Choosing Your Wedding Photographer | Tips and Things to Consider

PLANNING, TIPS

Choosing your wedding photographer, tips and things to consider when booking your wedding photographer, Gabriella Sutherland Photography, Wedding Photographer

When searching for a wedding photographer for your wedding day, you will get swamped with lots of different editing styles, photographers, and information. When you google “what to look for in a wedding photographer”, you will find no shortage of tips. However, there are some very important things to consider when searching for a professional, experienced wedding photographer for your wedding day.

Click the image to view Kylee and Wyatt’s wedding day

Read their reviews

This is a very important, first step when considering a wedding photographer. Their past clients reviews will help you get an idea of what it is like to work with them and what to expect.
PRO TIP: If they do not have client review options anywhere on their social media, use caution.

Read Gabby’s REVIEWS

View the galleries

This gives you a clear idea of what their editing style is and what their photos will look like in different scenarios. I offer gallery previews on my blog that gives a sneak peak of that entire wedding day. I give sneak peaks because my finished wedding galleries average 600+ images and its easy for some people get overwhelmed. However, I always am happy to provide full galleries to view as well.
PRO TIP: The background, color and atmosphere of your venue will make a difference in your gallery style. For example, if you want bright and airy photos but have booked a dark venue space, this will make a difference in the overall end look. While the editing style will stay the same, the background and colors may make a difference.

The mustard seed gardens wedding venue in Noblesville, Indiana taken by wedding photographer Gabriella Sutherland Photography, Indiana wedding photographer

Have a contract

Make sure a contract is included when booking your wedding photographer (and all other vendors!) While there are plenty of photographers starting out that may not offer this (and it is okay if you prefer it that way), contracts are an extra security for both parties. There is no shortage of stories about people booking a wedding photographer, paying a deposit without signing a contract, and then getting ghosted afterwards. This results in a loss of money, a photographer, and creates a mess of problems. I always advocate for checking your boxes, having backups and making sure each party is protected.

Wedding photographer checklist, what to consider when looking for a wedding photographer, Gabriella Sutherland Photography, Wedding photographer checklist

Questions to ask your potential wedding photographer

Below are some important questions to consider asking your potential wedding photographer (and answers from me of course!) when you are in the process of searching for that perfect photographer for your wedding day.

Keep in mind that there are LOTS of different wedding photographers who have different levels of skill and experience. The price of your wedding photographer often depends on experience, quality, professionalism, and more. Always make sure to ask all of the questions, read the reviews and look at the galleries.

Every client and photographer is different, and every client will have different wants for their wedding day. Some wedding couples prefer a photographer just starting out. Other clients prefer a budget friendly photographer. Then there are the couples searching for the best, professional and experienced photographer for their wedding day! It all varies so much.

Use these questions as a guideline when looking for a wedding photographer. I hope that these questions help give you a good starting point.

What steps do you take to backup/keep my images safe?

All of my images are recorded onto two SD cards at a time. RAW files are saved and kept on my computer, on a backup hard drive, and also the original cards until the gallery is fully delivered to ensure optimal backups of your images.

Does your camera have a dual slot for memory cards?

Yes! All images are saved and recorded onto two identical cards at the same time while taking photos on your wedding day.

Do you have insurance for your gear?

Yes- business insurance is included in my wedding photography and I am happy to provide a copy if your venue requires it.

Do you have backup equipment?

Absolutely. I make sure to bring backup camera equipment, lenses, and cards for your wedding day to ensure all backups are accounted for.

How many years have you been a wedding photographer?

I have been photographing weddings full time for 6 years (as of 2025) and have photographed over 80 weddings throughout the United States. I have experience in many different wedding scenarios and am skilled in adapting to fast change and situations that may arise during your wedding day.

What about sneak peaks?

Your wedding sneak peak photos will be delivered within 72 hours of the wedding day via social media, text, or your preferred method (excluding travel time if applicable). You will receive an entire sneak peak gallery with additional images within one week of the wedding. This sneak peak gallery is aimed at providing you with a glimpse of the storyline of your wedding day, with sneak peaks of images throughout the entire day.

When should we expect our finished gallery to be delivered?

Your finished wedding gallery will be delivered within 3 months of your wedding date. You will receive an email with a link to your gallery as well as delivery of your custom engraved USB with all of your final, edited images.

Are you comfortable leading and directing on our wedding day?

Absolutely! I am fully comfortable leading and directing large groups of people, leading friends and family into directed posing, gently nudging people out of the way during the ceremony if they are being disruptive or have phones in the center of the aisle, etc. I always make sure to chat with my clients beforehand to get an idea of how they would like me to lead on the wedding day. I like to find out what they are comfortable with and not comfortable with, such as how much they prefer I direct people, where I’m allowed to walk during the ceremony and so on. Every wedding couple is different and I always make sure to ask what your preference is for leading the wedding day.

 What is your posing process for pictures, especially if we feel awkward in front of the camera?

I am very well versed in posing prompts for capturing those natural smiles and moments. Clients boast of my ability to make them feel comfortable in front of the camera and give them a carefree, fun experience when photographing their memories!

How would you describe your photography and editing style?

I feel that my editing style reflects organic, earthy tones with emotions reflected in my final images. My photography style is candid and documentary. I capture the natural poses and moments, while also occasionally suggesting posed prompts if the mood and the couple calls for it. I love genuine and candid moments, movement in photos, and bringing emotion to the memories.

Do we get you on the wedding day, or an associate?

You get me, 100% and I wouldn’t have it any other way! I value the small business perspective and will never outsource unless an emergency or serious sickness occurs, to which there will be full communication from me and prepping for backups beforehand. I also include all of this information in the contract for booking so that clear expectations are lined out!

What is it like working with you on a wedding day?

You can think of me as your steady person to lean on. Aside from your photos, I strive to give you a full wedding vendor experience when working with me that provides a calm atmosphere. Why is it more than just photos to me? Why do I go the extra mile? I always want to make sure that my couples are happy and comfortable, and that their wedding day is going smoothly. If problems arise or little hiccups happen, I will be there to help fix the problem. I let you tell me what you need, and I get it done. I help with building the wedding timeline (if you would like), ask you what your most important photos are, give you all the tools you need to plan for your photos accordingly, and so much more. It is truly a vendor experience with me, not just the pictures! And I love being able to provide a joyful experience while documenting your memories.

I hope that these questions give you a great starting point for important things to consider when booking your wedding photographer! Every wedding is different, and every clients has different requests and needs from their wedding vendors. I wish you the best in your wedding planning! Let me know if I missed any important questions in the comments below and check out my other tips for planning your wedding day!

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