Tips to Choose a Pre-Wedding Photographer Who Gets You

• By Team Plannersy
• 7 June 20257 June 2025
• Pre Wedding
• With 0 comments

There’s something incredibly magical about the time leading up to your wedding, the quiet excitement, the shared glances filled with dreams, and the story that’s still unfolding.

A pre-wedding shoot captures all that magic in moments you’ll treasure for a lifetime. But here’s the thing: those memories are only as beautiful as the eyes that capture them.

And that’s why choosing the right pre-wedding photographer isn’t just a task on your to-do list. It’s one of the most personal and important decisions you’ll make.

At Team Plannersy, we’ve worked with hundreds of couples, and time and again we’ve seen this truth:

“A great photographer doesn’t just take pictures, they tell your story in a way that feels honest, intimate, and uniquely yours.”

Whether you’re camera-shy or full of poses, traditional or artsy, finding the right photographer is about connection, comfort, and a shared creative vision. It’s not about fancy filters or trending reels, it’s about how someone sees your love and helps you preserve it just as it is: raw, joyful, beautiful.

So, if you’re wondering where to begin or how to make the right call, don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through every step.

Let’s explore how to choose the pre-wedding photographer who will turn your moments into memories.

1. Understand Your Style & Vision

Before you begin browsing on Google, searching on Plannersy, scrolling through Instagram feeds or asking for referrals, take a moment, just the two of you, and talk about what you truly want from your pre-wedding shoot.

At Team Plannersy, we often ask our couples:

“When you imagine looking at your pre-wedding photos 10 years from now, what do you want to feel?”

Your answer will reveal your style.

Do you love the charm of candid, in-the-moment shots? Or do you prefer something cinematic and dreamy? Are you drawn to nature, heritage backdrops, or urban vibes?

Some couples lean toward storytelling with a narrative, while others want clean, classic portraits with elegance and grace.

📸 Here are a few popular styles to consider:

• Candid/Natural: Caught in the moment, real emotions, no forced smiles.
• Editorial/Fashion-Inspired: Stylish poses, dramatic lighting, like a magazine shoot.
• Traditional: Classic, posed portraits with cultural elements.
• Documentary/Storytelling: A blend of moments that narrate your love story.
• Minimal & Aesthetic: Simple backgrounds, soft tones, and modern vibes.

When you’re clear about your vision, it becomes easier to find a photographer whose portfolio aligns with your style and who feels excited to bring your story to life.

Plannersy Pro-Tip:

Create a shared Pinterest board or mood collage of the kind of photos you both love; it’ll give your photographer visual direction and help you stay aligned as a couple, too.

Read Also: Creative & Candid Pre Wedding Photoshoot Themes, Ideas & Photo Inspirations That Are Pure Magic

2. Set a Realistic Budget (and Know What’s Included)

We get it, weddings come with a million expenses, and your pre-wedding shoot is just one line in the grand spreadsheet.

But trust us when we say: budgeting wisely for your photographer makes all the difference.

A good photographer is not just someone with a fancy camera. They bring creative direction, time, technical skill, editing expertise, and, most importantly, emotional sensitivity to your story.

At Team Plannersy, we always say:

“Your photos live long after the décor fades and the wedding cake is gone; invest in them thoughtfully.”

Here’s how to do that:

• Decide on a Range: Are you comfortable spending ₹10,000–₹25,000? Or does your budget allow for ₹40,000–₹70,000 or more for a seasoned pro?
• Ask What’s Included: Does the quote cover editing? Travel charges? Props or outfit changes? How many photos will be delivered? Are you getting prints or just digital files?
• Check for Hidden Costs: Will you be charged extra for additional hours, drone shots, or specific locations that require permits?
• Discuss Packages Openly: Most photographers offer multiple packages. Don’t hesitate to ask if a custom plan is possible, many are happy to tailor offerings to fit your budget and needs.

Plannersy Pro-Tip: Don’t compromise quality for the lowest quote. If your dream photographer is slightly above your budget, ask if they offer weekday or off-season discounts!

3. Review Their Portfolio Carefully

A photographer’s portfolio isn’t just a collection of pretty pictures; it’s a window into how they see the world… and how they might see you.

At Team Plannersy, we always tell our couples:

“Don’t just look for good photos. Look for good feelings in those photos.”

As you go through different portfolios, pay close attention to the emotions being captured. Do the couples look comfortable and joyful? Is there a sense of storytelling in the sequence? Are the photos consistent in quality and editing style?

Here’s what to look for when reviewing a portfolio:

• Consistency: Does their style (lighting, colors, tone) remain steady across different shoots?
• Diversity of Settings: Have they shot at locations similar to where you’re planning your shoot, like beaches, forts, or cafes?
• Emotion & Candid Moments: Can you feel the couple’s chemistry through the images?
• Creativity & Framing: Look for unique angles, creative use of light, and artistic compositions.
• Editing Style: Is it vibrant and colorful, muted and moody, or light and airy? Choose what matches your personal vibe.

And if possible, ask to see a full album, not just their Instagram highlights. A portfolio can look impressive in 10 curated images, but a full gallery shows how consistently they shoot and edit over the entire session.

Plannersy Pro-Tip: Don’t get swayed by just one viral reel or trending shoot. Trust your gut when a photographer’s work feels like it could be yours.

4. Check Reviews & Recommendations

Honest feedback from real couples is gold in a world full of filters and highlight reels.

A photographer’s visuals might smite you, but:

• What were they like behind the scenes?
• Were they patient during outfit changes?
• Did they make the couple feel relaxed?
• Were they punctual and professional?

This is where reviews and word-of-mouth truly matter.

At Team Plannersy, we always remind couples:

“A good photo speaks volumes, but a happy couple’s review speaks louder.”

Here’s how to do your homework:

• Ask Around: Talk to recently married friends, cousins, or colleagues. Personal recommendations are often the most trustworthy.
• Read Google & Instagram Reviews: Look for repeated compliments about punctuality, friendliness, and creativity.
• Ask for References: A professional photographer will happily connect you with past clients or share full shoot albums on request.
• Watch Behind-the-Scenes Reels: Many photographers post BTS snippets. Notice how they interact with the couple; that’s how they’ll interact with you.

Plannersy Pro-Tip: If you see a mix of glowing and average reviews, don’t hesitate to ask the photographer about them. Transparency builds trust.

5. Have a Heart-to-Heart Before Booking

Once you’ve shortlisted a few photographers whose work speaks to you, it’s time for the most critical part: the conversation.

This isn’t just about contracts or timelines yet. It’s about connection.

At Team Plannersy, we always say:

“Your photographer will be with you during some of the most intimate, emotional moments. Choose someone you feel safe and seen with.”

In your first chat, whether over Zoom or in person, pay attention to how they make you feel. Are they listening? Are they curious about your story? Do they offer ideas that align with your vision?

Here are a few things to discuss during this heart-to-heart:

• Your Story: Share how you met, what you’re like as a couple, and your vision for the shoot.
• Their Process: Ask how they plan, shoot, and deliver. Do they help with poses or let things unfold naturally?
• Location & Timeline: Talk about ideal locations, best time of day for light, and how long the shoot will take.
• Creative Input: Are they open to ideas, props, themes, or any quirks you’d like to include?

This conversation helps build comfort, so you’re not just working with a vendor when shoot day comes. You’re collaborating with someone who gets you.

💡 Plannersy Pro-Tip: Choose someone who makes you feel at ease when you’re awkward, excited when unsure, and celebrated exactly as you are. That’s the kind of magic you want in your memories.

6. Trust Your Instincts (and Have Fun!)

You’ve done the research. You’ve compared portfolios, read reviews, had that meaningful conversation, and now, it’s decision time.

Here’s our golden advice from Team Plannersy:

“When choosing your pre-wedding photographer, logic is great, but your heart knows best.”

If you feel an instant comfort with someone… if their work makes your heart flutter just a little… and if you can imagine being your realest selves in front of their lens, that’s your sign.

And once you’ve booked them, let go of the pressure to be perfect. You don’t need to be models. You just need to be yourselves, laughing, dancing, whispering jokes, or stealing little glances. That’s where the magic lives.

📷 Remember: It’s not about the fanciest props or the most viral poses. It’s about capturing your chemistry, energy, and that beautiful in-between space that only you two share.

Plannersy Pro-Tip: Bring snacks, wear comfy shoes between takes, and don’t forget a little speaker to play your song. It makes all the difference.

Final Thoughts from Team Plannersy 💛

Your pre-wedding shoot is more than just a photo session; it’s the first tangible memory of your journey toward forever. It’s where nerves meet giggles, awkward poses turn into real moments, and love translates into timeless frames.

Choosing the right photographer might seem like a small part of the big wedding puzzle, but trust us, it makes all the difference. The right photographer doesn’t just take pictures. They see you. They capture the unscripted, in-between moments you’ll look back on with the warmest smiles.

At Team Plannersy, we always remind our couples:

“It’s not about perfect lighting or the fanciest camera, it’s about the emotion, the comfort, and the connection behind every click.”

So, take your time. Ask questions. Scroll through those albums. Talk openly. Most importantly, trust your instincts. You’ll know when you find someone who gets your vibe, shares your vision, and makes you feel completely yourself.

And once that’s done, have fun with it. Laugh till your stomach hurts. Run barefoot. Steal kisses. Bring your pets. Dance like no one’s watching. Because in the end, those are the moments that make your love story truly yours.

All of us at Plannersy are excited about this chapter of your story. And we’re here, always, to help you tell it beautifully.

Stunning Pre-Wedding Photoshoot Locations Across India

Once you’ve chosen the right pre-wedding photographer, the next step is selecting a location that brings your love story to life. India offers a rich variety of scenic and culturally rich spots, perfect for capturing unforgettable pre-wedding memories. Here are some top picks across major cities:

Bookmark your favorite locations and share them with your planner or photographer — it helps craft your shoot story better!

Each of these locations offers a unique flavor and atmosphere. Combine the right setting with a skilled photographer, and you’ll create pre-wedding photos that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.