How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer: 10 Key Things to Consider Before You Book


When it comes to planning your wedding, choosing the right photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. It’s not just about getting beautiful photos—it’s about capturing the emotions, the fleeting glances, and the in-between moments that tell the story of your day. As a Hudson Valley wedding photographer based in Poughkeepsie, NY, I specialize in candid, documentary-style photography that focuses on preserving real moments—not stiff poses. Here’s what you need to consider to find the perfect photographer for your wedding day.

1. Fall in Love with Their Work


Before anything else, spend time exploring their portfolio. Do their images speak to you? Are the moments they capture the kind you want to remember forever?


Pay attention to:

  • Their editing style (light and airy, dark and moody, true-to-life, etc.)
  • The emotions and energy in their photos
  • Whether their style reflects what you envision for your own wedding


📌 Tip: If you don’t love their work now, you likely won’t love your own photos later.

2. Vibe Check: It Matters More Than You Think


You’ll be spending nearly your entire wedding day with your photographer—sometimes even more time than with your partner. That’s why good chemistry is essential. You really should do a video or in-person consultation rather than just a phone call. Seeing how someone carries themselves, how they talk about your day, and how they interact with you can give you a much clearer sense of whether they're the right fit.


Ask yourself:

  • Do they seem calm, kind, and confident?
  • Are they someone you’d feel comfortable around in emotional or vulnerable moments?
  • Can they roll with the chaos and keep a cool head?


📌 Remember: Your photographer should put you at ease, not add stress to your day.

3. Rave Reviews Tell a Bigger Story


Online reviews and testimonials give you a glimpse into what it’s like to work with a photographer from start to finish.


Look for:

  • Consistently positive feedback on communication, professionalism, and final galleries
  • Stories of photographers going above and beyond
  • Mentions of how the photographer made couples feel during the shoot


📌 Red flags include: missed deadlines, poor communication, or underwhelming final galleries.

4. Support Beyond the Wedding Day


The best photographers don’t just show up on your wedding day—they’re your partner in the planning process.


Things to look for:

  • Timeline planning assistance
  • Prompt answers to your questions
  • Helpful resources or vendor recommendations


📌 Bonus points if they offer engagement shoots, sneak peek galleries, and fast turnaround times.

5. Modern, Stress-Free Client Experience


You’ve got enough to plan—your photography process shouldn’t add to the stress.


A professional wedding photographer should offer:

  • Online scheduling for consults and meetings
  • A simple, all-in-one platform for contracts, invoices, and communication
  • Easy and secure payment options



📌 Pro Tip: Ask what their workflow looks like from inquiry to gallery delivery. It tells you a lot about their professionalism.

6. Know Who’s Behind the Camera


If you’re booking through a large studio or photography company, make sure you know who exactly will be photographing your wedding and be wary of those too-good-to-be-true prices.


Many larger companies will showcase one polished portfolio on their site or social media—but when you book, you might be assigned someone entirely different. I've seen this happen dozens of times: couples reaching out in a panic, looking for a photographer last-minute because they felt bait-and-switched. It's incredibly disappointing and stressful.


Important questions to ask:

  • Will the person in the portfolio be the one shooting your day?
  • Can you meet or talk with them before booking?
  • What happens if they can’t make it on your date?



📌 With independent photographers, like myself, what you see is what you get—your vision and trust are in the hands of the person whose work you fell in love with. 

7. Ask to See a Full Wedding Gallery


A photographer’s Instagram or website typically shows the highlight reel—but you’ll want to know what a full day looks like.


Why it matters:

  • It shows consistency across different lighting conditions (getting ready, ceremony, reception, etc.)
  • It helps you see how they capture not just the couple but the guests, the venue, and the candid moments in between
  • It reveals their storytelling approach and attention to detail


📌 Pro Tip: Ask to see a full wedding gallery that took place in a similar venue or season to yours.

8. Understanding of Lighting & Environments


Weddings often involve a mix of indoor, outdoor, daytime, and evening settings. Your photographer should be skilled in working with all kinds of lighting and backdrops.


Ask about:

  • How they handle low-light receptions or harsh sunlight during outdoor ceremonies
  • Whether they use natural light, flash, or a combination of both
  • How they balance the mood of a space with capturing clear, beautiful images



📌 Lighting can make or break your photos—it’s important your photographer knows how to handle it all.


9. Their Approach to Posing & Direction


Even if you love candids, you’ll likely want a few classic portraits or group shots. Every photographer has a different approach—some are hands-off, others are very directive.


Things to consider:

  • Do you want gentle guidance or full posing instructions?
  • Are they able to make you feel relaxed in front of the camera?
  • Do they know how to make group portraits efficient and stress-free?



📌 Ask how they help people feel natural on camera—especially if you're camera-shy.

10. Turnaround Time & Image Delivery


Don’t forget to ask how long it will take to get your photos and what’s included.


Key things to ask:

  • Do they offer sneak peeks within a few days?
  • What’s the average turnaround for the full gallery?
  • Will you receive high-resolution downloads? Are prints or albums included?


📌 Clear timelines and expectations can prevent disappointment and confusion later on.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Trust, Connection, and Storytelling


Your wedding photos are more than just images—they’re a visual legacy. They’ll bring you back to how you felt, not just how things looked. That’s why finding someone who understands your vision, makes you feel comfortable, and truly cares about your story is worth every bit of effort.



If you’re looking for a candid, intimate, and storytelling approach to wedding photography in the Hudson Valley, Westchester, CT, the Catskills, NY Metro, and beyond I’d love to connect. Let’s talk about what matters most to you and how we can capture it—beautifully and honestly.

A bride in a long-sleeved white gown and groom in tuxedo share a joyful moment at sunset among bare autumn trees.
A couple in formal wedding attire poses by a hot dog stand at night, with snow visible on the ground.
A couple stands under a shared umbrella in a formal setting with stone archway and lanterns in black and white photography.
A couple shares a joyful moment on their wedding day while walking along a garden stone path surrounded by greenery.
A tender and intimate black and white wedding moment captured between a couple in romantic soft focus.
A couple walks along a white pier decorated with string lights at dusk overlooking the waterfront.
Two people in formal attire walk along a grassy hillside path at sunset with golden sunlight filtering through trees.
A couple in wedding attire walk together beside a beautiful glass conservatory dome at the botanical gardens.
A couple embraces in an outdoor garden setting with ornamental grasses and greenery in the background.
Happy bride and groom share a joyful moment together by a classic white vintage car on their wedding day.
A couple in elegant wedding attire stands on wooden steps outdoors surrounded by autumn trees during a golden sunset.
A couple embraces in an elegant wedding photo at sunset with tall ornamental grasses glowing in golden backlight.
A joyful wedding couple shares a laugh against a rustic red barn wall, with the bride holding a colorful floral bouquet.
A couple shares a clear umbrella while walking down a tree-lined path with autumn foliage in the background.
Night wedding photo of couple exiting stone building with gothic doorway illuminated by warm sconces.
Black and white photo of couple walking together in a field at sunset, with the bride's dress flowing in the wind.
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Krutick Photography | 845-857-4980 | richard@krutickphotography.com | www.krutickphotography.com