How to Choose the Right Photographer for You (Not Just the Cheapest One)

It’s More Than Pretty Pictures

Let’s get this out of the way—yes, you need to love your photographer’s work. But the person behind the camera matters just as much as what’s in front of the lens. This is someone who’ll be with you during intimate, emotional, or maybe even chaotic moments. If you don’t vibe with them, it shows.

So let’s break down how to choose someone who’s actually the right fit—not just the cheapest option on Google.

Vibe > Price

Can you be yourself around them? Do they make you laugh? Do they feel like someone you’d grab a drink with? Because when you feel at ease, your photos will reflect that.

A tip:
Green flag: They ask you questions, listen more than they talk, and make you feel like more than just another inquiry in their inbox. And most importantly, they understand that this may be something completely out of your realm and they assure you that we are there to just have some fun!

Consistency Is Everything

Their Instagram highlight reel might be curated AF, but do their galleries actually reflect that same vibe from start to finish?

• Look for full galleries or blog posts—not just a few hero images.
• Check if they can shoot in different lighting (not just golden hour).
• Make sure their editing style stays consistent—not all over the place.

If their photos don’t look consistent, you might be rolling the dice on what you get.

Style Should Match Your Vision

There’s no one-size-fits-all here. Some photographers thrive on posed and polished. Others (hi, it’s me 👋) lean into candid, real, and emotional.

Ask yourself:
– Do I want someone who directs a lot or just documents the moment?
– Am I drawn to true-to-color, moody, warm, or film-inspired tones?
– Do I want someone who shoots on film or digital? or both?

Ask What’s Included—Really

Beyond “X number of hours” and “edited photos,” what are you actually getting? Because the experience matters more than the shot count.

• Timeline planning and prep help
• Outfit and styling guides
• Location scouting and permit advice
• Travel included? Drone coverage? Sneak peeks?

Stalk Their Reviews—but Look for the Good Stuff

Anyone can have “She was amazing!” reviews. That’s the bare minimum

What to look for:

• Did they help people feel confident and comfortable?
• Were they helpful with planning and navigating the day?
• Did they go beyond the job description?

Google vs. Yelp note:
Also—pay attention to where those reviews are coming from.
Google Reviews are unfiltered, unpaid, and way more transparent. I don’t have to pay a membership fee to show you what clients really think of me. They just leave a review, and it’s there—raw and honest.
Yelp, on the other hand? It’s a pay-to-play circus. They often hide or bury good reviews unless you pay for advertising. So if someone has a weird Yelp profile but solid Google reviews? Trust Google. Every time.

Cheap Doesn’t Mean Good. Expensive Doesn’t Mean Best.

Let’s be real: budget-friendly can be amazing… or risky. Pricey doesn’t automatically mean perfect, either.

Look at what’s behind the price tag:

• Experience
• Support
• Artistic approach
• Emotional value

Pick the person who makes you feel something—not just the one with the smallest (or biggest) number.

Trust Your Gut

You can look at every checklist and still feel unsure. And that’s your sign.

• If you feel “meh,” don’t settle.
• If something feels off, walk away.
• If you’re excited to work with them—you’ve found the one.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Just Booking a Service—You’re Inviting Someone Into Your Story

Whether it’s your elopement, a proposal, or just because—you deserve to feel seen, heard, and supported by the person capturing your moments.

If you’re overwhelmed with choices, I’m happy to chat—even if it’s just to point you in the right direction. Zero pressure, just good energy and honest help.