Knowing how to choose a Miami wedding photographer is harder than it looks. There are a lot of us, and on Instagram a lot of us can start to look the same. Everyone posts their best ten photos. The way you find the right one is by asking the questions that the highlight reel doesn't answer.
These are the questions to ask a wedding photographer before booking that I'd ask if I were hiring one for my own wedding. I'll tell you how I answer each one too, so you have something to compare against.
1. Can We See a Full Wedding Gallery?
This is the most important question on the list. Instagram shows you the best moments. A full gallery shows you the whole day: the dark reception room, the family photos at noon, the getting-ready shots in a small hotel room with bad light.
Ask for one or two complete galleries from weddings like yours. If you're getting married at a specific venue, ask if they've shot there.
You can see full wedding stories on my blog, like Allie & Dillon at the Ancient Spanish Monastery and Pat & Tori at the Biltmore Hotel.
2. How Would You Describe Your Style?
Photographers use a lot of the same words: editorial, documentary, light and airy, moody, film-inspired. What matters is whether their photos look like what you see in your head.
For me, it's editorial portraits, vintage film-like tones and real, candid moments. For most of the day I'm a fly on the wall. When it's time for portraits, I'm directive. I'll put you in the best light and tell you exactly what to do with your hands.
If you love that look, great. If you want something bright and pastel, I'm probably not your guy, and that's totally fine. Find the person whose work you can't stop looking at.
3. How Do You Handle Posing?
A lot of couples tell me they're awkward in front of the camera. That's normal. Ask the photographer how they get people comfortable.
My answer is that I guide you the whole time. I'll give you something to do, not just "act natural." The goal isn't the perfect pose. It's showing your connection. An engagement session is a great way to practice before the wedding, and my top full collection includes one.
4. Are You Shooting Our Wedding Yourself?
Some studios book you with the owner's name and send an associate photographer. That can work, but you should know before you sign. Ask whose work is in the portfolio and who will actually be there.
With me, you'll know exactly who is photographing your wedding before you sign.
5. Do You Bring a Second Photographer?
For a full wedding, a second photographer means one of us is with each of you while you get ready, and we get both of your faces during the ceremony. My full collections include a second shooter. Micro weddings and shorter days are just me, with a second shooter available. I wrote more about what a second shooter gets you.
6. How Many Hours Do We Need?
A good photographer should help you figure this out instead of just selling you the biggest package. Ask how they handle the first look and portrait time too. Ask them to walk through your day with you.
For a full wedding with getting ready, a ceremony and a reception, most of my couples land around 8 hours. A smaller day can work with 3 to 4. My guide on how much coverage you really need goes through it with a sample timeline.
7. How Do You Plan Around Miami Light and Weather?
Miami is its own thing. The sun sets around 8 pm in the summer and around 5:30 pm in the winter, and summer storms can pop up out of nowhere. A photographer who shoots here a lot will ask about your sunset time right away and have an indoor or covered backup in mind.
I build every timeline around sunset, and I always leave gaps for portraits. If you're getting married between May and October, read my guide to Miami's heat and rainy season.
8. When Will We Get Our Photos, and How?
Ask for two answers: what the contract says, and what usually happens. Also ask how the photos are delivered and whether you can download and print them.
For me, sneak peeks usually come within about a week. Your full gallery is delivered within 90 days contractually, as a downloadable online gallery you can share with family and print from. I don't cap the number of photos. For a full wedding, couples typically get up to around 1,000.
9. What's in the Contract?
Read it before you sign, and ask about:
The retainer and payment schedule. Mine is a 50% non-refundable retainer when you sign, and the rest is due 30 days before the wedding.
Travel fees. Weddings outside the Miami and Broward area usually have one with me, and I tell you the exact amount before you sign.
What happens if something goes wrong. Ask about backup equipment and what happens if the photographer gets sick.
Usage. Ask whether they'll share your photos online or submit them for publication.
10. What Do Your Couples Say?
Reviews tell you what it's actually like to work with someone, not just how the photos look. Read the long ones, and look for things like communication, how they handled stress and whether the photos came when promised.
I'm a 7-time The Knot Best of Weddings winner and in their Hall of Fame, with 300+ reviews rated 5.0 on The Knot, WeddingWire and Google. You can read what my couples say here.
One More Thing: Do You Click?
You're going to spend your whole wedding day with this person. They'll be there while you get dressed, during your vows and on the dance floor. Hop on a call before you book. If you feel comfortable talking to them, you'll feel comfortable in front of their camera.
My goal isn't to be a vendor. It's to be a friend on your wedding day, someone you can relax and be yourselves around.
How to Choose a Miami Wedding Photographer: What Matters Less
A few things matter less than people think:
Exact photo counts. More photos isn't better. You want the right moments, edited well.
Brand-new gear talk. Camera specs don't make great photos. The person behind the camera does.
How many followers they have. Look at their full galleries and reviews instead.
FAQ
How far in advance should you book a wedding photographer in Miami?
As soon as you have your date and venue. I'm currently booking 2027 and 2028 weddings, so reach out early and I'll check my availability for your date.
How much does a Miami wedding photographer cost?
It depends on hours and what's included. My full collections start at $6,900 for 8 hours with two photographers, and micro weddings start at $3,995. I break it all down in my Miami wedding photographer cost guide.
What questions should I ask a wedding photographer before booking?
Start with these: Can we see a full gallery? Who is actually shooting our wedding? Is a second shooter included? When will we get our photos? What's in the contract? The ten questions above cover the rest.
Should we meet our photographer before booking?
Yes. A quick call or FaceTime helps you see if you click. I always do one before couples book.
What should I look for in a wedding photographer's portfolio?
Full galleries, not just highlights. Look for a consistent style, good photos in tough light and real moments with family and guests, not only posed portraits.
Do you travel for weddings?
Yes. I've photographed weddings in New York, New Jersey, DC, Colombia and all over Florida. Weddings outside Miami and Broward usually have a travel fee, and I'll tell you the exact amount before you sign.
Let's Talk
If you've read this far, you're doing your homework, and I love that. Send me your date, your venue and a little about you two, and let's hop on a call. See my wedding collections or reach out here.
