As a wedding photographer, I've had the privilege of capturing countless beautiful moments. But over the years, I’ve heard my fair share of stories from couples who didn’t have the best experience with their vendors. When choosing the right photographer or videographer for your big day, there are several red flags to watch out for. These are key to ensuring that your memories are captured flawlessly and your day is stress-free.

Backup Equipment


Professionalism isn’t just about having a fancy camera. A good photographer or videographer should have multiple camera bodies, lenses, and flashes on hand. Why? Because technology can fail. If a camera malfunctions (and it happens!), a backup is crucial to avoid missing any important shots. This is a must-have to guarantee your wedding day coverage runs smoothly.

Dual Slot Camera Body


If a photographer or videographer isn’t recording on multiple memory cards, there is a chance at disaster. Having multiple cards means there’s an instant backup if one becomes corrupted. Weddings are one-shot moments. There’s no do-over, so this precaution is non-negotiable.

View A Full Gallery


You should always have the opportunity to view full galleries from previous weddings, not just the highlight reel. A solid professional will proudly show you the entirety of their work, so you know what to expect. If they only offer a few handpicked images or clips, it could be a sign that the overall quality of their work isn’t consistent.

Mastery of Light


Your photographer or videographer should be well-versed in using flash, off-camera flash, and constant lighting to adapt to different scenarios. From bright daylight to dim reception halls, they should know how to maintain quality and balance lighting effectively. If they shy away from using flash or alternative lighting setups, it could lead to poorly lit or grainy photos. Knowing a photographer's vibe with lighting is key to knowing if their style fits the vibe you want for your wedding images.

All Questions are Valid


You should feel comfortable asking any and all questions during your search. If a photographer or videographer treats you like you’re stupid or brushes off your concerns, that’s a major red flag. No question is too small when it comes to your wedding, and you deserve to feel valued and respected. A professional photographer knows that you may not understand the ins and outs of how we operate and will be happy to explain it to you in terms that you can understand.

Read the Contract


A professional should offer a clear, comprehensive contract that outlines exactly what services will be provided, including what you can expect, their responsibilities, your rights to the images or video, and their policies for rescheduling or cancellations. If they’re unwilling to provide a contract, this should raise alarms about their professionalism. Always read the contract, and refer back to it if you have any questions.

Wedding Experience


Experience goes beyond taking beautiful pictures. It’s about managing the wedding timeline, handling family dynamics, and staying calm under pressure. A seasoned photographer will know how to anticipate moments and adapt to unexpected changes, ensuring your day is captured seamlessly.

Engagement Session


Your wedding photographer will be with you during some of the most intimate moments of your big day, from getting ready to the first look, the ceremony, and the reception. It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident around them. That’s where the complimentary engagement session comes in. Not only is this an opportunity to discuss the details of your day, but it’s also a chance to get to know your photographer’s personality, style, and approach.

Vision and Style


When choosing your photographer, think about how you want to remember your day. Do you want your photos to be timeless and classic, or are you looking for something more artistic and dramatic? The editing process can completely change the look and feel of an image. Once you’re clear on the editing style that speaks to you, finding a photographer who can deliver that will make all the difference.