1. Define Your Photography Style

Before you start searching, determine the style of photography that resonates with you. If you love dreamy, heartfelt images that feel natural and cinematic, you might be drawn to:

• Storytelling photography (candid moments, emotional depth, organic interactions)
• Fine art photography (soft, romantic, film-like aesthetic)
• Editorial storytelling (a balance of documentary and subtly guided poses)

Having a clear vision will help narrow down your choices. If you need help, check out the blog post on how to start a wedding photography moodboard.

2. Research & Explore Portfolios

Browse photographers’ websites, Instagram, and wedding blogs to see their work. Pay attention to:

• Consistency in storytelling and editing
• How emotions and connections are captured
• Their ability to document intimate and in-between moments naturally

3. Read Reviews & Ask for Recommendations

Word of mouth is powerful! Ask recently married friends or wedding vendors for recommendations. Look for reviews that mention:

• A photographer’s ability to make couples feel at ease
• Their approach to capturing real, unscripted moments
• How they tell a wedding day story from start to finish

4. Meet Your Photographer in Person or Virtually

Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day, so personality matters! Schedule a call or meeting to see if you connect. Ask about their approach to storytelling, capturing emotion, and creating a relaxed environment for couples.

5. Review Full Wedding Galleries

Social media highlights only show the best shots. Request full wedding galleries to see how they document an entire day, including:

• Quiet, intimate moments
• Natural interactions and emotions
• Thoughtful compositions that reflect the couple’s love story

6. Discuss Pricing & Packages

Photography is an investment, and pricing varies based on experience, location, and package inclusions. Ask about:

• Hours of coverage
• Second shooters (for capturing multiple angles and reactions)
• Engagement sessions (to get comfortable in front of the camera)
• Travel (trust me you don’t want to be paying in addition to your package)
• Album and print options (to preserve your memories beautifully)

Make sure you understand what’s included before signing a contract.

7. Confirm Availability & Book Early

Romantic storytelling photographers are often in high demand—sometimes booking up a year or more in advance! Once you’ve found the right fit, secure your date with a signed contract and deposit.

8. Trust Your Photographer & Enjoy Your Day

Once booked, trust their expertise! A great storytelling photographer will gently guide you when needed but will also let genuine, heartfelt moments unfold naturally. Relax, be present, and let them document the love and magic of your day.

Creating Your Mood Board

1. Start a Draft Board on Pinterest

Before diving into specifics, create a draft board on Pinterest and freely add photos. Don’t be too picky—whatever catches your eye, add it! This will help you get a sense of the styles, colors, and compositions you’re naturally drawn to.

2. Categorize Your Board into Sections

Once you have a collection of images, refine your board by organizing it into sections. Consider creating categories like:

• POSES – Ideas for natural, candid, or editorial-style portraits
• EDITING – The color tones and overall aesthetic you love
• BLACK AND WHITE – If you’re drawn to monochrome photography what do you like about it in black and white? close ups? or do you want a whole gallery in black and white?
• STYLISTIC/VIBES – General mood and creative direction. Motion blur, crooked, film photos, high flash would all land in this category.
• LIGHTING – If you love specific types of lighting, such as golden hour or moody indoor shots

If an image doesn’t fit into any category, it may not align with your vision, so consider removing it.

If your photographer doesn’t ask you for a pinterest board or inspiration, be weary. This is SO important to me and my couples I could not imagine shooting a wedding without it. 

COMPOSITION is one last section that I ask to be added so I can add my own inspiration to it. This is fun because you can go through and delete what you hate but see photography from my eyes too. It leads to a beautiful camaraderie between us and united vision.