Find the perfect wedding photographer with our comprehensive guide. Learn how to evaluate portfolios, check reviews, and connect personally to capture your special day beautifully.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, filled with meaningful moments, deep emotions, and carefully planned details. These memories deserve to be captured with care, creativity, and intention.
Wedding photography isn’t just about beautiful pictures. It’s about preserving a visual legacy that tells the story of your unique love.
Choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions couples make during the planning process. With so many photographers and styles to choose from, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
What makes this decision even more personal is that your photographer is likely the only vendor who will be by your side all day - from getting ready in the morning to the last dance at the reception.
That’s why I personally recommend not just digging into their talent and artistic style, but also see if there's compatability between personalities while also mantaining professionalism.
Strap in, it's going to be a long article. Here's your how-to-guide of picking the right photographer for your wedding (with clear bias towards Faux Creative).
When beginning the search for a wedding photographer, digital platforms are often the first stop (and for good reason).
Tools like The Knot, WeddingWire, and Google offer structured, efficient ways to explore a wide range of photographers, apply basic filters, and read real client reviews. These platforms help couples quickly narrow down their options in what can otherwise feel like an overwhelming market.
The Knot is one of the most popular directories, allowing couples to browse extensive portfolios, save favorite styles, and use the handy “Request Quote” feature to connect directly with photographers. The site itself recommends starting your search by identifying a preferred photography style and thinking about practical details like your timeline, the number of shooters you need, and how flexible the packages are.
WeddingWire offers even more detailed filters, letting couples sort by price range, specific photography styles (like Contemporary, Film, Natural, Photojournalism, Traditional, and Vintage), and services such as engagement shoots or second shooters. You can even filter by ownership types, like Black-owned or LGBTQ+-owned businesses.
As with most platforms, listings also show key details like average ratings, location, starting prices, and response times.
Makes comparison easy, right? RIGHT?!
Lastly is Google. We've all done it. "Wedding Photographer In Minneapolis" or whichever city you're in. It's a good way to get a great idea of what's in your neighborhood, and see the reviews the candidate has. Not just that, do a couple clicks here, a couple there, and you have access to their full portfolio on their website, instagram, facebook, you name it. You can even gage their personality just off that.
Nice!
While online directories are great for casting a wide net, personal referrals can add the kind of trust and insight that websites just can’t provide.
Ask recently married friends, family members, or even other wedding pros you’ve already booked if they have any photographer recommendations. These referrals often come with priceless behind-the-scenes details about a photographer’s personality, communication style, and how they handled the day from start to finish.
A trusted recommendation usually means the photographer has already proven themselves within that social or professional circle. That kind of built-in credibility can save you a lot of second-guessing. Think of it like skipping the awkward “we hope this works out” phase and jumping straight to a real contender.
And odds are if they were at a friend wedding, and you liked the photos and they liked the personality, you can probably just book them because it's basically a match made in heaven.
Please, do me a huge favor though, I implore you. Do not hire that photographer. You know which one, the one that is a friend of your cousin's bartender's barber's friend who's starting out. Referrals are only good if they come from trustworthy sources.
Not that your cousin's bartender's barber isn't trustworthy.
Now, just like the bartender, Mix and match. Use online platforms to explore options and filter by style, price, or services. Then cross-check reviews, reach out for referrals, and don’t be afraid to ask vendors who they trust. This kind of proactive, well-rounded approach gives you both the range of the internet and the credibility of personal experience, making it much easier to find a photographer who you can trust.
Reviewing a photographer’s portfolio is one of the most important steps in the hiring process. But don’t stop at Instagram grids or curated website galleries. Those only show the highlights. Couples should always ask to see full wedding galleries, meaning the complete set of images delivered from an actual wedding day. This gives you the most honest look at how a photographer performs under real, unpredictable, high-pressure conditions.
Full galleries reveal a lot: technical skill, editing consistency, storytelling ability, and how well the photographer handles tricky lighting, like dim getting-ready rooms or dark reception venues with flash. They also show how efficiently they work throughout the day and whether their post-production process maintains a high standard from start to finish.
A photographer who confidently shares full galleries shows transparency and pride in their work. On the flip side, someone who refuses to share complete examples, unless they’re just starting out, may be hiding inconsistency or inexperience. That’s a red flag.
Side note, this could also mean that they have client confidentiality in their contract that prevents them from showcasing the full gallery. Just something to keep in mind.
When reviewing galleries, look for:
Ultimately, a portfolio should not only demonstrate technical ability. It should feel emotionally resonant and match the aesthetic you’re envisioning for your wedding day.
Before you even dive into portfolio reviews, take a moment to define what style of photography speaks to you. Common wedding photography styles include:
Most photographers blend several of these styles, so browsing Pinterest or building a mood board can help you narrow in on your personal taste before reaching out.
While portfolios showcase a photographer’s talent, reviews reveal the true client experience. Reviews are especially important for wedding photographers because, unlike a cake or flowers, the final product can’t be seen or approved until after the event. They provide invaluable social proof and reassurance, acting as a window into the photographer’s professionalism, client service, and reliability, qualities that a curated portfolio alone can’t fully convey.
Reviews form the foundation of trust and credibility for potential clients.
Couples should check multiple platforms for a well-rounded view: Google, Facebook, The Knot, WeddingWire, and Zola. When reading reviews, pay attention to the photographer’s experience level and the number of weddings they’ve successfully shot. Notice feedback about their communication, speed, clarity, and consistency throughout the planning process. Reviews often reveal how the photographer behaved on the wedding day. Were they friendly, easy-going, professional, punctual, and appropriately dressed? Did they go the extra mile, like helping fix a tie or assisting with small crises, as some testimonials mention?
It’s also important to assess whether the photographer delivered on their promises, including quality of images, turnaround time for editing and delivery, and overall satisfaction. Don’t shy away from constructive criticism, as such feedback can offer valuable insight into areas of improvement or particular strengths.
Positive reviews help couples overcome hesitation and make confident, informed decisions based on real client experiences. They also highlight exceptional photographers, boosting their appeal in a competitive market.
Ultimately, evaluating both a photographer’s portfolio and their client reviews is essential. The portfolio shows what the photographer can create artistically and technically, while reviews reveal how they operate as a business and what it’s like to work with them. A stunning portfolio without positive reviews or glowing reviews without a strong portfolio warrants further investigation. But when both are consistently excellent, it signals a truly reliable, skilled, and client-focused professional.
After narrowing down their choices, couples should schedule a meet and greet, ideally a video call. This step is more than a formality. It is essential for assessing personality fit. Since the photographer will be by the couple’s side for most of their wedding day, feeling comfortable and confident in their presence is the holy grail. A photographer who is too rigid or serious might clash with the celebratory atmosphere, while an adaptable, easygoing one can enhance the experience.
The opposite can also be said. One that's too easy going will tend to miss shots that didn't align with the schedule.
The photographer’s demeanor and flexibility directly impact the emotional tone and smooth flow of the day. Hiring the right photographer means gaining a supportive, unobtrusive partner who can navigate the day’s complexities while authentically capturing its essence.
The meet and greet is the perfect opportunity for couples to share their vision for the wedding day and how they want their photos to tell their story. Couples should open up about their unique love story, how they met, their engagement, and what they cherish most about each other. This helps the photographer capture their relationship more authentically. This is also the time to discuss wedding plans, the timeline, logistics, and any special moments they want highlighted. A face-to-face meeting or video call also allows couples to see more of the photographer’s work, possibly including printed samples or albums, which can provide a richer perspective than viewing photos on a screen.
Before scheduling the meet and greet, couples should do some homework. They should make sure they genuinely like the photographer’s portfolio, confirm availability for the wedding date, verify the style aligns with their preferences, and ensure services fit their approximate budget. This preparation saves time for everyone. While technical skill is vital, personality fit and personal connection are just as important. A comfortable rapport with the photographer helps create a relaxed, authentic experience that results in more beautiful photos on an intensely emotional and meaningful day. Ultimately, couples want a supportive and reassuring presence, not just a service provider.
Many professional photographers include engagement sessions, often complimentary, as part of their wedding packages. These sessions serve as a valuable "trial run" for being in front of the camera. They help couples overcome initial jitters or awkwardness with posing, allowing them to relax and be themselves. At the same time, photographers learn how to best pose the couple, understand their personalities, identify insecurities, and discover what truly brings out their natural smiles and laughter.
(Odds are if you're booking a wedding photographer, you probably already got engaged. Either way, get some couple portraits!)
Engagement sessions provide a low-pressure environment to build trust and rapport before the intensity of the wedding day. This pre-wedding practice reduces guesswork for the photographer, leading to a more efficient and seamless portrait time on the big day. By addressing camera nerves and understanding posing preferences early on, the wedding day can focus entirely on celebration and genuine emotion instead of discomfort or awkwardness.
Beyond the practical benefits, couples receive beautiful professional photos that can be used for save-the-dates, wedding websites, guest books, or reception décor. An engagement session is more than just an extra photo shoot. It is a crucial "warm-up" that turns a transactional vendor relationship into a personal connection. This investment in comfort and familiarity contributes to a smoother, more relaxed, and ultimately more authentic and beautifully captured wedding day experience.
At Faux Creative, we know every couple is unique, and so is their vision for their wedding day. That’s why we pride ourselves on our diverse team of talented photographers, each specializing in different styles and approaches. This means couples aren’t limited to just one aesthetic or personality.
Unlike solo freelancers, our full-service studio offers unmatched professionalism and reliability. Our team-based approach ensures every detail is expertly covered and backed by solid contingency plans. Whether it’s equipment issues, illness, or unexpected emergencies, we have backups ready to keep your day on track, giving you true peace of mind.
Our specialists cover everything from portraits to candid moments to artistic compositions, creating a rich, multi-faceted final album. With multiple photographers working together, we capture every angle, from bride and groom preparations happening simultaneously at different locations to intimate couple portraits and lively guest interactions.
When photographers and videographers work as one in-house team, their collaboration is seamless. No awkward moments, no missed shots, just smooth, synchronized coverage. For you, that means simpler communication, one point of contact, and fewer invoices to manage.
Most importantly, we match each couple with the perfect photographer whose style and personality align with their vision and comfort level. Instead of sifting through countless individual portfolios, Faux Creative offers a curated selection of photographers within a trusted team, making your choice easier and stress-free.
I told you it would be biased!
Choose Faux Creative for a flexible, client-focused experience that guarantees your wedding day is beautifully captured, no matter what surprises come your way.
Finding the right wedding photographer is a journey, but this guide equips couples to make confident, informed decisions. Be sure to explore portfolios thoroughly, read reviews carefully, and prioritize the all-important personal connection.
At Faux Creative, our team is dedicated to capturing unique love stories with unmatched artistry and professionalism. With a large, diverse group of talented photographers, we’re confident we can match any style and personality, ensuring your Twin Cities wedding memories are cherished for a lifetime.
Ready to see how Faux Creative can bring your dream day to life? Let’s chat! Contact Faux Creative today to schedule a personalized consultation and find the perfect photographer for your special event.
