How to Choose Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
Kristen & Harrison | September 2026 | Port Perry Backyard Wedding
If you're reading this, congratulations! You're engaged, you've probably got a Pinterest board bursting at the seams, and now you're staring at about 400 photographer websites wondering, how on earth do I pick?
I'm Alana, a wedding photographer based in Kawartha Lakes (Little Britain to be exact). I photograph weddings across Stouffville, Lindsay, Peterborough, Cobourg, Innisfil, Port Perry, Whitby, Oshawa, Ajax, Vaughan, Scarborough, Markham and beyond. I'll be honest: your photographer is one of the few vendors whose work you'll keep looking at for the rest of your life. The cake gets eaten, the flowers wilt, but your photos get handed down.
So grab a coffee (or a glass of bubbly, no judgement wedding planning is a lot ahaha) and let's go through what I'd look for if I were in your shoes, including a few questions most couples don't think to ask.
1. Start with Location: Where Is Your Photographer Based?
It sounds simple, but it matters more than you'd think.
A local wedding photographer knows your venues. When you hire someone who already works in your area, they know where the light falls at golden hour, which barn has the dark interior (not an issue, just changes what gets packed), and where that perfect lakeside spot is for portraits. For my Kawartha Lakes and Durham Region couples, that means I'm not spending your portrait time hunting for a location. I already have a plan (and a backup plan for when Ontario weather does Ontario weather things).
The location of your wedding photographer will dictate travel fees. I have a blog post HERE on the cost of wedding photography. For me, my travel zone is an hour in any direction (roughly 80 kms). Beyond that is .73 cents a kilometer x2 (to get to the venue and home). If you were thinking of a destination wedding (I was in Yellowknife this past August 2026!) travel costs and overnight accommodations are required.
Questions to ask your potential photographer:
Where are you based, and have you shot at (or near) our venue before?
Are there travel fees? How are they calculated?
We're having a destination wedding or elopement, do you travel?
I serve the Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region and Peterborough areas, and I love to travel (I was in Yellowknife this past summer for a wedding!). Travel fees may apply depending on distance, and I'll always tell you upfront.
2. Price Point: What Should a Wedding Photographer Cost?
Let's talk about money, because the average wedding in Ontario costs 30,000!
According to The Knot's Real Weddings Study, couples spend an average of around US$3,000 on their wedding photographer (The Knot). Here in Canada, an 2025 survey of Canadian wedding photographers put the average full-day package at roughly $4,900 CAD (Fearless Photographers). Keep in mind that GST/HST is added on top (Bridebook Canada).
Here's what I want you to know about price:
Compare what's included, not just the number. Hours of coverage, a second photographer, an engagement session, sneak peeks, the online gallery and turnaround time all change the value of a package.
Very low prices can carry hidden costs. These might be paid downloads, small image counts, or a long wait for your gallery. This could also reflect the photographer’s experience and equipment. A photographer 1 year in the industry vs 10 will produce different results. Ask!
Very high prices aren't automatically "better". The right photographer is the one whose work makes you feel something and who fits your budget comfortably.
My wedding collections start at $2,000 + HST for 4 hours of coverage. Every package includes a pre-wedding meeting and an online gallery, and most include an engagement session. You can see full details on my Investment page HERE.
3. Posing Guidance: Will Your Photographer Help You Feel Natural?
90% of my couples tell me, "We're SO awkward in front of the camera." or “we only ever take selfies” or “I never know what to do with my hands”. What you are feeling - it’s totally normal! My Tagline is “Whimsical and romantic photography for humans”. Everyone in my portfolio is a “normal human” not America’s Next Top Model. I work with my clients to bring out their authentic personality and their connection with their love. Almost nobody is a natural model, and that's why posing guidance matters so much.
When you're looking at photographers, ask (my answers are included):
How do you direct couples who feel awkward? You want someone who gives gentle prompts and gets you moving, laughing and interacting, not someone who leaves you to figure it out.
Is your style posed, candid, or a mix? My style is a combination of candid, emotion-focused and directed. I'll guide you into natural, flattering positions and then let the real moments happen inside them. During the ceremony I stay discreet with a long lens, almost like a secret agent (Huge Kim Possible/Spy Kids/Totally Spies fan when I was a kid), so I capture genuine reactions without being in the way.
Can we do an engagement session first? Most of my wedding packages come with an engagement session for a couple of reasons: 1, so we can meet in person, see how I pose you and your partner, you can see how my editing style looks on you. 2. So I can get to know you and your partner more. An engagement session is the best rehearsal. By the time your wedding day comes, you'll know how I work and dare I say, you might actually be excited for your portraits. It's my job to set your nerves at ease. If a photographer's portfolio is full of couples who look relaxed and genuinely happy, that's a great sign they know how to guide people.
4. Interview Your Wedding Photographer
I have been hinting at this with my first 3 points - interview your wedding photographer, and interview more than one! You'll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than with almost anyone else, including your new spouse! A quick video call or coffee chat tells you so much about whether your personalities click.
Questions to ask your wedding photographer (my answers are included):
When did you start photographing weddings?
I started photographing weddings in 2018 and I have been full freelance (weddings and graphic design) since October 2024.
How many weddings have you photographed?
This past wedding season I have photographed 18 weddings, since 2018? 50 - 70?
What does your timeline planning look like before the wedding?
I am always available to bounce ideas off of. I provide timeline examples, feedback on what looks realistic, what needs more padding etc. However, 2 weeks before my client's wedding day we have to have a meeting to finalize wedding day timelines, family photo list and answer any other questions. I am also a huuuuge fan of wedding coordinators and I am more than happy to join meetings with them.
What happens if it rains?
If it rains on your wedding day, no issues. I photographed a whole ceremony in the rain and (in my humble opinion hehe) the photos look fabulous! I have little rain coats for my cameras to keep my gear safe.
I also keep a close eye on the weather network the day before when packing my bag. I have photographed a wedding where it stormed all day, going outside was a safety issue. So when I packed my bag, I brought extra lights to make sure all of the family, wedding party, wedding couple portraits and reception events were well lit.
What happens if you're sick or have an emergency on our date? Do you have a backup plan?
Knock on wood I have never been sick for a wedding. But if something were to happen, I am part of a photography community I can reach out to for an in-person replacement. However, I will still be the person editing your images so your gallery still aligns with my aesthetic. I have worked with everyone in the photography community and trust their skills.
Do you carry backup gear and back up our images in more than one place?
Yes. I have 2 cameras, multiple batteries and extra memory cards. As I take photos, your photos automatically back up to a 2nd card. When I get home your images are backed up to 2 hard drives and the cloud. The cards I use for your wedding day remain yours until the gallery has been delivered.
Do you have liability insurance? (Many venues require it.)
Yes! I am happy to send proof to the wedding venue or coordinator.
How long until we get our sneak peek and our full gallery?
Sneak Peeks within 2 weeks of your wedding day, full gallery 3 months to the day.
How many images can we expect?
This is a huge question - there are a lot of variables. Are you also getting a second shooter? How many hours of coverage? What is the guest count? What size is your wedding party? Are your guests more reserved or outgoing? This will all impact image count. But on average, 50 to 100 edited photos per hour of coverage. This is why you also ask for full gallery examples so you can see how many photos per chapter of the day.
What's in the contract, and what's the retainer and payment schedule?
No one likes a hangry photographer… So I would like to be fed lol or given an hour for me to go get food.
I am the only photographer on your wedding day. If you would like a second photographer, that is my responsibility to hire. Sometimes other vendors (videographers, venues, Wedding Content Creators) include photography coverage in their packages. This is not allowed as we will all have conflicting goals and only so much time to get the photos discussed.
To book your wedding day, I require a 40% retainer and a signed contract. The remaining amount is due by your wedding day.
Who owns the copyright, and what are we allowed to do with our photos? (More on this below!)
I own copyright but my clients and their guests have full printing rights. They can print their wedding photos wherever they want. My clients cannot sell the images to other vendors.
Pay attention to how you feel during the conversation. Do they listen? Do they ask about you? A great photographer is part artist, part planner, part hype-person and part emergency kit. (I've put on multiple boutonnieres and installed veils, lol.)
5. Ask to See Full Galleries That Match Your Wedding Vibe
This is one of the most important tips in this whole post, so I'll say it loudly: ask to see full wedding galleries, not just the highlights. Ideally you will receive galleries that match your venue’s vibe (barn, city hall, hotel, garden..) and ideal hours of coverage. This will help set expectations.
A website and Instagram feed show a photographer's best photos from a wedding. A full gallery shows you the whole day:
Did they capture the getting-ready details, the family photos and the dance floor?
How do they handle tricky lighting, like a dark reception hall, harsh midday sun or a rainy ceremony?
Is the editing consistent from the first image to the last?
Match the vibe, too. If you're planning a cozy barn wedding in the Kawarthas, look at barn weddings they've shot. If you're having an evening reception with lots of dancing, ask to see a reception with low light. A photographer who shoots beautiful beach elopements might not have a portfolio of 200-guest ballroom receptions, and vice versa.
6. Look at Reviews, and Read Them Closely
Reviews are a great way to hear from couples who've been exactly where you are. But be a smart reader:
Look at several platforms (Google, Facebook, wedding directories), not just testimonials on the photographer's own website.
Read for specifics. "She was amazing!" is lovely. "She kept our timeline on track, calmed my nervous groom and delivered our photos faster than promised" tells you much more.
Ask for a reference. Most photographers are happy to connect you with a past couple.
One of my reviews came from Dana + Matt, who mentioned how calm the day felt and that "the turnaround time for our wedding photos was surprisingly quick." Made my heart melt!
7. Photo Colours vs. "Real" Colours: Know the Editing Style
Every photographer has an editing style, and it's a huge part of how your photos will look forever. Some popular styles:
True-to-life / natural: Colours look like they did in real life. Green grass looks green and skin looks like skin.
Light and airy: Bright, soft and pastel, sometimes with lifted shadows.
Dark and moody: Rich, deep tones with lots of contrast.
Film-inspired: Warm, grainy and nostalgic.
Learn more about wedding photography styles HERE.
None of these is "wrong". But here's what I want you to check:
Skin tones. Do people look healthy and natural, or orange, grey or green? Heavy presets are a common cause of muddy or orange skin, and many in the industry are now moving toward more true-to-life colour.
Your colour palette. If your bridesmaids are wearing sage green and your photographer's style shifts every green to olive brown, your photos won't match your memories.
Trend vs. timeless. Ask yourself whether you'll love this look in 20 years.
Quick tip: Ask your photographer, "If I showed you a photo of our florals, would they look the same colour in my gallery?" Their answers will tell you a lot. I have had clients send me photos of bridesmaid dresses and florals for me to apply my colouring to it.
My editing style is warm, romantic and natural. I want your photos to feel dreamy while still showing your colours and skin tones the way they truly were.
8. Ask About AI: How Is Your Photographer Using It?
This is the newest question on the list, and I think every couple should ask it in 2026.
AI tools are now widely marketed to wedding photographers. Some programs sort ("cull"/select) thousands of images to flag blinks and blurry shots, and others apply edits automatically across a whole gallery. Used thoughtfully, these tools can speed up delivery. But you deserve to know how your memories are being handled.
Questions to ask (my answers are included):
Do you use AI to choose which images we receive, or do you personally review the gallery?
I personally go through each image one by one. Ai might think that Gramma shedding a tear is a “bad” photo because her eyes are closed. I think it’s a powerful shot that portrays emotion and energy from that moment in time.
Do you use AI to edit? If so, does a human check every image?
I edit every image by hand, one by one.
Do you use generative AI to add, remove or change anything (people, objects, backgrounds, facial expressions)?
I use Ai to remove ugly things - think trash cans, exit signs, garbage, stains on clothing. I don’t change facial expressions. Wedding photography is about human connection, human emotion.
Are our images uploaded to any third-party service, and does that service use them to train its AI?
Absolutely not. I use Pic-Time to deliver galleries, any “ai” service is turned off.
I personally go through your images and choose which moments tell your story. I will never use generative AI to change who was at your wedding or what happened.
9. Do Your Guests Have to Pay to Download Your Wedding Photos?
This one surprises a lot of couples! Some photographers deliver galleries where you or your guests have to pay to download images, or where only low-resolution, watermarked images are free.
Before you sign, ask:
Are all of our edited, high-resolution images included in our package?
Yes!
Can we share our gallery link with family and friends, and can they download for free?
Yes!
Is there a download limit or an expiry date on the gallery?
No download limit. The gallery stays “live” for 1 month post delivery. I have pricing options to keep the gallery on my platform.
Can we print our photos anywhere we like, or only through your lab?
You can print anywhere. I have a printer attached to my gallery. The printer is located in Toronto and specializes in high quality printing on a variety of paper types.
A quick note on copyright in Canada. The Copyright Act gives individuals who commission and pay for photos for personal purposes the right to use them for private, non-commercial purposes (you can print for your home, give as gifts but you cannot give the image files to another business/magazine without my consent), unless you've agreed otherwise in your contract (Copyright Act, s. 32.2, Justice Laws Website). That's why it's important to read your contract and make sure it spells out your personal-use rights clearly. (I'm a photographer, not a lawyer, so check with a legal professional if you have specific questions!)
10. Are You Booking a Photographer or a Company?
This is a big one, and it's easy to miss. Some wedding photography businesses are studios or companies with a team of shooters. When you book, you may not know which photographer will show up on your wedding day until weeks before, or even on the day itself. One person might be photographing your wedding but then another person editing the images.
That can work for some couples, but if you fell in love with a specific person's portfolio and personality, ask:
Will you personally photograph our wedding? Is that written in the contract?
If it's a team, can we meet the actual photographer beforehand?
Whose work is in the portfolio? Is it the photographer we'll get, or the whole team's best work?
Who edits our images, you or an outside editing service?
When you book me, you get me (hello!): the person you met, chatted with and planned with. I'm the one behind the camera on your wedding day and the one choosing your images. If you add a second photographer, I'll introduce you beforehand so there are no surprises.
I am Alana from Alana Maria Photography (Hello! You can learn more about me HERE). I will be the person you meet with pre-wedding, the photographer that documents your wedding day and the person selecting and editing your images.
Your Quick Wedding Photographer Checklist
Before you sign that contract, make sure you can say "yes" to all of these:
They're based near (or happily travel to) my venue, and I know the travel fee.
The package fits my budget, and I know exactly what's included.
I've seen at least one or two full galleries that match my wedding vibe.
I feel comfortable with them, and I know they'll help with posing.
I've read reviews on more than one platform.
I love their editing style, and skin tones look natural.
I know how (and if) they use AI in culling and editing.
My guests and I can access and download our photos without surprise fees.
I know exactly who will be photographing my wedding.
My contract covers copyright/usage, backup plans, the payment schedule and the delivery timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my wedding photographer? Popular photographers often book 12 to 18 months out, especially for Saturdays from June to October. If you are getting married in September I would push for 18/20 months out as it is a very popular wedding month (I get it, I also got married in September) I'm currently booking 2027 and 2028 weddings.
Do I need a second photographer? For weddings with 100+ guests, simultaneous getting-ready locations or lots of candid coverage, a second shooter is a great add-on. For intimate weddings and elopements, one photographer is usually perfect.
How long does it take to get wedding photos back? It varies a lot between photographers. Always ask, and make sure the timeline is in your contract. All of my packages include a sneak peek so you're not left waiting to see your first images. As mentioned, with me I deliver sneak peeks within 2 weeks of the wedding date, full gallery 3 months to the date.
What's the difference between candid and posed wedding photography? Posed photos are directed, like family formals or couple portraits. Candid photos capture real moments as they happen. Just be carful, sometimes clients will come to me asking that all of their portraits be candid. This isn’t realistic as the “candid wedding couple portraits” are always directed. There are candid moments but expecting every shot in a gallery to be candid is not true to reality. Most couples want a mix of candid and directed and posed! You can read more in my post on what candid photography is HERE.
Let's Chat!
If you're planning a wedding in the Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region, Peterborough or anywhere in between, and you want a photographer who'll guide you, capture the real moments and become a friend along the way, I'd love to hear your story.
Check my availability HERE, get to know me a little better HERE. View my wedding portfolio HERE.
XOXO,
Alana
Kristen & Harrison | September 2026 | Port Perry Backyard Wedding | Photo Taken at a Golf Course
Sources & References
Bridebook - The Ultimate Canadian Wedding Budget Breakdown
https://bridebook.com/ca-en/article/the-ultimate-canadian-wedding-budget-breakdown
The Knot – How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost? (Real Weddings Study data): https://www.theknot.com/content/average-cost-wedding-photographer
Fearless Photographers – 2025 Wedding Photography Prices in Canada (informal photographer survey): https://www.fearlessphotographers.com/blog/355/2025-canada-prices
Bridebook Canada – How Much Does Wedding Photography Cost in Canada?: https://bridebook.com/ca-en/article/how-much-does-wedding-photography-cost-in-canada
Competition Bureau Canada – Five-star fake out (consumer alert on fake online reviews): https://www.canada.ca/en/competition-bureau/news/2022/03/five-star-fake-out.html
Government of Canada, Justice Laws Website – Copyright Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. C-42, s. 32.2: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-42/section-32.2.html
Imagen – Wedding Photography Editing Styles: https://imagen-ai.com/post/wedding-photography-editing-styles/
Imagen – Best Photo Culling App for Weddings: https://imagen-ai.com/post/best-photo-culling-app-weddings/