How to Choose a Wedding Photographer You’ll Love

Those first weeks of being engaged are a whirlwind of excitement!

Aaaaand then comes the reality of wedding planning.

Figuring out how to choose a wedding photographer is one of the first major decisions you will make in the wedding planning process. There are so many things to consider, it can feel overwhelming.

As I am heading into my 18th season as a Pittsburgh wedding photographer, I’ve witnessed firsthand what matters most when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer.

Here is my best advice on choosing the perfect wedding photographer for an enjoyable, stress-free wedding. day! 

How do you compare Wedding Photographers?

Look at Their Photography Style

Finding the perfect photographer starts with what you like.

Do you want your wedding photos to be trendy, matching current popular styles? Or are you looking for something more timeless and consistent?

It’s like deciding between building a home with modern architecture vs. a white cape cod style. Both styles are beautiful, but it’s up to you to decide what resonates the most with you!

Our wedding photography style is like a little white cape cod with a navy blue front door. Our style is timeless and never goes out of style. We incorporate a blend of traditional, editorial, romantic, and candid photography taken in a rather true-to-life style with a hint of joyful brightness.

Look for Consistenty

Whatever a photographer’s style, make sure the style and coloring are consistent across all of the images on their website.

If you see images with lots of different editing styles across their galleries and portfolios, that’s a huge red flag! It’s a sign the photographer is still experimenting with finding their own style and refining their process, meaning…

You have no assurances of what style YOUR wedding photos will end up looking like. What you see might not be what you will get.

However, if the images on a photographer’s website showcase a consistent editing style, you can feel confident that the wedding images you receive will be in that same, cohesive style.

Read Reviews from Real Couples

Any photographer can show you a beautifully curated portfolio.

When choosing a wedding photographer, reading reviews from real couples will give you unfiltered, honest insights into what it’s truly like to work with them.

Start by looking at reviews of your potential photographer shared on Google or Facebook. Next, ask around in your local Facebook groups if anyone has worked with them. This is great because you might be able to chat directly with one of their past clients! 

A HUGE red flag is companies that use photographers from all over the US, rather than “mom & pops,” business owners who are the same ones behind the camera showing up at every wedding.

Why does this matter? Consistency. You want to know that the photos you will receive are like the photos on their website.

You also want to get to know your photographer before your wedding day so they aren’t a stranger showing up on one of the most important days of your life.

Which leads me to my next point…

What’s the best way to find a wedding photographer you’ll love?

After 17 years as a wedding photographer, these are the top 3 things I’ve found most helpful to consider for a stress free wedding day you can actually enjoy.

I’ve seen this not only with our Pittsburgh, Greensburg, and Latrobe, Pennsylvania brides, but even our travel and destination weddings as well.

1. Consider whether you want to build a relationship with your photographer or just someone to take photos.

Do you want to get to know your photographer and feel comfortable with them being a part of the most important day of your life?

Or will your photographer simply be someone who shows up and takes photos?

If you answered ‘yes’ to the first question, then you will want to get to know your photographer as much as you can throughout your wedding planning process!

I know everyone’s lives are so busy – especially when wedding planning! – but Aaron and I try to help our couples and get to know them as much as we can. It’s so important to us that our couples know us, like us, and trust us so they can feel truly relaxed and enjoy their wedding day.

The last thing we want is for you to feel awkward having us by your side on the most important day of your lives!

2. Will your photographer help you create a wedding day timeline?

Some photographers take a backseat approach and simply roll with the day as events unfold, but it’s so incredibly helpful having someone who knows how long things take. It’s the difference between an organized day you can enjoy and an unorganized day that feels chaotic and stressful.

Unless you are working with a wedding planner or wedding coordinator who will guide your wedding day, it is important to have a photographer who knows how wedding days flow and can help you build a wedding day timeline accordingly.

A delightful aspect of hiring us, Jackson Signature Photography, as your wedding photographers is that I am actually a wedding planner as well!

Over the years, I have built hundreds of wedding day timelines for engaged couples. And I love giving our brides and grooms options to see how they would like their day to go so they can best decide.

Sometimes it means mapping out a wedding day with a first look vs. without a first look, or a sunset ceremony vs. a 3:00 PM ceremony.

My couples won’t ever stress about figuring out what time each vendor should arrive, or what time each thing should be done. That’s my job. As your wedding photographer and wedding planner, I will craft a timeline that helps the day flow effortlessly and allows you to enjoy it.

3. Will your photographer create a detailed family photo list?

Family photos can be a highly chaotic time of a wedding day. Multiple groups of people need to be in the same place at the same time, coming in and out of photos with you two, including elderly relatives and young children with limited attention spans.

You want this time to be managed efficiently so that you can get all the photos you want without standing there for an hour!

(Plus, some churches cut off your time inside after the ceremony, so having an organized and efficient wedding photographer is key.)

Having a family photo list to give to your photographer is great.

But hiring a seasoned wedding photographer who creates a system for family photos so they can tell you exactly how long it will take, make sure no one is missing, and get it done without taking an hour? That’s even better.

Over the past 18 years as a wedding photographer, I’ve perfected a system to seamlessly capture family photos on your wedding day. When I sit down with my couples to create a detailed family list, I always joke that it’s going to sound like a game of 20 questions, but I promise it all makes sense and there is a method to my madness!

The end result is a lovely family photo list that allows you two, the bride and groom, to simply stand there while your family seamlessly flows in and out of photos around you.

A Bonus for Jackson Signature Photography couples 

In addition to being a wedding photographer, I own a wedding planning and coordination company called Joy Filled Occasions. Though JFO, I offer a unique blend of wedding styling and design, planning, and coordination services–exclusively for my Jackson Signature Photography couples.

This hybrid wedding planning package ($1,750 value) combines key elements of my wedding planning services to ensure a seamless and stress-free wedding day.

Why do I include this for my couples? Because I believe that capturing a wedding day goes beyond just photography. It’s about creating the best wedding day experience.

By offering wedding planning and styling, I not only help couples plan their perfect wedding, but also serve as their go-to guide in the months leading up to their big day.

On the wedding day itself, I step in as a point person, ensuring that everything runs smoothly so my couples can fully enjoy their special moments while I document them.

What is a reasonable amount to spend on a wedding photographer?

On average, $3,500-$5,500 is a fabulous budget for a Pittsburgh wedding photographer who has a consistent photography style, is well-versed in their artistic ability, knows the industry, and can help guide you through your day.

Of course, each photographer will have their own package offerings and pricing, so it often isn’t as simple as comparing apples to apples (more like comparing apples to oranges).

Carrying right along with our apples metaphor…

Compare the “color”

Assess the photographer’s coloring and editing style. Do you like their style visually? Can you see yourself in images like these?

Compare the “texture”

After emailing or speaking with the photographer, what kind of personality do they have? Are they friendly and bubbly? Will they be in your corner, cheering you on during your wedding day? Or are they more formal and prickly?

Compare the “taste”

Does the photographer seem knowledgeable and well ripened? Or are they still a bit green and might miss something important on your day because they might lack the time and experience?

What should I ask before booking a wedding photographer?

When you’re newly engaged and trying to figure out how to choose a wedding photographer, asking the right questions is essential. Here’s a quick list of questions to ask when meeting with a potential wedding photographer to find out if you’re a perfect fit for each other.

Can I see some full wedding galleries?

In the age of AI generated images, photo thieves, and scams galore, it’s important to make sure your photographer is legit.

You want to see a photographer’s work from multiple weddings, photographed in various locations and lighting situations to make sure the images share a consistent style.

Many photographers will suggest you ask to see full wedding galleries.

Personally, I do not share full wedding galleries as I feel that these images are private for my couples, family, friends, and their chosen vendor team.

But I do blog consistently so that engaged couples considering me as their Pittsburgh wedding photographer can see highlights from our couple’s wedding galleries. I always share enough images so that you can see the consistency in my photography style, without compromising the privacy of my dear couples by sharing their full private galleries.

How many images will I receive?

It’s common to receive about 100 images per hour of wedding photography coverage.

We deliver 700+ images from a full wedding day, allowing our couples to see the full picture of their day. Our couples get access to a private online gallery where they can easily view and download all of their wedding images.

When will I get my images?

While most photographers will take 6-8 weeks to provide you with your wedding images – longer if you’re working with a film photographer, as the film has to be processed before any digital editing can begin – I’m proud to say that our couples receive their full wedding gallery in 3 weeks or less, along with a wedding night preview!

Your wedding day passes so quickly, so having a preview on your wedding night is a fabulous way to relive how amazing everything was and to bring your day full circle.

Will I own the image copyright?

This question of copyright always comes up in these kinds of “what to ask your photographer” lists.

The thing is, I don’t think you actually care about owning the copyright.

What you care about is being able to print your images and share them on social media; right?

When your photographer delivers your wedding gallery, you should also receive a copyright release that describes how you can use the images. This should allow you to use the images for personal use, including printing and posting on social media.

All of our couples receive a print release! Make sure your photographer will give you one as well.

Note that having a copyright release (also called a print release) is not the same as owning the copyright to your wedding images. The photographer will always retain the legal copyright to their art. (This is standard practice across the photography industry.)

That means your photographer may use images from your wedding to advertise for their business. They might share your images on their own social media account, print a large canvas to showcase in their studio, or submit the images to a publication.

Be sure to carefully read your contract so you understand how your photographer may use the images after your wedding. If you have any questions, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer directly, as they should be more than happy to address your concerns!

Is an Engagement Session included?

Photographers often (but not always) include an engagement session in their wedding photography packages. Having an engagement session before the wedding day helps you feel comfortable in front of the camera and with your photographer on your wedding day.

I used to include engagement sessions in all of my packages for this reason, but I now leave it as optional for my couples. Over the past 18+ years as a wedding photographer, I am comfortable and confident enough in my skills to create timeless, lasting memories that reflect your passion, joy, and love for each other without “knowing you in camera” prior to your wedding day.

The important thing is to understand what’s included in the wedding photography packages you’re considering. I encourage you to schedule an Engagement Session, whether it’s included or not!

What happens if you get sick or cannot physically come to photograph our wedding?

It is so important to know that your photographer has a back up plan should the unthinkable occur!

My couples will never have to worry about being abandoned on their wedding day. I have a lovely group of photographer friends who would rally around me and photograph your day should something tragic arise. After your wedding, I would then edit the images in my style to finish off your photos with flourish.

Emergency planning is often overlooked when learning how to choose a wedding photographer, but knowing your photographer has you covered no matter what provides such peace of mind!

How do I officially book with you?

Many wedding photographers won’t reserve your wedding date for you without a signed contract and paid deposit. Make sure you understand how to officially book your wedding date so that there aren’t any misaligned expectations during the inquiry process!

For my couples, the first step of the inquiry process is getting to know each other. I will invite you to hop on a call or visit our studio in Latrobe, PA (1 hour east of Pittsburgh). During this time, I put a pause on your wedding date.

If another bride inquires about your same wedding date while you and I are still in the initial chatting process, you will have priority for that date for an additional 24 hours before I release the date for the other couple.

If we are a great fit, sign your photography contract and pay a deposit of 25% of your chosen package to reserve me as your wedding photographer!

How far in advance should you hire a wedding photographer?

As a wedding photographer who is also a wedding planner, I recommend booking your photographer as soon as possible — second only to securing your wedding and/or reception venues.

For me personally, I want to create my couples timeline early so that they can make informed choices on things like their ceremony times, booking hotels that work well with portrait locations and travel times, understanding how lighting and seasons affects photos, and so much more.

Is a good photographer worth it for a wedding?

100%! Your wedding day passes by in an instant, and the memories blur in your mind over time. Investing and choosing a good wedding photographer ensures these lovely memories are captured and framed for you to remember. That heirloom legacy album that you keep enjoying flipping through will continue to share the story of your wedding day for generations.

Long story short…

Your wedding photographer plays a HUGE role in creating an enjoyable, stress-free wedding day, so knowing how to choose a wedding photographer is so important! Spend the time researching photographers in your area to find the perfect fit photographer for you.

If you’re getting married in or around Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania I would love to chat about becoming your wedding photographer and/or wedding planner! I am based in Latrobe, PA, serving Pittsburgh, the Laurel Highlands, Morgantown, WV, Ohio, and destination weddings nationwide.

Click here to learn more about our wedding photography services!