So you’re planning a Baltimore wedding! You’ve got the bling, you’ve saved date, you’ve got approximately one million decisions to make, and now you’re trying to figure out what the heck to do about your wedding photos.

I get it. There are a lot of wedding photographers out there, and it can be overwhelming trying to figure out who is actually the right fit for you.

Because here’s the thing: choosing a wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone who takes pretty pictures (of course you want beautiful photos!) But you also want someone who understands what you want your wedding day to feel like, knows how to make you comfortable in front of the camera, and will notice all those little moments you might not even realize are happening.

So if you’re planning a Baltimore wedding and starting to think about photography, let’s talk about it!

First, Figure Out What You Want Your Photos to Feel Like

Before you start comparing photographers, I think it helps to figure out what you’re actually drawn to.

And I don’t mean you need to know the exact name of your photography style. You definitely don’t need to walk into your first consultation saying, “I’m looking for a blend of editorial and journalistic photography with a touch of [insert more photography jargon].”

If you like it, you like it!

Start with your Pinterest board, Instagram saves, or wherever you’ve been collecting wedding inspiration. Look at the photos you keep coming back to.

Are they full of movement and genuine emotion? Do you love those romantic, editorial portraits? Are you drawn to film photography and that soft, timeless look? Maybe you love classic portraits but also want all the candid moments from your reception.

Pay attention to what keeps showing up.

Your wedding gallery should ultimately feel like you. And that might mean a combination of different styles! I love having a mix of beautifully directed portraits, candid moments, little details, and all the in-between stuff that makes your wedding day yours.

Your Photographer Should Do More Than Take Pretty Pictures

Okay, yes. Obviously you want a photographer whose work you love.

But your photographer is going to be with you for a lot of your wedding day. So I think finding someone whose approach you genuinely enjoy is just as important as loving their portfolio.

A good wedding photographer should be able to do more than snap a picture. They should know when to give you direction and when to step back, they should be able to help you feel comfortable when you suddenly forget what to do with your hands, and they should notice the little moments happening around you while you’re busy experiencing your day. And they should hopefully make the whole experience feel a little easier!

Your wedding photographer can also become a really helpful part of your planning process. From thinking through how much photography coverage you need to building time into your timeline for portraits, having someone who understands weddings can make a huge difference. You shouldn’t have to figure everything out by yourself.

And Yes, Baltimore Makes a Pretty Great Backdrop

One of my favorite things about photographing weddings in Baltimore is how much variety there is.

You can have a classic, historic wedding surrounded by beautiful architecture. You can get married with the waterfront in the background. You can lean into the city and all of its character, or have something that feels quiet, romantic, and tucked away in the countryside.

And then you have the rest of Maryland!

There are waterfront venues, historic estates, gardens, barns, ballrooms, and all kinds of spaces that create completely different looks for your wedding photography.

Your venue will obviously play a role in your photos, but don’t feel like every photo has to happen in the most obvious or “Instagrammable” spot.

Sometimes it’s the little things that make the best setting: A beautiful window with good light. A quiet hallway. The space outside your reception that everyone else is walking right past. Part of my job as a Baltimore photographer is noticing those things for you.

You’re busy getting married. I’m busy looking for the good light. It works out pretty well!

You Don’t Have to Be Good at Taking Pictures

If you’re already thinking, “Okay, but I am TERRIBLE in photos,” please know that you are very much not alone.

You do not need to know how to pose. You do not need to be a model. And you definitely do not need to spend the months before your wedding practicing how to stand in front of a camera.

I’ll guide you!

There’s a difference between being posed and being directed. Instead of putting you into one stiff position and telling you to hold it, I’ll give you little prompts and things to do so you can move, interact, and actually enjoy being with your person.

Maybe you’re walking together. Maybe you’re fixing their jacket. Maybe you’re dancing for a few seconds. Maybe I’ll have you look at each other and whisper something that makes you laugh. And sometimes I’ll just tell you to forget about me for a second. Those little moments are often where the magic happens.

If this part of wedding photography is worrying you, I recommend you check out this blog here for a few more tips.

The Photos You Didn’t Plan for Might Be Your Favorites

I know you have probably saved a million perfectly posed wedding photos on Pinterest. And I love those photos too!

But don’t underestimate the photos you weren’t planning to take: Your mom tearing up during the ceremony, your friends absolutely losing it on the dance floor, your partner looking at you when you aren’t paying attention, the two of you laughing because something absurd happened, your veil blowing into your face, or someone crying way harder than they expected to.

Those moments might not have been on your Pinterest board, but they are part of your wedding day. And years from now, those are the photos that can bring you right back to how the day actually felt.

That’s why I don’t want your wedding photography to just be a collection of perfectly posed portraits. I want it to tell the whole story. The beautiful parts, the emotional parts, the funny parts, and all of the little moments in between.

Wedding Gallery Turnaround Time

Okay, this is one of my favorite parts. Because after spending months planning every little detail of your wedding day, you shouldn’t have to wait forever to relive it! I know how exciting it is to wake up the next morning and think, “Wait… can I see the pictures yet?!”

That’s why I work hard to get your gallery back to you as quickly as possible. And sometimes, I don’t even make you wait until the next morning. If the timing works out, I’ll edit and send over a few sneak peeks during your reception!

Imagine being out on the dance floor, celebrating with all of your favorite people, and then getting a little text from me with a handful of photos from earlier that day. You’re still in your wedding dress. Your hair and makeup are still perfect. The flowers are still everywhere. You can literally look down at your phone and see yourself getting married that day. Pretty cool, right?!

Of course, your full gallery takes a little more time because I want to make sure every image is thoughtfully edited and your entire gallery feels cohesive. But I’m a big believer in getting your photos back to you while the excitement is still fresh. Because why should you have to wait weeks to relive one of the best days of your life?

I want you to be able to look back, laugh, cry, send your favorite photos to your family, and immediately start saying, “WAIT, I LOVE THIS ONE.” Plus, I’m just as excited as you are to see the finished photos!!

So… How Do You Know When You’ve Found the Right Photographer?

Short answer: when you’re reading their blog!!

But in all seriousness, once you’ve started looking at Baltimore wedding photographers, it can be tempting to compare everyone based on price, follower count, or which Instagram feed you like best.

But if you can, try to look a little deeper into full website galleries and scour their social media pages–including tags! It can be a great way to see the photos real clients are posting. Looking at real client testimonials can also be a great way to get a feel for what it’s like working with a photographer.

Additionally, pay attention to how people look when they’re actually in the moment. Do the photos feel natural? Is there variety? Do you like the way the photographer handles different lighting and locations?

And then once you absolutely love the photos… think about the person behind the camera.

Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do you like their personality? Do you feel like you could trust them on a day when things inevitably don’t go exactly according to plan?

Because that matters!

You could find someone whose portfolio you absolutely love, but if their approach makes you feel uncomfortable or stressed, they might not be the right photographer for you. The best fit is someone whose work you love and whose presence feels right.

My Biggest Piece of Advice

Your wedding is not a photoshoot with a party happening around it. It’s your wedding!

You shouldn’t have to spend the entire day thinking about whether your hair looks perfect, whether you’re standing correctly, or whether the photographer is getting enough pictures.

Your job is to get married. Go hug your people. Laugh with your friends. Kiss your partner. Cry during the ceremony. Dance way too hard at the reception. Sneak away for five minutes together if you need a break from everyone. Let yourself actually be there.

My job is to make sure you have the beautiful portraits you’ve been dreaming about while also capturing all of the moments you didn’t know you’d want to remember.

So if you’re planning a Baltimore wedding and looking for a photographer who will guide you when you need it, step back when you don’t, and capture your day in a way that feels natural, beautiful, and completely you…

Let’s chat! I’d love to hear all about your wedding day, your vision, and all the little details you’re dreaming up.