How to choose a wedding photographer you’ll love in 2027

Choosing a wedding photographer is about more than finding a few beautiful pictures. You are choosing how your day will be documented, as well as someone who will spend a great deal of it alongside you. Here is how I would approach that decision.

Decide what you love

The right photographer for one couple may be completely wrong for another. Some people love carefully directed, editorial portraits. Others want an unobtrusive documentary approach. Look at the photographs together and talk about what draws you in.

Check that the work matches the description on the website. Words such as “natural” and “documentary” can mean different things to different photographers. Ask how much direction they give and what a typical day with them feels like.

Look beyond a fashionable edit

Warm colours, deep shadows, grain and motion blur can all be thoughtful creative choices. Choose them because you enjoy them, rather than because they happen to fill your social feed. Look at skin tones, indoor photographs and evening coverage as well as sunset portraits.

Separate the setting from the photography

A dramatic landscape or an elegant building can catch your eye before you notice the people. Look more closely at expressions, gestures and the way the photographer handles light. Ask to see work in conditions similar to your own venue.

My photographs from Hannah and James’s Sydney wedding and Amber and Dave’s Uluru elopement have very different backdrops. In both, the connection between the couple is what matters most to me.

Ask to see complete galleries

A portfolio shows selected highlights. A complete gallery helps you understand how a photographer tells the whole story, including family groups, ordinary moments and difficult light. Look for care and consistency throughout the day.

Make sure you feel comfortable together

Have a conversation before booking. Explain what makes you nervous, what you are excited about and how much time you want to spend on portraits. You should feel heard and understand what the photographer is offering.

Confirm coverage, delivery, editing, backup arrangements and any extra charges in writing. Clear expectations are kinder to everyone and give you more room to relax on the day.

If my approach feels like yours, tell me what you are planning. I would love to hear it.