If I Were You… Here’s What I’d Look for in a Photographer

10 Real AF Tips to Help You Pick Someone Who Actually Gets It
by Our Wild Souls Photography

So… You’re Looking for a Photographer.

And you’re probably a little overwhelmed.
Because let’s be honest — there are a million of us out here. Different styles, different prices, different vibes. And everyone’s saying they’re the one.

So how do you actually choose someone? How do you know who’s going to make you feel safe? Who’s going to document the day without missing a beat, or making it feel like a photoshoot instead of a real-ass memory?

That’s where this little guide comes in.

I’m going to walk you through the 10 most important things to consider when choosing your wedding or elopement photographer — not from a pushy sales perspective, but from the heart. These are the things I would personally tell my best friend to look for before she hands over the responsibility of capturing one of the most important days of her life.

And I’m not just going to explain why these things matter — I’m going to tell you exactly how I approach them within Our Wild Souls Photography, so you can decide for yourself if we’re a vibe.

🧡 Bonus: At the end of this guide, you’ll get a copy/paste list of intentional questions you can ask any photographer to go beyond the surface and feel out if they’re truly the right fit for you.

Because you deserve more than pretty photos — you deserve to feel seen, supported, and celebrated.

Let’s get into it.

Tip 01: Do You Like Their Editing Style… Consistently?

Don’t just look at a few “highlight reel” photos on Instagram — dive into full galleries (or at least multiple sessions) to make sure you love their tone, colors, lighting, and vibe across the board.

Your photos should feel timeless, not trendy. Look for consistency, not just one lucky golden hour shot.

💬 At Our Wild Souls, my editing style is warm, earthy, emotional, and true-to-tone — no crazy orange skin or washed-out skies here. I want your gallery to feel like a memory, not a filter.

Tip 02: How Do They Direct You in Front of the Camera?

Are they the silent, photojournalist type? Or are they loud and overly posey?
You want someone who can guide you without making you feel stiff or awkward.

💬 I gently guide you with movement-based prompts and direction that feels natural — nothing stiff, nothing forced. I’ll tell you what to do with your hands, your face, and all the in-between things while making it fun and chill as hell.

Tip 03: Will They Help You Plan Your Photography Timeline?

Your photographer should do more than just show up and click a shutter. They should help you plan your timeline so the day flows with intention (and you’re not stressed about light, ceremony times, or missing moments).

💬 I help all of my couples build a custom timeline that puts peace first — built around the best light, real human pacing, and what you actually want to remember from your day. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job.

Tip 04: How Long Do You Get Them For?

Is coverage limited to 6 hours? Are you paying extra for every minute over? That adds pressure you do not need on your wedding day.

💬 I don’t believe in hourly limits. Every wedding I photograph comes with full-day coverage. That way, you can be present, not watching the clock.

Tip 05: How Fast Will You See Your Photos?

Waiting weeks for even one preview? Nah. You deserve to relive your day right away.

💬 I deliver sneak peeks within 72 hours — always. You’ll get to scroll through your first magic moments while you’re still in the post-wedding high.

Tip 06: What Do Past Clients Say?

Testimonials are gold. Look for reviews that talk about how they felt, not just that the pictures were pretty.

💬 Every review I’ve ever gotten talks about how relaxed and seen my couples felt. That’s the energy I bring — calm, supportive, and zero pressure.

Tip 07: Can They Handle Real-Life Chaos?

Weather changes. Ceremony runs late. Groomsmen disappear. Sh*t happens.
You want a photographer who can handle it without stressing you out.

💬 With over 12 years of experience, I’ve learned how to go with the flow, pivot quickly, and keep things grounded no matter what.

Tip 08: Are They Just a Vendor — or a Vibe?

You’ll spend more time with your photographer than literally anyone else on your wedding day. Make sure you actually like them.

💬 I’m not just here to take pretty pictures. I’m here to cheer you on, adjust your veil, hand you tissues, and help you feel like your full-ass self every step of the way.

Tip 09: Do They Offer Albums & Prints?

You’re not gonna flip through your wedding photos on your phone forever. Ask if they offer albums, prints, and help designing keepsakes.

💬 I offer heirloom albums, parent albums, and wall art — because your love deserves to live somewhere other than your camera roll.

Tip 10: Does Their Work Make You Feel Something?

Look at their images. Do they make your chest feel tight? Do you get goosebumps? Or are you just admiring how “clean” or “aesthetic” they are?

💬 At the end of the day, go with the photographer whose work makes you feel something. If you feel it here — you’ll feel it forever.

Choosing a photographer is personal. Go with the one who makes you feel safe, seen, and hella excited to relive your day over and over again.

If anything I said here resonated, maybe I’m your girl. Let’s talk about your day — or your elopement, or your wild idea to get married barefoot on a beach at sunrise. I’m so here for it.


Even if you don’t use me, you deserve to feel comfortable with who your booking! So as mentioned, here is that copy and pasted list of questions you can use to get a deeper vision of the photographer your talking to!

Copy + Paste These Questions for Your Photographer

(Yes, literally. You can copy these and drop them in your next email or consult.)

Because choosing a photographer isn’t just about what’s in the contract — it’s about how they see you, how they show up for you, and how the whole damn thing feels.

🖤 VIBE CHECK QUESTIONS:

  • How would you describe your energy on a wedding day?

  • What do your couples usually say about how they felt during the experience?

  • How do you help people feel comfortable in front of the camera?

  • What’s your favorite part of the wedding day to photograph — and why?

📸 STYLE + STORYTELLING:

  • How would you describe your editing style?

  • Can I see a full wedding gallery to get a sense of your consistency?

  • Do you guide posing or let things unfold naturally?

  • What inspires your approach to storytelling?

🗓 TIMELINE + PLANNING SUPPORT:

  • Do you help with timeline planning?

  • Can you explain how you make sure the day flows without stress?

  • What happens if things run behind schedule?

⏱ EXPECTATIONS + DELIVERY:

  • How long do sneak peeks take?

  • When should I expect my full gallery?

  • How many images do you typically deliver?

  • What happens after the wedding — do you offer help with prints or albums?

💬 CONNECTION + SUPPORT:

  • What’s communication like after booking?

  • How available are you for questions or ideas before the day?

  • Have you worked in our venue or area before?

  • How do you handle nerves, chaos, or unexpected changes?

🌿 BONUS “Feel It in Your Gut” Question:

  • After hearing everything… what would your dream version of our wedding day look like through your eyes?

(That last one is where the magic usually is.)