How to Choose a Wedding Photographer in 2026: What to Look For + Questions to Ask

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process. Long after the décor is gone and the last guests have left, your photos are the one thing that tell your story for decades to come.

But with so many photographers out there — different styles, packages, personalities, and price points — how do you know who’s right for you?

This guide gives you exactly what to look for when choosing your 2026 wedding photographer, plus the must-ask questions before booking.

1. Start with Photography Style — What Feels Like “You”?

Every photographer has a visual style. The three most popular are:

Documentary / Candid (That’s Us, Ink & Opal Co.)

• Real, unscripted moments

• Movement and emotion

• Story-driven images

• Less posing, more connection

Editorial

• Vogue-inspired

• Directional posing

• Dramatic lighting

Dark & Moody

• Deep tones

• Artistic shadows

• Film-inspired edits

Light & Airy

• Bright whites

• Pastel tones

• Clean and classic

Look through galleries. Notice what makes you feel something. That’s your style.

Where Ink & Opal Co. fits:
We specialize in modern, timeless, documentary-style photography with emotional storytelling and candid moments.

2. Choose Someone You Feel Comfortable With

Your photographer will be with you during:

• Getting ready

• Emotional moments

• Family interactions

• Private portraits

• The entire wedding day

You should feel:

• Comfortable

• Understood

• Listened to

• Encouraged

• Supported

Your photographer is not just a vendor — they become part of your day.

3. Look for Full Galleries — Not Just Instagram Highlights

Instagram shows 5% of a wedding day.

Ask to see a full wedding gallery to evaluate:

• Getting ready photos

• Ceremony lighting

• Family portraits

• Reception photos

• Low-light capability

• Flash skills

• Story flow

A great photographer can shoot in all lighting situations and tell a cohesive story from start to finish.

4. Make Sure They Can Handle Your Venue + Lighting

Every venue has unique lighting challenges.

Ask yourself:

• Have they shot in indoor venues?

• Outdoor ceremonies?

• Low-light receptions?

• Dark churches?

• Sunset portraits?

If you’re getting married in Marquette, make sure they understand the area — bright lake reflections, unpredictable weather, sunset timing, and unique indoor venue lighting.

5. Pay Attention to Personality & Communication

This matters more than most couples realize.

A great photographer helps:

• Build your timeline

• Keep family photos organized

• Calm nerves

• Navigate unexpected changes

• Make you feel natural in photos

You want someone warm, calm, confident, and organized.

6. Consider the Value — Not Just the Price

When it comes to wedding photography, cheaper isn’t better.
You are investing in the memories of your life.

Look at value, not price:

• Skill & consistency

• Experience

• Professional backup systems

• Insurance

• Editing quality

• Turnaround time

• Connection + trust

Photography is the one part of your wedding you cannot redo.

7. Ask These Must-Ask Questions Before Booking

Here are the questions every couple should ask (and what the answers should sound like):

1. How would you describe your photography style?

You want a clear, confident answer with examples.

2. Can we see full wedding galleries?

Yes — always.

3. What is included in your packages?

Coverage hours, engagement sessions, second photographers, albums, etc.

4. Do you help with timelines?

A professional photographer should help build a realistic, photo-friendly timeline.

5. Do you have backup gear?

The answer must be: “Yes, 100%. Always.”

6. What happens if you’re sick or there’s an emergency?

They should have a clear, reliable backup plan.

7. How long have you been photographing weddings?

Experience = consistency.

8. What’s your turnaround time?

Average: 6–12 weeks

8. Follow Your Gut

If you feel:

• Excited

• At ease

• Confident

• Understood

• Inspired

• Trusting

…book them.

If something feels off, listen to that too.

Your photographer should be someone whose work you love, whose presence you enjoy, and whose energy supports your day from start to finish.

Looking for a 2026 Wedding Photographer?

If you’re searching for someone who specializes in documentary-style storytelling, emotional candids, and a modern, elegant aesthetic…

We’d love to photograph your 2026 wedding.

Inquire or email us.