Looking for Coeur d'Alene Wedding Photographers?
3 Must-Know Tips to Find Your Perfect Wedding Photographer
Deciding on who to hire as your photographer can be daunting. In my hometown of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, it feels like there are almost as many photographers as there are real estate agents. With so many options, it’s easy to default to the photographer your friend used or someone your planner suggested. While first-hand recommendations are valuable (and to be honest, most of my clients come from referrals), it’s not always the right answer for everyone.
Photography is an art—and art is deeply personal and subjective. What speaks to one person may not resonate with another. This is why finding a photographer whose style, vision, and personality align with yours is so important. You’ll be spending one of the most meaningful days of your life with them, so you want someone who not only captures beautiful images but also makes you feel comfortable, seen, and cared for.
When choosing a wedding photographer, consider these three key elements:
🎯 Tip 1: Check their style!
Ask to see 2-3 full recent wedding galleries.
💬 Tip 2: Communication is key.
How quickly do they respond? How available will they be to you prior to your wedding?
🏆 Tip 3: Plan for experience.
Look for someone who knows how to handle timelines, tricky lighting, and unexpected moments.
Finding the right photographer isn’t just about pretty pictures—it’s about trusting someone to capture your story.
STYLE
Do you love their portfolio? Don’t just stop at a few highlight shots on Instagram—take the time to ask to see 2–3 full galleries. This will give you a better sense of their storytelling style and whether it aligns with how you want your day to be remembered. Every photographer edits differently. My editing style is true-to-life, meaning my goal is to enhance the natural beauty of the day without altering its colors or essence. It’s real life, elevated. But some photographers wash all of the color out. Or alter the colors align with their brand (sepia tones is one that comes to mind). Go with what looks beautiful to you, because in the end, your opinion is all that matters.
COMMUNICATION
How quickly do they respond to you? How available will they be to you before your wedding? Will they coordinate with your planner, florist, and the DJ? Do they make you feel heard? Do you feel comfortable asking for what you want?
EXPERIENCE
A wedding day moves fast, and unexpected moments will happen. An experienced photographer knows how to navigate tricky timelines, low lighting, full sun, and emotional moments with grace. They’ll also be prepared to guide you through the day seamlessly, so you can focus on enjoying it. This all comes from experience. Make sure that the images you are seeing are not from styled shoots. Styled shoots are when a photographer pays to take pictures of a mock wedding. The people in the shots are models. Styled shoots are staged. This does not represent a photographer working under stress and is not a good representation of what you can expect to receive from them.
Photos that tell the story of your love, your people, and all the moments in between.
Choosing the right photographer isn’t just about checking a box; it’s about finding someone who can help you relive the magic of your day for years to come.
