How to Choose a Wedding Photographer in Longmont, CO

Bride in Longmont Colorado at the St. Vrain wedding venue, getting ready.

(From Someone Who’s Seen It All)

Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t really about photography.
It’s about trust.

Your photographer is one of the few people who will be with you for nearly every meaningful moment of your wedding day. They’ll see the nerves, the quiet pauses, the chaos, the joy — often before anyone else does. And how they show up in those moments shapes not just your photos, but your entire experience.

As a wedding photographer in Longmont, I’ve seen how my couples relax into their day when they know that they can rely on me to capture their day no matter what. You can too by finding a photographer who is experienced, prepared for anything, and positive. The difference usually isn’t fancy camera gear or a degree. It’s three things, know, like and trust. Do people around know them, what are their Google Reviews like? Are they knowledgable about their gear, weddings, and editing?

Do you mesh? How did the consultation go, did they make you feel at ease? Do you feel like you could hang out with them all day and have a good time?

And finally trust, if the weather turns can they still complete the session? Can you trust that they’ll be able to tell the story of your wedding day? Will they go above and beyond for you?

These are the things to think about when looking for your perfect wedding photographer. But if I haven’t convinced you, keep reading, there’s more to consider if you want to have a seamless wedding experience.

Style Matters — But Feeling Matters More

Recently married couple dancing in front of their marquee in Salida, Colorado. Celebrating being just married. The sign says, "Be my ball and chain? Annie & Jacob Weding, July 27 2024."

Most couples start their search by looking at style. Documentary. Editorial. Light and airy. Moody. Clean. Romantic. These labels can be helpful, but they don’t tell the whole story.

What matters more is whether the images feel honest. Do the couples look like themselves? Do the moments feel natural instead of overly arranged? Can you imagine being in front of that camera without feeling stiff or performative?

A beautiful Instagram feed is nice, but a full wedding gallery shows you how a photographer handles real timelines, real lighting, and real emotions. Don’t hesitate to ask to see a full wedding gallery.

Here are three ways to find which photography style you like.

  1. Moody or Light & Airy. The image to the left is edited in a “True to Life” color style with medium contrast. Meaning, it’s a bit in the in between “moody” and “light & airy”. My style is to slightly enhance the colors in the photograph, embrace the natural lighting (using flash if necessary or for a creative touch), and creating a sharp emotional image.

  2. Documentary vs. Shot Lists. Is it important to you to have specific shots? Or do you want to experience your day fully in the present with no distractions from your photographer? There is nothing wrong with saying a bit of both.

  3. What does the photographer you’re interested in hiring specialize in? Posing, lighting, action, emotion, hype? Now what is most important to you?

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer in Longmont, CO

Experience Is the Thing You Don’t Notice — Until You Need It

Couple standing with their small ceremony guests at Rocky Mountain National Park under a shade tree. Mountains in the background, the wedding guests are all standing with their backs turned to the photographer forming a semi-circle around the couple.

Colorado weddings are famously unpredictable. Bright sun, sudden clouds, wind that shows up uninvited. Timelines shift. Family dynamics get complicated. Something always runs a little late.

An experienced wedding photographer knows how to adapt without making it your problem. They anticipate issues, adjust quietly, and keep things moving calmly. That calm becomes contagious — and it shows in your photos. A photographer that works with the rest of your wedding team is very important.

Things to consider:

Are they a preferred vendor at your venue?

Do they have educational content on their social media?

Have they photographed at your venue before?

Are they experienced in the traditions you’re having during your celebration?

How many years have they been photographing weddings?

Do they have a professional website?

How do they protect your photo’s and insure they won’t get lost or deleted?

Personality Isn’t a Bonus — It’s Essential

Bride sitting on grooms shoulders during their reception. She is wearing a cowboy hat, the reception lights are blurred and trailing. They're dancing and having fun to the music.

This part often gets overlooked: how do you feel around your photographer?

If you feel rushed, awkward, or unsure, it will show in your body language. If you feel comfortable and gently guided, that ease shows up too.

Your photographer doesn’t need to be your new best friend by any means. But they should feel like someone you trust to take care of things while you stay present.

5 Best Ways to find a Photographer You Vibe With:

  1. Stalk their professional Instagram or TikTok, is there a common thing you love about their work? Do they show up on their social media as their authentic selves?

  2. Schedule a consultation. Actually talking with them and see how they make you feel.

  3. Has a friend of yours recently worked with a photographer? Ask them how they felt working with that photographer. If it was a good fit for them, maybe they’ll be a good fit for you too.

  4. Read their “About Me” page on their website. Do they seem someone you’d want to hang out with? Does anything stand out to you that you can connect on?

  5. Ask your Venue or Wedding Planner who they like to work with. Good wedding photographers have good reputations with venues and vendors. We love working with each other, a team who has worked together before is like a well oiled machine, and your wedding runs smoothly.

A Real Longmont Wedding Moment

At a recent wedding near Longmont, a sudden summer hail storm decided to make an appearance. There was a light drizzle during their ceremony, a bit heavier right after they said “I do,” then the sun came out again for portraits, and began to hail right as we were joining cocktail hour in the tent.

Because we had built in buffer time and already scoped covered locations, the shift felt easy instead of stressful. The couple got married in a little bit of rain. We took a small break before finishing family portraits. Then when the sun came out we sprung into portraits, getting our photos quickly before the hail came pouring down.

The couple stayed relaxed. We leaned into the moment. And some of their favorite photos came from that unexpected change — proof that preparation and a bit of patience matters more than perfect plans.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a wedding photographer is really about choosing how you want your day remembered — not just how it looked, but how it felt.

If you’re planning a wedding in Longmont, CO or anywhere in Boulder County and want photography that feels natural, thoughtful, and emotional I’d love to talk.

👉 Check availability for your Longmont wedding

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