P is for personality (because wedding photography isn’t about price) aka how to choose a wedding photographer

When couples start planning a wedding, it is natural to focus on budgets, quotes and spreadsheets. Weddings can be expensive, and photography often represents a significant investment. But when it comes to choosing the right wedding photographer, price should not be the first and deciding factor. The personality fit between you and your photographer should be top priority.

On your wedding day, you will spend more time with your photographer than with your new spouse. That simple fact makes it vital to choose someone you genuinely enjoy being around.

The flipside of choosing your wedding photographer based on price alone

It can be tempting to choose a photographer purely on cost, especially if you are trying to stretch your budget. But cheaper is not always better. Every professional photographer shot their first wedding. Generally that was as a second shooter, under the wing of an experienced veteran. A photographer with less experience (and therefore charge less for their services) may not have the technical skills or professional systems in place to provide consistently excellent work.

This could show up in several ways:

• Struggling technically due in inexperience (blurry, badly composed or poorly exposed photos)

• Not carrying backup cameras, lenses or memory cards in case of equipment failure (missing chunks of the day)

• Feeling unprepared to manage the natural mishaps of a wedding day calmly and seamlessly (panicking or stressing and making you feel the same)

• Most importantly, not knowing how to blend in and interact naturally with you and your guests (making everyone feel awkward).

The result can be photographs that do not reflect your day authentically, or an experience that leaves you feeling stressed rather than supported. The photographs are one of the only lasting parts of a wedding, and disappointment in them is one of the hardest things to recover from.

Why personality matters most

Technical skill and professional reliability are essential, but personality is what shapes your experience of being photographed. If you connect with your photographer, you will feel comfortable enough to laugh, cry, hug and celebrate without self-consciousness.

That comfort translates directly into your photographs. You will see the real you, surrounded by the people you love most. Small, fleeting moments: a parent’s hand squeeze, a burst of laughter during vows, a quiet glance between you and your partner. These will be documented as they happened, without needing to be staged.

What to look for in a photographer

When you are choosing a photographer, there are a few things worth considering beyond personality and price.

• Professional standards Look for someone who is accredited with a recognised organisation such as the New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography (NZIPP) or an equivalent overseas body. Accreditation shows they meet a high standard of skill and professionalism.

• Training While talent and experience are crucial, formal training such as a diploma in photography or business studies (although not essential) can be a good sign that your photographer has invested in building a solid foundation.

• Approach Make sure their style of working matches what you want for your day. Some couples love a directed, editorial feel, while others prefer pure documentary coverage. Knowing which style resonates with you will help you choose the right fit.

• Connection Ultimately, you want to feel at ease.

• Budget Not too cheap but also within your means. In order to afford your favourite photographer, you might like to enquire about their payment options, ask close family to contribute to your photography in lieu of a gift or reduce the number of hours coverage you have. Quality over quantity sometimes is best.

How to choose your wedding photographer

Meet with your shortlisted photographers. Chat with them, and trust your instincts about whether they feel like someone you would enjoy spending your wedding day with. This could be in person or via a video call, but don't just risk a significant chunk of your wedding budget on a string of emails.

Final thoughts

At the end of the day, wedding photography is not about price. It is about trust, professionalism and above all, personality. Your photographs will be how you relive your wedding day for decades to come, so choose someone whose presence makes you feel relaxed, supported and free to be yourself.

Photo: Belinda Pratt Photography

About Lucalia Photography

I'm Sarah, the person behind Lucalia Photography. I am a mum, wife and documentary wedding photographer serving couples at the top of the South Island: Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough. My approach is simple: I do not stage or interfere, I let you live your day while I capture it honestly. Couples often tell me they did not even realise I was there, yet their photographs bring back every emotion.

Documentary wedding photography is about capturing your day exactly as it unfolds. A true documentary photographer will not pose you, move you, ask you to repeat moments or direct your guests. They are there to observe and record, not to interfere.

This approach allows you to stay present with your family and friends, while your photographer quietly preserves the emotions and moments that make your day unique. Many couples are surprised to discover later just how much their photographer saw and captured, without ever feeling intrusive.

If this sounds like the experience you want for your wedding, I would love to hear your story. Feel free to check out more of my documentary wedding photography in Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough, on my website.