How to choose the right Sydney Wedding Photographer

 

Planning a wedding is overwhelming — and choosing your photographer? That’s one decision you really want to get right.

I get it because I’ve been there. When I got married back in 2014, I went through the same steps most couples do: scrolled through Google, visited expos, browsed directories, shortlisted a few options, and met with three very different photographers.

Here’s what I learned — and what you should know too.

 

First Impressions Matter

The first company looked polished on the surface, prices were even better, had a great website and their photos looked nice. But when we met with them in their studio (which looked great), the person who met with us didn’t really care about what we wanted and tried to sell us on things we did not want.  The wedding albums were cheap looking and flimsy. 

Email communication was slow, and their packages were confusing. They had lots of photographers working under their brand, and I didn’t want to feel like just another client. 

When I asked the question who would be my photographer they dismissed my concern and said “don’t worry the photographer will be great”  and they don’t know who that is until 1 month before the wedding.

 

The second photographer? Total opposite. Warm, passionate, down to earth. He asked about what we wanted, not just what he offered. His wedding albums were stunning, and his follow-up was helpful without being pushy. We left the meeting with a really good feeling thinking this person could be the one for us.  He was the most expensive of the three but you could see why. 

 

The third? Great work, priced in the middle but the photographer had a terrible attitude. Cocky, arrogant dismissive, and not someone I wanted to spend my wedding day with.  Maybe the photos would be fine but I know I didn’t want him to be around my friends and family.

So, who did we choose?

Of course, the second guy!  Because trust, connection, and care mattered more than price. He treated us like people, not transactions. He cared about us and I could tell he was the right wedding photographer for us as soon as we left his studio. 

So How Do You Choose Your Sydney Wedding Photographer?

Here’s what I’d suggest — not just as a wedding photographer now, but as someone who’s been in your exact position:

1. Look at Full Wedding Galleries

Not just a curated highlight reel or an Instagram feed. Ask to see 3 x full galleries from real weddings, ideally ones that are similar to your venue or vibe. After that you should be able to see consistency and how they approach their day and what photos you should expect to see for your wedding. 

2. Pay Attention to How They Make You Feel

Do they listen to what you want?

Do they care about what matters to you?

Do they follow up, respond quickly, and make things easy for you or hard?

Does your gut tell you it’s the right choice?

If you feel like you’re being “sold to,” trust your gut and move on. 

3. Ask the Right Questions

Here are some questions to think about when you meet with a potential photographer. 

• Are they full-time or or something they do on the weekend?

• Do they have backup gear (and a backup plan)?

• How do they keep your images safe?

• Do they have a contract and insurance? Bear in mind a lot of Sydney wedding venues require a minimum $20million liability insurance before your vendors can even step foot inside. 

• How long will delivery take?

• How many weddings have they shot?

• Do they offer albums or prints?

• Can you see their google reviews and are they recent?

• Can I pay in instalments, with credit card so I can rack up frequent flyer points?

Their answers will tell you everything you need to know.

 

4. Find Someone Who Feels Like a Fit

Your photographer’s style and approach should feel right to you. Not just look good on Instagram, but actually line up with how you want your day to be remembered. Are you drawn to natural, unposed moments? Do you love those moody, documentary-style frames that feel like stills from a film? Or are you after something more magazine editorial like, directed and polished, where someone guides you through every shot? Do the colours look natural or is it a bit too Instagram filter like?

There’s no right or wrong here — just what’s right for you. The important part is recognising it when you see it. Their portfolio should feel like the kind of story you want told. Their tone, their approach, even the way they talk about weddings should make sense to you.

And here’s something worth asking: Do they offer an engagement session?
It’s not just about getting some cute photos for your invites — it’s a chance to see how they work, how they make you feel in front of the camera, and whether there’s real trust between you. Because come wedding day, that connection makes all the difference if you’re nervous about having your photos taken. 

If you’re going to have someone following you around for 10+ hours, they better be someone you actually want to have around.

 

5. Don’t Let Price Be the Deciding Factor

Weddings are bloody expensive and everyone has a budget, and that’s completely OK.  But this is the one part of your day that lasts forever. The florals will wilt, the cake will be eaten and the dress will get dirty.

If someone’s a little outside your budget, talk to them — they might offer a smaller package or some extras to help. Most good photographers are open to a conversation if you show strong interest in working with them.

 

6. Don’t Hire That “Friend With a Good Camera”

Unless your mate is a professional wedding photographer, let them be a guest and enjoy the day with you. Your memories deserve better than a gamble. Don’t trust your uncle with a big camera. It’s not worth it!

 

7. Meet More Than One Photographer

Chemistry matters. You’re going to spend a huge part of your wedding day with this person — make sure you actually like them. Meet with more than one photographer so you can get a sense of their personality. Think of it like dating: you’re not just hiring a service, you’re choosing someone to be there for the laughs, the nerves, the family chaos, and all the in-between bits.

Notice how they communicate. Are they genuinely listening? Do they make you feel seen, or are they just running through a pitch?

Do you leave the meeting feeling clearer, calmer, and more excited about your wedding, or are you left with more questions and answers?

That gut feeling you get — it counts. Pay attention to it. The right photographer won’t just tick boxes — they’ll make you feel like you’re in safe hands.

 

8. Ask the Golden Question:

“Why should we pick you?”

It sounds simple, but it reveals so much. You’re not just hiring someone to take photos — you’re choosing someone to witness, document, and help shape one of the biggest days of your life. Their answer should give you clarity, not confusion. They should know what makes their approach unique, why it matters to you, and what sets them apart.

If they can’t answer it confidently — or if their answer doesn’t resonate — they’re probably not the right fit.

 

At the End of the Day…

Your wedding is arguable the biggest day of your life so far.  Choosing the right photographer means you won’t have to worry whether they’ll capture the moments that matter. You’ll just know they will do an incredible job and you can rest easy they have your best interests at heart.

If you want to chat with someone who’s been through it all — both as a groom and now as a full-time Sydney wedding photographer — I’m always happy to help.

Book a free consult here, and ask me anything.

Happy to help with anything you need. 

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