How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer (And Why It Matters More Than You Think)

Let’s get real: your wedding photographer is with you all day long. Like, all day. From the nervous getting-ready jitters to your last tipsy spin on the dance floor, they’re your shadow, your hype-person, your fly-on-the-wall (and sometimes therapist). So yeah… choosing a wedding photographer isn't just about liking their photos. It’s about liking them.

You wouldn’t spend your wedding day with a stranger who makes you feel weird. So why would you do that with a photographer?

Great Photos Are Only Half the Equation

Yes, you should absolutely love your photographer’s portfolio. Look for the style you connect with—natural, timeless, emotional, candid. (If you’re into that film-inspired, true-color, no-sepia nonsense, hi. That’s my jam.)

But here’s the thing no one tells you when Googling how to choose the best wedding photographer:

The best photos come from trust, comfort, and chemistry—not just a fancy camera.

If your photographer is awkward, bossy, robotic, or just off… it’s going to show. Not just in the vibe of your day, but in your face, your body language, your photos. Even the most technically perfect image can feel flat if you didn’t feel like yourself when it was taken.

The Photographer Is the One Vendor Who’s There From Start to Finish

Your florist drops off the flowers. Your planner checks in and out. Your caterer feeds the crowd. But your photographer? They're with you in the quiet, intimate, behind-the-scenes moments and the chaos. They’re there when you cry happy tears reading your vows alone. When your mom zips your dress. When your best friend spills champagne trying to give a toast. When your partner grabs your hand during the sunset and whispers, “This is the best day ever.”

You want someone there who sees you—and gets it.

Why Personality Matters (More Than You Think)

Here’s the part that couples sometimes learn the hard way: you can hire a photographer who takes incredible photos, but if they make you feel awkward, your whole day can feel off. That’s not just a minor inconvenience—it’s the backdrop of your memories.

So when you're comparing wedding photographers in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Santa Cruz, Reno, or wherever your dream day unfolds, don’t just ask:

“Do I like their photos?”

Ask:

“Do I want this person in my face all day?”
“Will they help me relax or stress me out?”
“Do they get me and my people?”
“Would I grab a beer with them after the wedding?”

Because guess what—your photographer isn’t just creating images. They’re shaping how you remember your wedding. That’s huge.

TL;DR – Here’s What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer

Photos that match your vision. Natural, timeless, candid, colorful—whatever feels most you.
A personality that makes you feel safe and seen. Not stiff, not bossy, not cringe.
Someone who blends in when needed and steps up when it counts.
Experience and professionalism. Chill doesn’t mean flaky. Trust someone who can handle wedding day chaos with a calm smile.
Great communication, good vibes, and a shared sense of humor never hurt either.

Final Thought

You’re not just hiring someone to take wedding photos. You’re hiring someone to help you feel good while living one of the biggest days of your life. Make sure it’s someone who fits the energy you want to carry with you all day—and into the memories that last forever.

If you're looking for a wedding photographer in Lake Tahoe, Truckee, Placerville, Santa Cruz, Woodside, Hawaii, Reno, and the rest of the Country, who’s all about natural colors, real connection, and making you feel like your best damn self... let’s talk.

Let’s make your photos feel like your memories. And let’s make sure you don’t hate the person behind the camera.