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.















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!
Their Instagram highlight reel might be curated AF, but do their galleries actually reflect that same vibe from start to finish?
If their photos don’t look consistent, you might be rolling the dice on what you get.





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?





Beyond “X number of hours” and “edited photos,” what are you actually getting? Because the experience matters more than the shot count.
Anyone can have “She was amazing!” reviews. That’s the bare minimum
What to look for:
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.
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:
Pick the person who makes you feel something—not just the one with the smallest (or biggest) number.







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

Hi, I’m Brey! I’m a California native and wedding, elopement, and portrait photographer traveling across the state of California and internationally. I’m drawn to nature’s most beautiful places, and I love helping couples and families create unforgettable experiences documented in timeless photographs. Thanks for being here!
Thanks for reading!