How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer in San Diego
Planning your wedding is exciting, but choosing the right photographer can feel overwhelming. After all, your wedding photos will be the lasting memories of your day—the ones you’ll frame, share, and look back on for years to come. Most couples I talk to say that their photographer is THE most important vendor that they hire other than the venue, and I understand why. A photographer (and videographer, if hired) are the ONLY vendors that provide a deliverable- something that you get to take away from your wedding. A caterer makes food and it's eaten by the end of the night, a DJ does their thing and it's over when the night concludes, etc. But your creative team captures those memories forever allowing you to relive those feelings for years.
So how do you find the perfect wedding photographer who matches your style and vision? Let’s break it down.
1. Decide on Your Photography Style
Every photographer has a unique style, so the first step is figuring out what kind of photos you’re drawn to. Do you love light and airy images, or do you prefer a moodier, more dramatic look? Are you obsessed with candid, documentary-style moments, or do you love classic, posed portraits? Take some time to browse Instagram, Pinterest, and wedding blogs to get a feel for what speaks to you.
2. Set Your Budget
Wedding photography is an investment, and pricing can vary widely. Before falling in love with a photographer, determine your budget and what’s most important to you. Keep in mind that experience, quality, and the overall experience you receive will often be reflected in the price. If photography is one of your top priorities, consider allocating more of your budget to ensure you get a photographer whose work you truly love.
3. Research and Read Reviews
Once you’ve narrowed down your style and budget, start researching photographers in your area (or outside if you're willing to pay travel fees). Check out their websites, read reviews from past couples, and see if their vibe matches what you’re looking for. Look for reviews that mention how comfortable they made couples feel, how they handled the wedding day, and the quality of the final images.
4. Look Through Full Wedding Galleries
It’s easy to fall in love with the highlight reels on Instagram, but what really matters is how a photographer captures an entire wedding day. Ask to see full galleries from real weddings to ensure their work is consistent from start to finish. You’ll want to see how they handle different lighting situations (like a dark reception or bright midday sun) and if their storytelling aligns with what you envision.
5. Make Sure You Vibe With Them
Your photographer will be with you for almost your entire wedding day—so it’s important that you actually like them! Schedule a consultation call to get a feel for their personality and approach. Do they make you feel comfortable? Do they seem organized and prepared? A great photographer will not only take beautiful photos but also help make your day feel seamless and stress-free.
6. Ask About Their Process
Every photographer has a different workflow, so ask about their process from booking to final delivery. Some questions to consider:
- Involvement: How do they help with planning (timelines, shot lists, etc.)? Is the owner the lead photographer or are you going to end up getting paired with "an associate"?
- There isn't anything wrong with working with someone who outsources to an associate shooter, but it's important to know WHO you are working with the day of your wedding.
- Other Offerings: Do they offer engagement sessions? (This is a great way to work with someone before you make a final decision.)
- Logistics: How long does it take to receive your final gallery? (10+ weeks is A LONG time... Are you willing to wait that long?)
- Style: Do they allow you to be involved in the creative process? Can you share your Pinterest board and creative vision with them? Are they open to being collaborative?
- Deliverables: Do they provide digital files, prints, or albums? & How are images shared? Is it via a professional site or just dropbox?
- Worst Case Scenarios: Do they have backup equipment and a plan in case of emergencies?
7. Red Flags & Must-Haves in a Photographer
Not all photographers are created equal. Here are some must-haves to look for—and a few red flags to avoid:
✅ Must-Haves:
- A solid portfolio with full wedding galleries
- Positive client reviews that mention professionalism, reliability, and experience
- A legally binding contract to protect both parties
- Clear communication and responsiveness
- Backup equipment and an emergency plan
🚩 Red Flags:
- No website —it’s shocking how many do not have a site!! If they have one but it says "coming soon" it's probably not coming soon.
- No public reviews. Hot Take: Anyone with less than 5 stars is a risk.
- No contract (This is a huge risk for YOU! A contract protects the client and your images.)
- No professionalism (Are they overly casual? Do they have liability insurance?)
- It's great to have a friendly photographer who feels like a bridesmaid, but it's also important that they recognize the importance of the
jobservice they are providing. - Poor communication or delayed responses (You want someone who cares to answer all your questions in a timely manner!)
- Overly cheap pricing that seems too good to be true
- This could imply that they are new to the industry which doesn't automatically make them a bad choice, but it's important to know if they are new to the industry so are aware that they are still learning.
- If they've been in the industry for awhile, its a bit of a concern that they are charging low because that might be a sign that they aren't doing things legitimately. Running a wedding photography business is expensive when you properly pay for insurance, file storage, softwares, back up gear, etc.
- Lack of experience with weddings (it’s a different skill set than other types of photography)
Trust your gut—if something feels off, it’s worth exploring other options!
I want to end by noting that I am sharing this information with you to help you find a photographer that truly CARES because I want to make sure that you are not burned!!!
There are endless horror stories out there from brides and couples who have had horrible experiences with wedding photographers. Just google it, look on reddit, ask your friends. I have met many people who look back on their wedding photos and think "I hate them" or "I hated the experience." It is truly tragic that there are people running wedding photography business who are scamming people and take this job lightly.
My goal of this article is to make you aware of the industry standards and to be on the lookout for these red flags as you continue your search.
Please reach out with any questions. Even if I am not the photographer you choose to work with, I will happily help you narrow your search or provide recommendations.