Planning your wedding is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) experiences, and choosing the right wedding photographer is a huge part of making sure your special day is captured beautifully. But with so many options out there, how do you know which photographer is the perfect fit for you?

As a Lubbock wedding photographer, I’ve helped countless couples find the right match—not just for their photos, but for their entire wedding experience. Here’s everything you need to consider when looking for your perfect wedding photographer!

1. Decide on Your Photography Style

Before you start reaching out to photographers, it’s important to know what kind of photos you love. Wedding photography comes in different styles, including:

• Bright & Airy – Light, romantic, and dreamy
• Dark & Moody – Warm, dramatic, and artistic
• Classic & Timeless – True-to-life colors with a polished feel
• Editorial & Cinematic – Posed, dramatic, and magazine-worthy

✨ Pro Tip: Browse Pinterest or Instagram and save wedding photos you love. Look for patterns in lighting, colors, and editing styles to determine what speaks to you!

2. Set Your Budget (And Know What’s Included)

Wedding photography can range anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000+ depending on experience, location, and what’s included in the package. Here’s a rough breakdown:

$6,000+: Highly sought-after photographers with extensive experience, premium packages, and additional services like albums or second shooters.

$3,000 – $6,000: Experienced photographers with strong portfolios and full-day coverage.

$1,500 – $3,000: Newer photographers or those offering fewer hours of coverage.

When comparing pricing, be sure to ask:

✅ How many hours of coverage are included?
✅ Will there be a second photographer?
✅ Do you offer engagement sessions?
✅ How many photos will we receive?
✅ Do you offer albums or prints?
✅ What’s the payment schedule?

💡 Remember: Your wedding photos will last a lifetime, so while budget is important, investing in a skilled photographer is always worth it!

3. Check Reviews & Testimonials

A great wedding photographer isn’t just someone who takes beautiful photos—they should also be reliable, professional, and easy to work with.

🔎 Check Google, The Knot, or WeddingWire for reviews from real couples.
📱 Look at Instagram & Facebook comments to see what past clients say.
🤍 Ask friends or your venue for recommendations!

4. Make Sure You Connect with Their Personality

Your photographer will be with you all day on one of the most emotional days of your life—so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them!

Before booking, schedule a call, video chat, or in-person meeting. Pay attention to:

• Do they make you feel at ease?
• Are they organized and professional?
• Do they seem genuinely excited about your wedding?

✨ Bonus Tip: If you’re nervous in front of the camera, a fun engagement session is a great way to get comfortable with your photographer before the big day!

5. Review Full Wedding Galleries (Not Just Instagram Highlights!)

A photographer’s Instagram feed is curated with their best shots—but what about the rest of the wedding day? Ask to see full wedding galleries so you can check:
✅ Consistency in their editing style
✅ How they handle different lighting (indoor, outdoor, sunset, reception)
✅ Whether they capture candid moments as well as posed shots

Here are some of mine!

Brooke + Nik’s Wedding at Madewell Estates – https://kirsten-prater-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/mr-and-mrs-clarkson

Mykel + Ben’s Wedding at Eberley Brooks – https://kirsten-prater-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/mr-and-mrs-hinkie-mcdonald

Megan + Riley’s Wedding at Twin Lakes – https://kirsten-prater-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/mr-and-mrs-scott

Nicole + Matthew’s Wedding at Fulford Barn – https://kirsten-prater-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/mr-and-mrs-nichols

Jeanette + Brook’s Wedding at The Historical Baker Building – https://kirsten-prater-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/mr-and-mrs-barrett

Kendra + Brenden’s Wedding at Autumn Oaks – https://kirsten-prater-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/mr-and-mrs-burkholder

Megan + Joe’s Wedding at The Willows – https://kirsten-prater-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/mr-and-mrs-rey

Lauren + Sam’s Wedding at The Watson – https://kirsten-prater-photography.client-gallery.com/gallery/mr-and-mrs-swindle

6. Book Early (Popular Dates Fill Fast!)

Wedding photographers often book 12-18 months in advance, especially for peak seasons (spring & fall). Once you’ve found a photographer you love, don’t wait too long to reach out!

Ready to Find Your Perfect Wedding Photographer?

If you’re looking for a photographer in Lubbock, Texas who will capture your love story in a way that feels authentic and timeless, I’d love to chat! 💍✨

📩 https://kirstenpraterphotography.com/
📷 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirsten_prater_photography/