Tips for Hiring a Photographer

I know you have a lot of options when it comes to wedding photographers, so I put together a few tips to help you choose with confidence. At the end of the day, what matters most is a strong collection of images that brings you right back to the joy, spontaneity, and excitement of your wedding years from now.

A good camera isn’t a substitute for experience
With digital cameras everywhere, many people have become “photographers,” including well-meaning friends and family. But having a nice camera is only a small piece of the puzzle. An experienced wedding photographer understands composition, lighting, timing, and how to anticipate real moments as they unfold—without interrupting the day or constantly posing you and your guests. Weddings move fast, there are no do-overs, and the best images happen in between the planned moments.

Choose the photographer, not just a name or a portfolio
One of the biggest mistakes couples make is falling in love with a general portfolio without confirming who will actually photograph their wedding. Some studios assign photographers based on availability, which can lead to a mismatch in style or experience. The safest approach is to confirm in writing who your photographer is and make sure that’s the person who shows up on your wedding day.

My approach: I’m the photographer. When you book, it’s me photographing your wedding—no swapping, no assignments based on availability.

Make sure the images are captured and finished professionally
Quality isn’t just what happens on the wedding day—it’s also what happens after. For the best results, your photographer should capture images in RAW format and deliver finished, high-resolution JPEGs. RAW files hold far more detail than JPEGs, giving much greater flexibility to correct exposure, refine color, and handle difficult lighting without sacrificing image quality. That’s also why your final JPEGs look better when they start as RAW—because the edits are built from a file with more information, cleaner color, and more dynamic range.

My approach: I photograph in RAW and deliver finished JPEGs. Every image you receive is professionally edited by me for clean, consistent color and exposure, with a natural, polished look.

Don’t let price—or packages—hide the real value
Lower-priced options can be tempting, but they often come with tradeoffs: less reliable gear, fewer backups, and limited (or no) editing. Some photographers also “pad” packages with albums and extras to distract from weaker photography. Albums are important, but they’re secondary to having a strong set of beautiful, clean photographs. You can always purchase an album later—you can’t redo your wedding day or upgrade a poor collection of images after the fact.

One photographer is often enough—two should still mean two professionals
For many weddings, one great photographer is plenty. Larger weddings (often 150+ guests), complicated timelines, or multiple locations can benefit from two photographers—but only if both are experienced and stylistically consistent. Some studios send an inexperienced second photographer to learn on the job at your wedding, which can affect coverage and quality.

My approach: If you add a second photographer, you can see their work and choose who you want before signing. I only bring in seconds who match my style and can shoot weddings independently, so your coverage stays consistent.

Backup plans should cover both gear and emergencies
Professional photographers plan for the things you never want to think about: equipment failure and unexpected emergencies. Your photographer should bring backup cameras and lenses, use dual memory card slots (so every photo is saved to two cards instantly), and have a clear backup workflow after the wedding.

My approach: I shoot with multiple cameras and lenses, and dual card slots for instant backups. After the wedding, your images are backed up in two locations, and I don’t format any memory cards until your wedding is fully delivered. If an emergency ever prevents me from being there, I have experienced backup photographers who can step in and cover your wedding in the same style. In 25 years, I’ve never missed a wedding.

Confirm the practical protections
Finally, make sure the essentials are in writing: liability insurance (most venues require it, and a certificate of insurance should be available), and clear usage rights so you can print your photos, share them online, and create your own albums. Your images should be delivered clean and non-watermarked, without logos.

Choosing a photographer is ultimately about trust—trust in experience, consistency, and the ability to deliver no matter what the day brings. When those pieces are in place, you can relax and enjoy your wedding knowing your memories are being captured the right way.