DeLong Photography Blog

Photographers providing authentic photographs, modern heirloom albums, and more for those who value a comfortable and fun experience 
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Available for travel.

5 Tips for Finding the Right Wedding Photographer

Church ceremony image of bride walking down aisle showing work of a wedding photographer

One of the first things most brides do is try to find their wedding photographer. Finding the right wedding photographer can seem daunting nowadays. The internet and social media are constantly flooding brides with endless options!

Wedding photography is one of the most important aspects of a wedding. The images will last long, long after the day itself is over. It accurately documents everything and everyone who will share this momentous occasion with you. So it’s no wonder why finding the right photographer is so important.

Most newly engaged couples want to have those beautiful engagement photos to share with all of their friends and family. So, they rush online to check who’s in their area, who’s got tons of followers online, and so forth. Before diving too deep down the rabbit hole that is the internet, here are 5 tips to help you find the right wedding photographer for you.

1. How Much Coverage Do You Need?

When speaking with your spouse-to-be, try to come up with a list of “must-haves” for your day. While you may be at the beginning stages of planning, having an idea of what moments you want to have captured will help guide you.

Things to consider are: Do you want to do a first look? Do you want images of you both getting ready? Are you planning a special exit, such as sparkler or bubble, that you know you’ll want images of?

This is helpful because it gives the photographer an idea of how many hours they will be needed on your day. With this information, they will be able to provide you with an accurate quote.

2. Do You Want an Engagement or Bridal Session?

While I mentioned above most brides rush off to find a photographer to have engagement photos taken, not every bride feels this way. In today’s social media-driven world, they have become the norm. Frankly, it helps prepare both the bride and groom for the big day. The more practice you have with your photographer, and you practice being in front of the camera, the better.

There are also other session options such as bridal portrait sessions. In the South these sessions are very common. Typically, a canvas or framed print is put on display at the reception. This print is later given to the mother of the bride to keep. This type of session typically takes place 4-6 weeks before the wedding, and gives the bride a “trial run” of hair, makeup, her dress etc as well providing the print for her reception.

Sessions like these aren’t included in every photographer’s menu or package offering. So if you think you might like these, jot it down on your list of questions to ask potential photographers.

3. Make Sure Weddings are Their Specialty

Finding a photographer that truly focuses on weddings is incredibly important. Experienced photographers in this genre are familiar with the pitfalls of wedding timelines, and are comfortable performing under pressure. Ask how long they have been photographing weddings specifically to gauge if you’re comfortable with their level of experience.

4. Speak With Them

It can be hard to find time to meet every potential photographer you find interesting, but I do suggest at least exchanging emails or having a phone call. Making sure their personality meshes with yours is helpful. It ensures knowing you will enjoy working with them. It also helps you to find out how flexible they are, because things can certainly go wrong on a wedding day.

5. View Their Work

This is almost a no brainer nowadays. With almost everyone checking out or finding photographers online, it seems silly, but make sure to do so thoroughly. Look at their website, their Facebook, and Instagram pages. Ask to view full galleries to ensure they create beautiful work throughout the day. This helps you find out if their work is the style you’re looking for.


I hope you found this post helpful, and if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!

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To see daily updates of our current weddings and images, follow us on Instagram. You can also follow us on our Facebook page or on Twitter.

Interested in having a session of your own? Contact us!

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