Choosing your wedding photographer is as important as choosing your wedding cake. This is your most special day, so you need someone with an artistic eye, but most of all, sensitivity. That’s why someone who only clicks on a camera and yells “pose!” won’t cut it. How to find a wedding photographer that’s right for you? 

Well, just going for the trendiest or cheaper name is not the best idea. A trendy name might not connect with you; a cheap photographer might give you cheap photos.

This choice is not a walk in the park. So, we’ll share some tips to help you choose the right photographer and make this process easier.

Tip #1: Know Your Style

To find a photographer who clicks with you, define your style and vision first. Once you do this, your search will be way smoother. 

Ask yourself:

• Do you want documentary-style pics that tell your story naturally? 
• Do you love magazines’ clean, editorial aesthetic? 
• Are you moved by soft, fine art photos?
• Rather go with a bold, edgy technique that breaks tradition?

So, how to choose a wedding photographer for a destination wedding—or even one in your hometown? Start with this question: Do their photos feel like you? Remember, trends come and go, but emotions are timeless. 

Tip #2: Stalk Their Portfolio (Like, Really)

This isn’t a one-scroll-and-done situation. You need to deep dive into their portfolio. 

Take your time and look at full wedding albums, not just Instagram highlights. Also, ask to see full-day coverage from start to finish. This gives you a better idea of how they capture everything.

Besides, look at how they use lighting: 

• Do their images feel warm and full of life, or flat and over-edited? 
• How do they handle different light settings, like harsh noon sun or dark reception halls?

Spot how they capture in-between moments. Hands held tightly, a parent’s quiet tears, your partner’s face as you walk down the aisle. These matter more than the perfect pose. As well, if you're into artistic photos for weddings, their work should feel intentional but effortless.

Tip #3: Watch Their Videos (If They Do Both)

Having wedding pics? Great. Having a mind-blowing video as well? Way better!

If you also want to have your wedding day on film, choose someone who offers this service, too. Then, grab some popcorn and watch their videos. You can look at their Insta reels, but that’s not enough. It’s key to see their transitions, pacing, storytelling, and even the sound. Don’t be shy and ask them to show you a full wedding video.

What to look for in these films?

• Cinematic flow: Is there a storyline, or does it feel like a slideshow with music?
• Real emotion: Do you feel connected to the couple, even if you don’t know them?
• Use of music: Is it chosen with care, or sounds pretty random?
• Drone shots: Do they add something meaningful to the story, or are they just fillers?

When it comes to wedding videos, every detail matters. That said, there are other questions to ask your wedding videographer to know how they work:

• How do you capture audio during the ceremony? 
• What’s your editing timeline? 
• Do you offer sneak peeks? 

Tip #4: Ask the Right Questions

When it comes to how to find a wedding photographer, you need to get practical. Beyond the pretty pictures and videos, you’re hiring someone to handle once-in-a-lifetime moments. With this in mind, ask questions that dig into how they work under pressure.

Here are some to start with: 

• What do you do if your camera fails mid-ceremony?
• Do you bring a second shooter or assistant?
• Do you give direction, or do you prefer to document?
• How do you work with other vendors?

Ask how they scout locations, handle cultural nuances, and deal with travel hiccups. Indeed, that’s how you can separate the pros from the amateurs.

And if someone’s price seems suspiciously low, ask why. It could signal a lack of backup gear, no support staff, or little experience. It’s not just about cost—it’s about minimizing risk on a day that can’t be re-shot.

Tip #5: Read the Reviews Like a Detective

One of the best tips for finding your wedding photographer is to look at their reviews. This might seem obvious, but the key here is to see beyond their ratings. So, dig into the tone, the details, the feelings. 

Look for these clues:

• Did the photographer make people feel at ease?
• How did they handle curveballs (like weather or timeline delays)?
• Were clients emotional about the final images—in a good way?

Tip #6: Chemistry Is Key

Let’s get real: your photographer will be with you during your most intimate moments. If you don’t vibe with them, that energy will show up in your photos.

Do a video call. Meet in person if possible. See how they make you feel. Do they listen more than they talk? Do they make you feel seen? Do they get your vibe?

Comfort leads to trust. Trust leads to ease. Ease leads to natural photos, stunning photos. That’s how you get fresh couples photography that doesn’t look stiff or staged. It’s not about being a model. It’s about being you.

Tip #7: Think Beyond the Price

We’re putting this last on purpose. Because honestly? It should be the last thing you consider.

Yes, budgets matter. Perhaps you'll have to choose between designer chairs and unique destination wedding photography. Go with the one that will still matter in 30 years.

The photos and videos are what you’ll share with your kids, pass down to family, and revisit on every anniversary. Pizza and beer at your wedding? Your guests will love it. But in ten years, no one will remember the catering. They will remember the way your dad looked at you when he gave his speech.

If a photographer charges less than everyone else, it could mean they cut corners. Maybe no insurance. No second shooter. No backups. In a word, that puts your wedding at risk.

Final Thoughts: Choose With Your Heart and Your Head

Finding a candid wedding photographer is about tuning into what feels right. Your photos are more than decor or hashtags. They are memories. They are history. They are what remains when the day is over.

At Post-Tales, we specialize in capturing non-conventional destination wedding photography. Our "no sugar added" approach focuses on raw emotion and real interactions. In other words, we don’t stage moments that should unfold naturally. If your love is real, why take pictures that are not? 

If this sounds like you, let’s chat and tell your story, your way!