How to choose a wedding photographer (without knowing anything about wedding photography)
December 31st, 2025
Most couples feel overwhelmed when choosing a photographer. You’re not behind. You’re just missing context, and that’s normal.
Choosing a wedding photographer in Maine can feel especially overwhelming. Between coastal venues, barn weddings, mountain elopements, and unpredictable New England weather, couples often worry about making the “right” choice — even when they don’t know what they’re supposed to be looking for.
The good news? You don’t need to be an expert in wedding photography to make a confident decision. You just need the right context.
1. Look beyond trends and focus on feeling
When searching for a Maine wedding photographer, you’ll see a wide range of editing styles — light and airy, dark and moody, bold and colorful. Instead of asking what’s popular, ask what feels honest to you.
Do the images feel relaxed? Emotional? Natural?
Can you picture yourselves in the photos, or do they feel like someone else’s wedding?
Trends change. The way your photos make you feel won’t.
2. Ask to see full wedding galleries
This is one of the most important — and most overlooked — steps. Maine weddings often involve challenging lighting: dark barns, bright coastal sun, rainy afternoons, and low-light receptions.
A strong wedding photographer should show consistency throughout an entire day, not just highlight images posted on Instagram. Full galleries reveal how moments are captured when nothing is “perfect” — and that’s where the real story lives.
3. Your photographer affects your experience, not just your photos
Your wedding photographer will be with you through quiet moments, emotional exchanges, family dynamics, and fast-moving timelines. Especially for couples who feel awkward in front of the camera, the photographer’s energy matters.
A calm, experienced Maine wedding photographer helps set the tone — allowing your day to unfold naturally instead of feeling staged or stressful.
4. One common misconception
Many couples believe they need to know how to pose or “be photogenic” to get beautiful wedding photos.
You don’t.
Great photographers know how to work with real people — people who are nervous, emotional, and fully present. Documentary-style wedding photography is about observation, timing, and trust, not perfection.
5. One calming truth
You don’t need to understand wedding photography to choose the right photographer.
You just need to notice how the process feels. Are things explained clearly? Do you feel supported instead of pressured? Does it feel simple instead of overwhelming?
That confidence shows long before the wedding day.
If someone makes this process feel simple and less stressful, you’re probably in good hands.
more from the blog
Click on what you'd like to learn more about.
