How to Choose a Wedding Photographer Who Truly Gets You
There is no single "best wedding photographer." There is only the best wedding photographer for you. So how do you find a Colorado wedding photographer who aligns with your vision?
Your photographer is more than just the person taking photos on your wedding day. They are a shadow following you through some of the most emotional, heartfelt, and major life moments. You want them to feel like a friend—or, at the very least, like that work colleague you trust to have your back when everything gets chaotic.
This guide will help you figure out exactly what to look for in a wedding photographer who aligns with your personality, vision, and wedding style. Let’s dive in!
1. Personality Fit: Do They Match Your Energy?
Think about the kind of people you naturally gravitate toward. Do you love a hype person who keeps the energy high when nerves creep in? Or do you prefer someone with a calming presence, grounding you when the emotions start flowing? Your inner circle of friends can be a great barometer for identifying your vibe. When we consider how the people in our lives already show up for us, it becomes easier to imagine how we would want our wedding photographer to. This is a great opportunity for some mind mapping— write out the names of the people closest to you, then list some adjectives you’d use to describe them. Consider how they bring the good vibes you when you’re nervous, excited, or joyful.
Your photographer will be around for intimate moments—like when you’re putting on your dress, hugging your parents, or tearing up during your vows. The best wedding photographers in Colorado understand that their energy will influence the way you experience your day, so it’s crucial that it complements yours.
How to tell if it’s a match:
Meet them over a Zoom call (or coffee if they’re local!). Most photographers offer this for free before booking.
Pay attention to how the conversation flows—do you feel comfortable, heard, and understood?
Are they able to answer your questions clearly?
Do you walk away from the call feeling excited and at ease?
If you don’t click, move on! There are plenty of Colorado wedding photographers out there, and the right one will feel like a natural fit.
I ran into a past client at a wedding I was shooting this summer. It truly felt like seeing an old friend! We shared a warm embrace and caught up on the big moments that had happened since their wedding night. Your wedding photographer should be someone you would be thrilled to run into, not just because they delivered great photos, but also because they made you feel amazing on such a special day.
2. Candid vs. Posed: What Style Feels Right to You?
Every couple envisions their wedding day differently—some want a seamless, in-the-moment experience where the photos feel effortless and real, while others prefer polished, perfectly posed portraits that look straight out of a magazine. There’s no right or wrong approach, just what feels most authentic to you. Understanding the different wedding photography styles will help you choose a photographer who can bring your vision to life.
Candid / Documentary Style:
Photographers in this style capture moments as they happen, naturally and artistically.
They focus on genuine emotions rather than directing every shot.
While they may pose you for portraits or family photos, they typically interfere as little as possible, letting moments unfold organically.
A talented documentary photographer works with available light and settings to make every shot beautiful—no matter what.
One of the key differences that makes documentary-style wedding photography stand out is that it lets you live your wedding day completely in the moment. We don’t ask you to pretend to put on your dress, or “try that again”— we simply let you put on the dress and snap away while you do! We don’t interrupt your private vows to move towards better lighting, or instruct you to pause while dabbing your eye with a handkerchief. We observe and photographer, you live and experience. It’s that simple.
If you want wedding photos that truly capture the feeling of the day—the laughter, the tears, the spontaneous dance-offs—then a candid/documentary-style photographer is your best bet. This style is all about authenticity, focusing on real, unscripted moments rather than perfectly arranged poses.
A great candid photographer has an almost ninja-like ability to be everywhere at once, catching your grandma tearing up during the vows, your best friend busting out questionable dance moves, and that little moment where you and your partner steal a glance at each other, completely in your own world.
While they may still guide you through portraits or family formals, they won’t be micromanaging your every move. Instead, they’ll be anticipating moments, working with natural light, and blending into the background so that you hardly notice they’re there—until you get your gallery and realize they somehow managed to capture everything, even things you didn’t see happening in real-time.
If the thought of being told to “gently place your hand here” and “tilt your chin slightly to the left” makes you cringe, a documentary-style photographer might be the perfect fit for you.
I’ve included some examples below of my documentary-style wedding photography. You’ll see that even candid images still result in gorgeous, frame-worthy images!
This bride’s grandmother was in poor health and it was uncertain if she would make it to the wedding. I noticed them having a heartfelt moment, touching hands while her grandmother shared a few words. I silently captured this sentimental, brief conversation without interfering.
For this foggy mountaintop elopement, the bride and groom were very clear that they wanted their vows to be uninterrupted and private. I decided to use a longer lens so that I could stand far away, without being able to hear any of the words exchanged. The result was genuine tears, complete authenticity, and gentle touches. The couple felt free to share their words without an audience, while still having photos to remember the moment by.
Posed / Traditional Style:
A posed photographer will guide you into the most flattering positions with ideal lighting.
They may step in to adjust your dress, fix your hair, or even reposition you during big moments (like your first look) to get a "better" shot.
While this results in stunning, magazine-worthy portraits, it can take you out of the moment.
While this is not my preferred approach, it certainly works better for some! If “perfect” images are your jam, you might want a photographer who is very hands-on. If you’ve ever looked at a wedding photo and thought, “Wow, they look like they belong on the cover of a bridal magazine,” chances are, you’re looking at a posed photography style. These photographers are the masters of angles, lighting, and posture—ensuring that every detail is just right.
A posed photographer will guide you into the most flattering positions, making sure your dress flows perfectly, your bouquet is held at just the right height, and your chin is tilted to the most flattering angle.
They may step in to adjust your dress, fix your hair, or even reposition you during big moments (like your first look) to get a "better" shot. Think of them as your personal wedding day stylist with a camera in hand. While this results in stunning, magazine-worthy portraits, it can take you out of the moment, so if you prefer a day that unfolds naturally, this may not be the best fit.
However, if you dream of dramatic, breathtaking portraits that make you feel like royalty, a posed photographer is the way to go. Just be ready for a little direction, and maybe a few minutes of standing in the perfect golden-hour light while your photographer fine-tunes every detail for that one breathtaking shot.
A Blend of Both:
Many photographers use a mix of both styles, leaning one way or the other depending on the part of the wedding day. Love those effortless, in-the-moment shots but also want a few perfectly styled portraits? Finding a wedding photographer who balances both approaches allows you to have those raw, emotional moments captured while still walking away with a few stunning, frame-worthy portraits that make you feel like a movie star.
Imagine this: your ceremony is full of laughter and happy tears, and your photographer is there, unobtrusively snapping away, catching every stolen glance and every emotional reaction from your guests. Then, during golden hour, they guide you to a breathtaking spot, adjust your posture just enough to highlight your best angles, and give you a few prompts to make sure the magic of the moment translates beautifully on camera.
The key to this style is adaptability—your photographer will know when to step in and when to hang back. They might be directing you for your couples’ portraits but letting the dance floor moments unfold organically, capturing your uncle’s enthusiastic attempts at the worm without interference. If you want a mix of genuine storytelling and a few iconic, meticulously crafted images, a photographer with this balanced approach is the way to go. Many photographers use a mix of both styles, leaning one way or the other depending on the part of the wedding day.
As a Colorado documentary wedding photographer, I fall into this category! Candid makes my heart sing, observing and capturing moments artfully lights up my world. But I also believe there is a time and place for stunning lighting and perfect portraits. While I wont interrupt your vows or make you repeat an authentic moment, I am thrilled to take you to a light-kissed hillside during golden hour, making sure you still feel like yourself every step of the way.
This couple really wanted to have a few photos of just the two of them after their ceremony, but they didn’t want to be pulled away from the reception for long. We chose a spot together prior to the start of the wedding where we would take these photos to ensure the process went quickly. I instructed them through fun, movement-based prompts that allowed them to be in the moment, while still creating some epic photos.
It was very important to this couple that they have some “wow-worthy” photos from their wedding day. We snuck away from the reception for a half hour, utilizing all of the stunning locations on their venue’s property. I paid close attention to hand placement, angles, and background, while still allowing the couple to have moments of genuine connection and laughter.
How to Choose?
Do you want to feel fully present, or are "perfect" images more important to you?
How do you want to remember your wedding day?
Ask your photographer how they direct couples—do they focus more on moments unfolding or on perfecting each pose?
3. Editing Style: What Aesthetic Speaks to You?
Just like wedding themes, photographers have distinct editing styles. No style is better than another—it’s all about what you’re drawn to. Think of it like your favorite cuisine; some love bold flavors, others prefer something more subtle. Here are a few common wedding photography editing styles:
Vintage & Film-Inspired:
Soft, nostalgic tones that feel timeless.
Sometimes includes film grain or motion blur for an artistic touch.
Great for couples who love an old-school, romantic feel.
Light & Airy / Classic:
Soft pastels, bright whites, and minimal contrast.
A dreamy, romantic vibe with an elegant touch.
Ideal if you love a clean and polished look.
Dark & Moody:
Deep shadows, warm earthy tones, and rich contrast.
Feels intimate, emotional, and cinematic.
Works beautifully for adventurous, nature-inspired weddings.
True to Tone / Classic:
Colors stay as close to real life as possible.
A timeless and natural aesthetic.
If you want your photos to feel authentic to the moment, this is a great option.
Editorial:
High-fashion, magazine-worthy images.
Strong compositions, intentional lighting, and artistic posing.
Great for couples who want an elevated, stylish look.
To figure out what you love, browse different photographers’ portfolios and pay attention to what draws you in. Do you love warm, golden hues? Soft pastels? Deep, dramatic shadows? Finding an editing style that matches your wedding vision will make sure your photos feel right for you.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Choice
There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to wedding photography. What matters is finding a Colorado wedding photographer who makes you feel comfortable, aligns with your vision, and captures your day in a way that feels authentic to you.
Key Takeaways:
Your photographer should match your personality and energy.
Decide if you love candid, posed, or a mix of both styles.
Choose an editing style that resonates with your taste and wedding aesthetic.
Meet with photographers before booking to ensure it’s a good fit.
At the end of the day, the best wedding photographer for you is someone who understands what matters most to you and captures your day in a way that feels real, joyful, and you.