesitate to reach out to your photographer and ask. <3
Now let’s get your wedding photographer booked!
Choosing your wedding photographer doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these six steps—defining your style, setting a budget, starting your search, evaluating personality, reading reviews, and reviewing the contract—you’ll find a photographer who’s the perfect fit for your big day.
No matter what photographer you choose, I am over here wishing you the best wedding day! If you’re planning a wedding and you liked some of the photos you saw in this article, Ruby Photography (that’s me!) specializes in capturing authentic, timeless memories across the country. Visit ruby-photography.com to learn more and start your journey toward finding the photographer of your dreams! <3 Hope to see you there friend! Happy wedding planning!
