More Than Photos: Picking the Right Person Behind the Lens
After celebrating couples’ love stories for over 16 years, we’ve discovered a few common themes that arise when it comes to choosing a wedding photographer. Since photography is one of the most meaningful investments you’ll make for your big day, our goal is to help make the process feel simple, clear, and stress-free.
Here are some of the main things to look for when deciding on your wedding photographer:
1. Editing Style
Every photographer has a signature editing style, and that style is part of what makes their work unique. They create consistency in their galleries because it reflects what they believe looks best. This is why there are so many different photographers to choose from, it allows you to find someone whose editing truly matches your vision. Some styles lean light and airy, others go dark and moody, and some feel more natural and true-to-color. When looking through portfolios, pay attention to how their edits make you feel, because that is exactly how your photos will look.
2. The Photos Themselves
Editing style is only one piece of the puzzle. The way photographers capture moments, their angles, poses, lighting, and direction, shapes your gallery just as much. Many photographers work at the same venues, so their approach often becomes recognizable. If you see mostly formal, posed photos on their social media, expect yours to look the same. If you see lots of blurry candids or dramatic, editorial shots, that’s the style they will bring to your day. Their creative process is part of who they are as an artist, so choosing a photographer whose approach matches your preferences is essential.
3. Aesthetic Choices
Beyond editing and posing, photographers also have aesthetic preferences that influence the overall feel of your gallery. Some love delivering classic black-and-white images, others highlight movement with motion blur, and some focus heavily on candid, storytelling moments. Think about whether you’d like your wedding album to feel timeless and elegant, playful and full of energy, or artistic and dramatic. Paying attention to how a photographer balances color versus black and white, posed versus candid, or even traditional versus experimental framing will give you insight into whether their aesthetic aligns with your vision.
4. Re-Editing Photos
One important thing to remember is that once a photographer delivers your gallery, their editing is usually final. Re-editing photos changes their brand and misrepresents their work to future couples. If you’re drawn to a different editing style, it’s best to choose another photographer who already edits in a way that feels right to you. This saves you time, energy, and potential frustration.
5. Our Recommendation
At Venue at the Grove, we’ve seen firsthand how much the right photographer impacts your wedding experience and your memories of the day. That’s why we offer five incredible preferred photographers who we know and trust. Each brings their own editing style, posing approach, and aesthetic, giving you options that cover a range of visions while ensuring quality and consistency.
Choosing a photographer is more than checking a box, it’s about finding someone who sees your day the way you want to remember it. Take the time to look at full galleries, notice the editing style, the posing, and the overall aesthetic. It’s always a good idea to chat on the phone or meet beforehand to make sure the vibes are right as well. You will be hanging out together all day! With the right photographer, your wedding photos will feel like you.
Photo 1: Andrea Neff Photography
Photo 2 : Leslie Ann Photography
Photo 3: The Susnjaras Photo + Film
Photo 4: Justine Grace Photo + Film
Photo 5: Tiffany & Ryland Photography