You’ll remember your wedding in bits and flashes, how your heart raced before walking down the aisle, how your grandmother looked when she smiled at you, how the light caught the side of your partner’s face during the vows. Those are the kinds of moments worth holding onto. A photo can either freeze that feeling forever or miss it completely. And choosing the right person to capture it? That’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when searching for someone to trust with something so personal. You scroll through portfolios that blur together. You hear advice from everyone. But real insight tends to come from those who’ve seen dozens of weddings from behind the lens. Luckily, we have some insights from a professional Brooklyn wedding photographer to help you sort through the noise and choose someone who sees your day the way you want it remembered.
Start with the Feeling, Not the Budget
Most people begin with a budget. That’s understandable. Weddings aren’t cheap. But before you dive into numbers, sit down with your partner and talk about the kind of feeling you want your photos to have. Do you want moody, cinematic shots or something brighter and more candid? Are you drawn to traditional poses or do you want storytelling through real, raw moments?
Once you’re clear on that, then look at photographers who shoot in that style. There’s no point hiring someone who’s amazing at formal portraits if what you really want is natural, photojournalistic coverage. And once you’re looking at people whose style you actually connect with, comparing budgets becomes more useful.
Dig Into Full Galleries, Not Just Instagram Highlights
Instagram is a curated highlight reel. It’s meant to impress. But what you really want is to see how a photographer handles an entire wedding day. Ask to see full galleries, ideally from weddings similar to yours in setting or size. This is where you’ll find out if their work is consistent or if they just happened to catch one perfect sunset.
Pay attention to the “in-between” moments. How do they capture family hugs? Is the lighting still beautiful when the couple is getting ready indoors? Are the ceremony and reception covered with the same level of attention? A full gallery tells the real story.
Meet in Person or on Video Call
You don’t have to become best friends with your photographer, but you do want to feel comfortable around them. After all, they’ll be there when you’re crying, nervous, sweating, laughing. Sometimes they’ll be the only one keeping you calm when things don’t go as planned.
A good photographer listens. They ask questions, not just about the wedding timeline, but about your personalities and what moments matter most to you. Trust your gut. If the conversation feels awkward or you don’t feel understood, keep looking. Your comfort will show in your photos
Ask About Their Process and Backup Plans
Photographers are artists, yes, but they should also be organized professionals. Ask how they handle timelines, what happens if the weather changes, and how they coordinate with other vendors. Also, ask what happens if they get sick or their gear fails. The best ones have solid backup plans and won’t hesitate to share them.
Also, ask how long it takes to get your photos after the wedding. Some couples wait months without updates. Make sure timelines and expectations are clear from the beginning so there are no surprises.
Talk About Editing Style and Delivery Format
Editing styles vary more than people realize. Some photographers go for light and airy tones, while others love contrast and mood. Make sure you’re not just okay with their editing style, but that you actually love it. Because that’s what all your photos will look like.
Also, ask how you’ll receive the photos. Will it be an online gallery? High-resolution downloads? Will they provide albums or prints? Knowing how you’ll get the images helps you plan ahead for how you’ll want to share and preserve them.
Check Reviews but Read Between the Lines
Reviews are helpful, but don’t just count stars. Read the words. Look for stories where the photographer handled a challenge gracefully or went above and beyond. These little moments matter.
If possible, ask a past couple for a quick chat or message. They’ll tell you things they couldn’t say in a public review. Like whether the photographer was discreet during the ceremony or if they made family photos easier, not more stressful.
