What Does A Wedding Photographer Actually Do?

Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone who can take a nice photo (though, obviously, that’s important). It’s about finding a human you connect with. Of all the vendors you’ll invite into your wedding day, your wedding photographer is the one you'll be spending the most time with. Think of them as your friendly shadow - capturing the moments you planned (and the ones you didn’t) and helping to set the vibe for the entire day. It's why finding a photographer who gets your vibe, understands your vision, and can capture your day in a way that actually feels like you is so important.

To add, your wedding photos are one of the only parts of the day that will last forever. They’re the proof of the love, the chaos, the tiny in-between moments you didn’t even realise were happening. So, without wanting to sound the alarm, who you choose is a pretty big deal.

To help you find and book a wedding photographer who is the right fit for you, here’s a detailed breakdown of what they actually do, how to choose one you genuinely vibe with, and the questions to ask before you book.

What they do

Take photos of you and your partner, your family and friends, and every detail of your wedding dat to create a storybook of images that you'll treaure forever. They are there to capture all the moments, both big and small, as they happen.

How to choose a wedding photographer

Start by shortlisting photographers whose work you like the most, reach out to see if they're available on the date/s you're thinking of hosting your wedding and.- most importantly - arrange to have a chat. Your photographer will be your invited stalker on the day of your wedding - it's important to feel a personal connection with this person so that 1) you're relaxed (which will translate into your photos) and 2) you're not spending the day with a stranger you don't gel with.

You can ask those around you for recommendations - people who were over the moon with their wedding photographer will be excited to share their details. And don't be afraid to use the same photographer as a friend or relative if you loved their wedding pics.

Do not, we repeat, DO NOT get a friend who has a nice Instagram or Tik Tok feed to take your wedding photos. Unless they are a wedding photographer, in which case, exception granted. Equally, we'd advise you think carefully about accepting offers of photography from professional photographers who haven't shot weddings before. Unlike studio or scenic photography, wedding photography is full of fast and fleeting moments. There are no redos, so if a moment is missed, that's that.

Questions to ask

• How long have you been photographing weddings?
• How would you describe your style of photography?
• Do you offer a pre-wedding 'get to know you' session or engagement shoot?
• Do you do venue site inspections?
• What pricing packages do you offer?
• Do you offer wedding albums as part of your packages or as an additional service?
• How do we secure our wedding date?
• Do you travel? What are the costs involved with getting you to our venue/s?
• What is the best time for couples' portraits at our wedding?
• How much time should we allow for scheduled photos?
• Do we need a second shooter? Is this an additional cost?
• Do we need a photographer here for the entire day and night?

When to book your wedding photographer

As soon as possible! The best photographers book out 12–18 months in advance, especially during peak wedding season (September–April). The last thing you want is to fall in love with someone’s work only to find out they’re already booked. Prioritise securing your photographer right after locking in your venue and date.

You might not have realised

A wedding photographer wears many hats on the day. They’re part photographer, part emotional support person, part weather-watcher, part timeline manager - and occasionally, professional dress-fluffer and boutonnière fixer.

They’re also responsible for a huge amount of behind-the-scenes work after your wedding. Most photographers spend between 15–30 hours carefully editing and curating your images so every photo you receive feels timeless and polished.

Average wedding photographer prices

Expect to pay anywhere from $3,500 - $8,000+ for six to eight hours of coverage from an experienced photographer in Australia. Full-day or destination weddings may cost more, while shorter elopement packages might be less.

It’s a significant investment but one that’s absolutely worth it. When the food’s been eaten and the flowers have wilted, your photos will be what keeps the memories alive.