What to Look for in a Texas Wedding Photographer

You're beginning to plan your Texas wedding, and it's time to look for a photographer. Whether you’re scrolling through Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest, countless talented wedding photographers are out there. Although I may be biased, I genuinely believe that your photographer is one of the most important vendors for your wedding. That means choosing one should be a very intentional decision, not just something to cross off your checklist. Because of this, I’ve put together a list of things you should consider when looking for a Texas wedding photographer to give you clarity on how to make your decision.

Natalie Nicole Photo | Texas Wedding Photographer

Question 1: Are they in your budget?

Your budget is the first thing to consider when searching for the perfect Texas wedding photographer. There are two ways you can create a budget for your wedding. First, you can determine which vendors you want to prioritize and make your budget based on their pricing.

Most of my couples prioritize documentation of their day - photography, videography, or both. If you want to learn more about my pricing for wedding day coverage, you can do so by inquiring here! The alternative way is to sit down and create a budget range and then refine it as you proceed to book vendors. Whichever way you choose to do it, you want to make sure your photographer is within the budget that you and your partner agree on. Keep this in mind: if you're going to "splurge" on anything, let it be the preservation of your memories.

Question 2: How much experience does this texas wedding photographer have?

Some Texas wedding photographers may just be starting out and are trying to gain experience (and charge below average). If that's the photographer you're looking for, then we probably won't be a great fit. I have over 10 years of photography and experience.

I know what I’m doing, and I understand how to create and deliver art. I have the technical expertise and experience, and I also know Texas like the back of my hand. I know what time of day would be best for specific lighting (check out “7 Reasons Why Wedding Photography Lighting Matters”), what venues and locations will match what you're looking for (peep my “How to Choose a Wedding Venue That Photographs Well”), and how to best avoid the dreaded downtown traffic. When you book with me, you're gaining access to all of the knowledge I've gained throughout the years to assist in making your Texas wedding a dream come true.

Question 3: Do they have raving testimonials?

When browsing through different photographers' profiles and websites, keep an eye out for testimonials from past couples. A lack of good reviews is typically not the best sign - you want to learn about the experience their clients have had with them before anything else. Most photographers will have a testimonials section on their website (like at the bottom of my homepage), but I recommend you take it a step further. Check out their business page on Google and read the reviews left organically and unedited. These reviews will give you an authentic perspective on what it's like to work with them.

Question 4: Does this texas wedding photographer fit your wedding aesthetic?

Every couple has a preference for their wedding aesthetic or style. When you're looking for a photographer, you can typically tell by their photography and editing style if they'll be a good fit or not. For example, as you browse through my portfolio, you'll see that I strive to create a balance of classic and traditional wedding images with bold, emotional, and unexpected candids.

I’ve spent years in the wedding industry and have landed on crafting images around emotion and light throughout the years. I know I won't be everyone's cup of tea; no photographer is! But I’m confident in my style and ability to deliver images you'll never want to stop looking at. And keep in mind, a professional photographer will not change their style to fit your vision. Remember that you are hiring your photographer because you like their style and who they are as a person.

Question 5: Do your wedding philosophies and end goal for photos align?

Staying in the same realm as the last point, you should figure out if your wedding philosophies and overall end goal for photos align with your photographer. AKA: make sure everyone is on the same page. Again, every photographer is different in this area. And some photographers can tailor their vision to what the couple wants to be highlighted on their wedding day.

For example, one of my past brides, Susan, communicated that she wanted her parents to be a focal point for many of their photos. She knew her time with her parents was limited because of their medical conditions. I, of course, told her that wouldn't be a problem at all and stayed true to my wedding photography philosophies while prioritizing special moments with her loved ones. Be open, honest, and upfront with the Texas wedding photographer you inquire with on their intake form about what your vision looks like for your wedding photos. A good Texas wedding photographer will be just as honest with you and let you know if they would be a good fit for what you're looking for.

Question 6: Do You Think You’ll Get Along With This Wedding Photographer?

Your Texas wedding photographer is the vendor that will be by your side for the majority of your big day. So if you notice something you feel you wouldn't want to be around for 6-10 hours, then that's a good sign they're not suitable for you! Get to know their personality before making any final decisions. Thankfully, platforms like Instagram make it very easy to get to know vendors on a more personal level. Browse their highlights, stalk their Instagram stories, and even conversate with them in the DM's.

Question 7: Do You Trust Your Wedding Photographer?

The most important thing to have in your Texas wedding photographer is trust. I know exactly what I’m doing based on my years of experience as a wedding photographer. And if my couples don't trust me to execute our collaborative vision, they won't have the best experience possible. Likewise, I won't be the best fit if you constantly stress and question my every move. I know that weddings can be stressful, but the documentation of your day is the one thing you can be 110% confident about, at least when you work with me.

Now, Do You Feel Confident in Choosing Your Texas Wedding Photographer?

I certainly hope you do! If, after reading this article, you feel like we'd be a perfect fit, you can fill out my contact form, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Or you can learn just a little more about me here. Also, I’d love it if you checked out another one of my blog posts - one that showcases one of my real weddings! You can find more real wedding on the blog here! Until then, I hope to hear from you soon.