How to Choose a Las Vegas Wedding Photographer

Just like wedding budgets and planning styles, photographers are not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. Each couple is unique, and so are the stylistic choices and processes for moving through the important shots of a wedding day. Check out our tips for choosing a wedding photographer in Las Vegas, with local expert input.

Plan Essential Items First

In the pecking order of wedding planning, a photographer is not at the start of the tasks. Vegas-born wedding photographer Sarah Jay of Sarah Jay Photography emphasizes the importance of booking a date and venue before reaching out to a photographer, to make sure that both parties can optimize the time they have together.

“Sometimes couples tend to jump to the photographer too quickly,” Jay says. “If you don’t have a venue or an idea of the coverage you’re wanting, you’re not going to get a focused and detailed response from the photographers you’re inquiring from.”

Jay also notes that some Vegas chapels and venues will charge outside vendor fees. Therefore, knowing the location prior and inquiring about a photographer will make sure that no surprise costs pop up later.

Do Your Research

The natural first step to photographer shopping is taking a look at their online portfolios. However, the investigation can go farther than that. Check to see if your photographer has profiles on well-known sites, like Wedding Wire or The Knot, to reference their work and legitimize their online presence. Check out online reviews as well.

Interview Photographers About Style and Expectations

In Las Vegas, the amount of wedding photographers means that there are hundreds of options for choosing one that matches their aesthetic. Interviewing several photography experts to find the right one is a natural part of the process. Parker Luke, owner of Vegas-based Parker Luke Film + Photo, says that conveying requests and visions to a photographer is an exercise in building a relationship with them. 

“It ultimately needs to be the couple’s story,” Luke says, “and the couple needs to know if the photographer is a good fit to really tell their story.”

While Jay describes her style as true color with an authentic and bright look, Luke describes his style as “Ralph Lauren mixed with Annie Liebovitz” in the cinematic qualities. He also says that understanding personal style beforehand only helps both parties.

“I’m really guiding the session, but I like to know the feel the couple’s going for,” he says. “That’s something the couple needs to know from [looking at] a photographer’s portfolio. Look through the samples.”

Don’t Skip the Engagement Session

Beyond the ceremony and reception, an engagement shoot is a common practice for betrothed couples. While it might not seem like an essential part of the process, engagement shoots offer the chance to establish a relationship with the photographer.

Jay says that an engagement shoot is the perfect opportunity to practice posing before the big day. One of the perks is bringing ease to grooms that might feel apprehensive in front of the lens.

“They are one hundred percent more flexible on the day of, and they’re not concerned about feeling awkward in front of the camera,” Jay says.

Discuss Costs with Photographer

Cost can be a sensitive subject when it comes to wedding services, but when it comes to Vegas weddings, the process is streamlined by photographers of all budgets. All wedding services come with a fee attached, and knowing the price beforehand will ease the conversation. 

Wedding photographers can offer package rates or charge by the hour. Don’t be afraid to ask about breakdowns and add-ons for more information, but don’t stress too much either. Luke says that when the right photographer is found, budget can take a backseat in the financial priorities.

“I would say that the very best relationships of photographers and couples come from those conversations, those meetings, those consultations, where budget starts slipping away as being the primary focus,” Luke says. “It’s really not [about] a price at the end of the day. It’s the relationship, and what the couple is ultimately going to be able to share.”

Ask for Special Accommodations

Throughout the process, wedding photographers act as guides for couples to move through the big moments of their wedding day with ease. Including essential details is an important step in the conversation. Communicate cultural traditions, special shots and every desired inclusion to the photographer.

“[I ask] if there are any special details that really matter to their wedding day, that would be really important to incorporate,” Luke says, “[like] details like family heirlooms, or if there’s a component of their story that needs to be in the album.”

The guests will be in the photos as well. If some guests prefer not to make it in the wedding book, or need special considerations for limitations or handicaps, always let the photographer know in advance for the shot list.

“I do ask in my portrait shot lists if there are any guests or family members who have any disabilities, or sensitivities to flash,” Jay says. “I need to be aware [if my couple] has any back problems or knee problems, so I don’t prompt that and make it an awkward or physical issue.”

Have Fun

Booking a wedding photographer is more than a checklist item. Elements of storytelling and adventure make this a memorable experience that will produce mementos that will last for decades to come. 

“I love elevating marriage. That’s the core heart of my photography and my portraiture,” Luke says.