What to look for in a wedding photography portfolio

There is no shortage of photographers and images to look at when you are hiring one for your big day. It can be overwhelming, so here are a few things to look for in a wedding photography portfolio.

1. Emotion

We all know that anyone can create a pretty-good image these days. But images that capture moments and evoke emotion are at a whole different level. This is what makes the difference between good and great photography.

2. Authenticity

Images that tell real stories without being over edited or relying on current editing trends. A great wedding photograph will stand the test of time on its own.

3. Consistency

Consistency in terms of style and in editing, and even between different portfolios on a photographers website. There is no wrong style to be drawn to but your photographer needs to be solidly in their own style so they can create for you what you expect and hired them for.

4. Variety

Contradicting the above statement? No, this is different. While style should be consistent and cohesive all day, you want a variety of images to represent your story. Close-up images where the frame is filled with emotion, extra wide scene-setting images, and lots in between. Images from above, from below, from different angles and creative perspectives. You will be given hundreds of images and deserve variety in your final gallery.

5. Proficiency

Proficiency in handling many different situations from lighting to weather to bridal party size. While your photographer doesn't need to have been to your location exactly in order to make great images, they should be able to show you images in similar-enough locations. Dark getting ready spaces in addition to bright well-lit ones. Beautiful rainy day images. Creating light in dark situations (and not relying on natural light all the time). Proficiency in moving though different spaces all day and creating beautiful images in all of them.

When looking at a wedding photography portfolio, Beware of red flags!

Too many detail photos. These are fun and easy images, important in your day of course, but photographing people is much more challenging and more important. If you are looking for a photographer for people, look for portfolios filled with people, not shoes.

Too many kissing photos. Lip-locked photos over and over are boring. Make sure your photographer knows how to pose people.

Portfolios made of different photographers work. Everyone has their own unique style - you deserve to know what you are going to get.

Portfolios with too many varying styles of editing. You want to know what you are going to get and that's hard if the editing you are seeing isn't consistent.

Portfolios made of mostly styled or inspiration sessions. It is common in the industry for professionals to get together and make mock wedding setups in order to showcase new work, practice, and create portfolio work. These setups do not have the pressure of a real wedding day and often have professional, paid models. They are not a great representation of how a photographer is going to perform at a real wedding.

There's no right or wrong budget, or style, or approach when it comes to wedding photography. Remember that you aren't hiring a cookie-cutter product, but an artist who is going to spend hours making custom art just for you. You should feel like your photographer knows you, your style, and makes you feel special.

I hope you use these tips to fall in love with the wedding photographer that's perfect for you!