How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer

(From a Photographer Who Has Documented Over 16 Years of Love Stories in Seattle, Utah, California and worldwide)

When you first get engaged, the joy is BIG — and so are the decisions. One of the first (and most meaningful) choices you’ll make is choosing your wedding photographer.  After all, long after the champagne glasses are empty and the flowers have faded, your photos are what remain. They become the tangible proof of how your day felt — the small glances, the laughter, the soft hand squeezes, the way your dress moved in the breeze or your partner teared up seeing you for the first time.

 Whether you’re planning a mountain wedding in Utah or a waterfront celebration in Seattle, choosing the right photographer matters. And if you’ve found your way here, you’re likely searching for someone whose style feels like you — natural, emotional, timeless, and beautifully true-to-life.

I often get asked “how do I choose the right wedding photographer for me?” Here are the most common questions couples have when looking for a wedding photographer — along with guidance to help you find someone who fits your vision.

1. What Style of Wedding Photography Do We Want?

Most couples know what they like when they see it, but don’t always know how to describe it. Some photographers have a light and airy style, others lean dark and moody, while some blend documentary storytelling with gentle direction.

My style is best described as:
Light, timeless, elegant, romantic, fun and true-to-color.
I want your photos to feel like you, not like a trend that won’t hold up in 20 years. Skin tones are important to me as well, which is why I try and shoot/edit with that in mind. I don’t want your skin looking extra orange or extra pale either.

As you look at portfolios (including mine), ask yourself:

• Do these images feel natural or overly posed?

• Are the colors true-to-life or heavily filtered?

• Can I picture my wedding in this style?

If the answer is yes, that’s a great sign!

2. How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost in Seattle or Utah?

Pricing varies widely based on experience, coverage hours, travel, and what’s included. In general:

• Utah wedding photography starts around $3,500–$8,000+

• Seattle wedding photography often ranges $4,500–$10,000+

You’re not just paying for the day-of — you’re investing in:

• Expertise in unpredictable lighting + weather

• High-end equipment and backups (yes, I shoot on multiple cameras and backup the photos on 3 different hard drives)

• Editing time (often 40–60+ hours after your wedding)

• A guided, stress-free photography experience

If photography is one of your top priorities, expect it to be 10–15% of your total wedding budget.

3. Should We Ask to See Full Wedding Galleries? (Yes!)

Instagram shows the highlight reel — the “best of the best.”
But the true mark of a professional photographer is consistency throughout an entire wedding day. This is a big one! to watch for!

When you inquire with me, I’m always happy to share full galleries from:

• Mountain weddings in Utah

• Private estate weddings in Seattle

• Destination weddings and elopements worldwide

Seeing full galleries helps you understand:

• How I handle every lighting/weather scenario

• How storytelling flows from getting ready → ceremony → reception

• How your photos will actually look — not just the magic-hour portraits

4. Do We Need a Second Photographer?

I love this question as I always believed you needed a second photographer… that is, until 2020 when we could only do micro weddings. Most weddings benefit from a second shooter — it allows us to capture moments happening in two places at once (like you getting ready while your partner is too). I offer options for both one and two photographer coverage, depending on your guest count, timeline, and location. For smaller weddings, you really don’t need a second photographer, but it is always fun to have extra photos from different angles from your wedding day.

If you’re unsure — I’ll walk you through what makes the most sense for your day.

5. What’s the Turnaround Time? Will Our Photos Be Safe?

I know how excited couples are to relive the magic — so I always send a sneak peek gallery within a few days of the wedding.
Your full wedding gallery typically arrives within 6-8 weeks.

Behind the scenes, your images are backed up in multiple places:

• Dual memory card cameras

• External hard drives

• Cloud backup systems

Your memories matter, and they are treated that way.

6. How Do We Know if a Photographer Is the Right Fit for Us?

Beyond style and pricing — you should like and get along with the person you hire.

You spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than almost anyone else. You deserve someone who makes you feel:

• Comfortable

• Seen

• Safe

• celebrated, not rushed

• knowledgable

My approach is gentle, calming, encouraging, and very present. I don’t force moments — I help you relax into them, so the joy and emotion is real. Of course, if I see an area where the lighting is better, I will softly encourage you to head in that direction.

If you’re looking for:

• Someone who guides without taking over

• Someone who honors your story and loves all the little details

• Someone who captures emotion with elegance and knows how to anticipate a moment

Then we may be a wonderful match.

If You’re Planning a Wedding in Utah, Seattle, California or worldwide.

I’d love to hear your story, your vision, and what matters to you most.
Every couple deserves images that feel like them.

Your story is worth documenting beautifully — and I would be honored to photograph it.