How to Choose a Photographer Who Feels Like a Friend
Let’s be honest—your wedding photographer is going to be all up in your business. We’re talking everywhere: capturing your nervous giggles while you get ready, that teary hug with Dad, and those sneaky glances you and your partner share when no one’s looking. That’s why it’s so important to choose a photographer who doesn’t just take great photos but feels like a friend.
Because when you’re comfortable? That’s when the magic happens.
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1. Find Someone Who Gets Your Personality
Are you laid-back and goofy? Romantic and sentimental? Wild and ready to dance on tables? Your photographer should match your energy.
Scroll through their website, Instagram, or blog and pay attention to:
Their tone: Do their captions or About Me page feel like someone you’d grab a beer or coffee with?
Their photos: Do their couples look relaxed, natural, and like they’re genuinely having fun?
Their vibe: You want someone who can laugh with you, hype you up, and maybe cry along during the vows.
2. Look for a Photographer Who Puts You at Ease
Here’s the deal: wedding photos don’t have to be stiff or awkward. When you’ve got a photographer who feels like a friend, it’s easy to let your guard down and just be you.
During consultations or phone calls, ask yourself:
Do they listen to you? Are they asking about your story, your vision, and what makes you you?
Do they make you feel comfortable? If you can joke around and feel at ease just chatting, imagine how natural you’ll feel on the big day.
Do they care? A good photographer doesn’t just show up for the paycheck. They’ll be invested in making your day the best damn day ever.
3. Pay Attention to Their Style (and If You Vibe With It)
Photography isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right photographer for you will shoot in a way that speaks to your soul.
Do they keep things real and unfiltered? If you love authentic, documentary-style shots that capture raw emotions, steer clear of overly posed or cheesy trends.
Do their photos feel like art? Some photographers (ahem, waves) focus on creating images that tell a story—not just take pictures.
Do you feel something when you look at their work? If you’re getting teary-eyed over a stranger’s wedding gallery, you might’ve found your match.
Northern New Jersey couples—whether you’re after moody, romantic portraits at The Meadow Wood or epic candid shots during a packed dance floor at The Ryland Inn—your photographer should capture you.
4. Ask the Right Questions
Choosing a photographer who feels like a friend means digging a little deeper. Here’s what you want to ask:
“What’s your approach on the wedding day?” Are they hands-off and stealthy, or do they give gentle guidance when needed?
“How do you make couples feel comfortable in front of the camera?” Trust me, even the most camera-shy people deserve photos they love.
“What’s your favorite part about shooting weddings?” Their answer will tell you if they’re in it for the right reasons.
Pro tip? If they geek out over capturing real moments and building relationships with couples, you’re in good hands.
5. Schedule an Engagement Session
Think of this as a “test run” with your photographer. Engagement shoots are the perfect way to get comfortable in front of the camera, laugh off any awkwardness, and see how well you vibe together. Plus, you’ll get some stunning photos in the process.
Bonus for my fellow North Jersey couples: there are endless killer engagement session spots nearby. Think cozy photos at Van Vleck House and Gardens, sunset shots on the cliffs at Palisades Interstate Park, or a city-chic vibe in downtown Hoboken.
6. Trust Your Gut
At the end of the day, you’re not just hiring someone to show up with a camera—you’re choosing someone to share intimate, emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moments with you. That’s a big deal.
If you leave a call or meeting thinking, “Hell yes, this is my person,” trust that feeling. You’ll know when you’ve found someone who clicks with your vision, energy, and personality.
Why It Matters
A photographer who feels like a friend doesn’t just take pictures—they create an experience. They’ll hype you up when you’re feeling nervous, make you laugh during portraits, and catch those quiet moments you didn’t even know were happening. And when you get your photos back? You’ll see you. The real, joyful, wild-in-love version of you—surrounded by the people who mean the most.
Planning your North Jersey wedding and looking for someone who’ll feel like a friend behind the lens? I’m here for you. No awkward poses. No cheesy vibes. Just real, artful photos of you and your people—laughing, crying, and living it up on one of the best days of your life.
Let’s make some magic together.