HOW TO BOOK YOUR DREAM WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
- Purple Kite Photography
- Jul 2
- 8 min read
Updated: Jul 5
Choosing the right Wedding Photographer - An Introduction
Picking your wedding photographer is a big deal—it’s one of the most meaningful decisions in your wedding planning journey. Your photos will become the lasting memories of a day filled with love, emotion, and celebration. With so many talented professionals out there, it can feel a little daunting to narrow it down. The key is finding someone whose style speaks to you and whose work makes you feel something.
A skilled wedding photographer will have a defined style, a well-curated portfolio, and most importantly, the ability to make you feel at ease in front of the camera. They’ll capture not just the poses, but the spontaneous laughter, happy tears, and everything in between. When researching potential photographers, think about their level of experience, reviews from past clients and how they price their services. Make sure they understand your vision and can translate it into timeless images you’ll cherish forever.
Hi, I'm Sarah!
My documentary-style photography tells the story of your day unobtrusively, capturing the big moments as well as all those gorgeous little stories in between.
I create a calm and relaxed atmosphere, ensuring that you feel at ease and enjoy every moment of your day.
I love documenting the raw emotions and excitement of a wedding day and take pride in delivering beautiful images that you will cherish for a lifetime.
How to find the perfect Wedding Photographer for your day
If the idea of booking a photographer feels overwhelming, you’re not alone—especially if you’re starting from scratch without any personal recommendations. One of the best ways to kick things off is by browsing different photography styles. Whether it’s classic elegance, natural storytelling, or something more editorial, your choice should reflect your personalities.
Many couples reach out unsure of how the process works, and that’s perfectly okay. The goal is to find someone who fits not just your budget but your energy as well. While pricing is important, it shouldn’t be the only deciding factor. Pay close attention to a photographer’s vibe, how they interact with you, and whether you feel confident in their ability to capture your big day authentically.
Table of Contents:
Understanding Wedding Photography
Great wedding photography blends artistry with technical know-how. It’s about storytelling—capturing the full narrative of your day, from the anticipation of getting ready through to the relaxed abandon of the evening party. It takes someone who understands lighting, emotion, and the rhythm of a wedding day.
Styles differ widely, so think about what you’re drawn to visually. Do you love rich, dramatic portraits? Or are you more into natural, candid storytelling? Either way, someone with the right experience will be able to guide you and make the most of every moment.
A photographer’s equipment, ability to work with varied lighting, and overall professionalism are important—but equally essential is how they make you feel. Your photographer will be by your side more than almost anyone else on the day, so connection really matters.
Finding your perfect Wedding Photographer
Step 1: View photographer Portfolios
Your first job is to get a feel for different photographers' work. Look through their websites, blogs, and social media profiles. You'll learn so much from how they showcase real weddings. Pay attention to whether their images evoke emotion in you—can you picture yourself in their frame?
If you find yourself uninspired, keep scrolling. It’s important to work with someone whose style you genuinely love.
Step 2: Pricing and Priorities
Once you’ve found some portfolios that light you up, it’s time to look at the practical side—pricing and packages. Doing this after you’ve fallen in love with someone’s work helps ensure you’re choosing for quality, not just cost.
If your favourite photographer is outside your budget, consider whether a shorter coverage time could still give you what you want. Sometimes it’s better to have a few hours of incredible images than a full day of underwhelming ones. Think long-term—these are the photos you’ll frame, share, and revisit forever.
Step 3: Make Contact
Reaching out might seem intimidating, but this is where the magic starts. Share a bit about yourselves, your vision for the day, and what drew you to their work. Even a short and warm introduction goes a long way—photographers appreciate couples who take the time to be personal.
Avoid generic messages like “How much do you charge?” with no context. Instead, let them know what you’re looking for and what excites you about working together.
Step 4: Have a Conversation
Once you’ve been in touch, arrange a call or meeting. You’ll get a much better feel for whether you're a good fit this way. Chemistry matters—your photographer is going to be there for intimate, emotional moments. You want someone who not only captures them but helps you feel relaxed while doing so.
If you decide not to move forward with a photographer, let them know. Ghosting a photographer after multiple conversations is disheartening—just a quick message saying you’ve gone in another direction is appreciated.
Step 5: Securing Your Photographer
Booking your wedding photographer should feel like the start of a fantastic creative collaboration. Once you’ve chosen someone whose work resonates with you, the process generally begins with a personalized quote.
After reviewing your quote and deciding on the details, the next step is signing the agreement and making your booking payment. It’s important to know that most photographers won’t lock in your date until that’s done. So if you’re head over heels for a particular photographer’s style, don’t wait too long—popular creatives often book up quickly, and availability can be limited.
The Wedding Photography Contract
A photography contract isn't just a box to tick—it's a key element in setting clear expectations for both you and your photographer. It lays out what’s included, how payment works, and the specific details surrounding your special day so that everyone’s on the same page from the start.
Take a close look at the essentials: your wedding date, schedule, coverage hours, and any particular requests or must-capture moments. These details are what keep things running smoothly and help eliminate last-minute surprises.
The contract should explain what kind of coverage you’re getting—whether that’s full-day storytelling or a few focused hours. It’s also important to understand what the photographer is responsible for and how they handle any unexpected hiccups.
Before signing, clarify how your final photos will be delivered. Will you receive high-resolution digital files? A printed album? USB or online gallery? Knowing exactly what you’re getting ensures there are no misunderstandings later on.
Be sure to ask about rescheduling policies, cancellation terms, and what happens in case of emergencies. It might not be the most exciting part of wedding planning, but having everything in writing gives you peace of mind so you can soak up every moment when the day arrives.
Planning Your Wedding Photography
Preparing for your wedding day goes far beyond simply booking a photographer—it’s about crafting an experience that feels seamless, joyful, and reflective of your journey together. Thoughtful planning can make all the difference in capturing the moments that truly matter.
Your photographer should be someone who offers advice and ideas tailored to your unique style. They’ll understand how to make the most of each location and be prepared for anything the day throws at them—from changing weather to last-minute schedule shifts.
It’s also important to have a clear and open conversation ahead of time. Share your vision so your photographer knows what moments matter most to you. Feeling at ease in front of the camera starts with trust, and that connection plays a huge role in the authenticity of your final images.
A great collaboration means your photographer becomes part of the rhythm of your day—not just someone taking photos, but someone helping shape your experience. With the right preparation and a strong relationship, you’ll be able to relax, have fun, and enjoy every moment… knowing it’s all being beautifully captured.
Getting Ready for the Big Day
Choosing your photographer is just one piece of the puzzle. Preparing for the actual photo experience is all about collaboration and trust—working together to capture your story beautifully and authentically.
Scout out potential photo spots ahead of time if you can. Whether you're envisioning formal portraits or playful candid snaps, the right setting adds depth and emotion to your photos. And don’t forget to include a few spontaneous group shots—they often turn out to be some of the most treasured images.
A great photographer will be able to guide you on where and when to shoot based on lighting and surroundings, and they’ll be flexible enough to handle any curveballs the day might throw—whether it’s unpredictable weather or unexpected timeline changes.
Clear communication is essential. Talk through your ideas and expectations in advance so your photographer is prepared to capture the moments that matter most to you. Building a sense of ease and trust goes a long way toward creating natural, heartfelt images that reflect who you are as a couple.
By putting thought into the planning and keeping that line of communication open, you’ll set the stage for a relaxed, joyful experience—and a stunning photo gallery to match.
The Excitement of Receiving Your Photos
There’s nothing quite like reliving your wedding through beautifully curated images. Once the celebration has passed, your photographer will begin the editing process—carefully selecting and polishing the moments that best reflect the spirit of your day.
Your photos might be delivered in various formats: sleek digital galleries, elegant prints, or perhaps a custom-designed album. Be sure to discuss delivery timelines and preferences early on so you’re both clear on what to expect. A good photographer will keep you updated as your images come together.
Printed albums and wall art are a stunning way to bring your memories to life beyond the screen. Whether as a keepsake for yourselves or a gift for loved ones, they’re tangible reminders of joy, connection, and the beginning of your new chapter.
Protecting and Preserving Your Wedding Memories
Your wedding memories deserve to be preserved with care. That means choosing a photographer who not only aligns with your style and budget but who understands how to tell your story authentically—capturing the natural moments as well as the posed ones.
Take time to review full wedding galleries, read testimonials, and get a sense of how each photographer works. Consistency, storytelling, and emotional resonance are key. A true professional will offer thoughtful recommendations about prints, albums, and long-term storage, making sure your memories are not only beautifully captured but built to last.
Investing in a high-quality album or framed prints allows you to display your love story in a way that feels both intimate and timeless.
The Lasting Legacy of Wedding Photos
Your wedding photos will do more than help you remember—you’ll feel every laugh, glance, and joyful tear all over again. These aren’t just snapshots; they’re chapters in a legacy, shared not just with each other but with future generations.
Wedding photography captures fleeting moments that you might miss amid the whirlwind—expressions of love, subtle details, and shared emotions that become priceless as years go by. Great photography tells the story of your commitment, bringing that day back to life again and again.
When you invest in a wedding photographer who understands your vision and values, you’re preserving something far greater than an image—you’re holding on to a piece of your history.
And finally...
Planning your wedding can be a rollercoaster, but choosing the right photographer should feel like a decision made from the heart. This isn’t just about finding someone who takes nice pictures—it’s about finding someone who sees you, understands your connection, and is ready to document the magic exactly as it unfolds.
So wherever you are in the planning process, I hope this gives you clarity, confidence, and a spark of excitement. If you're looking to create photographs that feel deeply personal and genuinely joyful, I’d love to hear your story and be part of the journey. Let’s create something truly unforgettable together.
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