I know how important it is to get every detail right for your big day, and I truly believe finding the right photographer is one of the most important steps. Unfortunately, I’ve recently worked with a couple who fell victim to a scammer in the wedding industry—and I want to raise awareness because I don’t think enough brides know how common it is.

In fact, did you know that 40% of brides regret their photographer choice? That statistic breaks my heart, and I strive to do everything I can to lower that number. With so many talented photographers in the Atlanta wedding industry, it’s essential to choose someone who truly has your back. To help guide you, I’ve compiled a list of 8 red flags to keep in mind when choosing your wedding photographer. These aren’t end-all-be-all signs, but if you notice three or more of these, please really take a step back and think about your decision.

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Communication is Key

You deserve a photographer who makes you feel heard and supported. I always make it a point to connect with couples in a formal consultation before taking any deposits or signing contracts. Why? Because it’s so important to make sure the connection is there! If your photographer doesn’t prioritize talking to you now, how can you trust they’ll be there when you need them most? This is your wedding day! If they aren’t showing up with solid communication now, it’s a red flag that they might disappear before the big day.

Good communication should be a cornerstone of your wedding photographer’s service. If you’re having trouble getting in touch with a photographer or they take an unreasonably long time to respond to your emails or calls, that’s a warning sign. Time is precious in the wedding planning process, and the photographer who is responsive and timely with their communication is much more likely to provide a smooth and stress-free experience.

Furthermore, a photographer who doesn’t take the time to understand your vision, your style, and what’s important to you may not be the right fit. They should be asking questions like: “What moments do you want captured? What’s the style of your wedding?” If they don’t take the time to get to know you and your day, how can they possibly deliver photos that truly reflect your unique love story?

Check Their Website & Domain

Yes, a photographer’s website should be visually appealing—but also pay attention to the details, like the domain. If their website isn’t a standalone domain (i.e. if it’s linked to .pixieset.com, .shootproof.com, .wix.com, etc.), that could be a red flag! It suggests they didn’t invest in a professional domain or website, and this can often indicate a lack of professionalism or even a scam. A photographer who’s serious about their business will want you to take them seriously, which means a proper, branded website.

If They’re Too Cheap, Be Cautious

I hate to say it, but scammers thrive on the idea of offering too good to be true pricing. Many scammers know that when they collect a certain amount (often lower than you’d expect for professional photography), the bride might feel it’s not worth the trouble to pursue legal action. It’s incredibly easy for them to disappear without a trace—especially when they push you to pay through untraceable methods like Zelle or Venmo. If a photographer insists on using these platforms, that’s a major red flag. A professional photographer like myself will offer secure payment options through client management systems, protecting both you and themselves.

Reviews Matter

Sure, if a photographer has terrible reviews, that’s an obvious red flag. But even if you don’t see them on major review platforms like Facebook, Google, WeddingWire, or Zola, that could be a sign they’ve taken their reviews down after receiving negative feedback. A professional photographer will have a solid presence on multiple platforms because they want to show you how happy past couples are. If they don’t have reviews anywhere, it could mean they’re just starting out, or worse, they’re hiding something.

No Clear Contract or Terms

A professional photographer will always have a contract in place that clearly outlines expectations, deliverables, and terms of payment. If your photographer doesn’t offer a clear contract or terms of service, or worse, they send something that feels vague or rushed, that’s a major red flag. A solid contract protects both you and the photographer and ensures that your wedding day goes smoothly. Without it, you’re left vulnerable to potential issues down the line.

No Portfolio or Limited Portfolio

If a photographer doesn’t have a well-rounded portfolio with recent work available, that’s a warning sign. Photographers who are serious about their craft typically update their portfolios regularly and are transparent about their past work. A limited or outdated portfolio can indicate that the photographer doesn’t have enough experience, or worse, they might be hiding poor-quality work.

They Don’t Have a Backup Plan

Your wedding day should go off without a hitch—but sometimes life throws curveballs. If your photographer doesn’t have a backup plan in case of emergencies (like illness, weather, equipment failure, etc.), that’s a major concern. This is one of those things that is clearly explained in my contract and terms of service. A professional photographer will have backup gear, a plan for contingencies, and possibly even a second shooter. It’s essential for your peace of mind to know that if something unexpected happens, you’re still in great hands.

They Don’t Ask About Your Vision or Preferences

A photographer who doesn’t take the time to understand your vision, your style, and what’s important to you may not be the right fit. They should be asking questions like: “What moments do you want captured? What’s the style of your wedding?” If they don’t take the time to get to know you and your day, how can they possibly deliver photos that truly reflect your unique love story?

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My wish for you is to have peace of mind when choosing your wedding photographer. This is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the planning process. If there are any doubts in your mind about working with someone you’ve already booked with, I encourage you to get out of the deal while you can. You’ll never regret working with a wedding photographer that has your best interest at heart.

Please keep these red flags in mind, and remember, when you book a photographer who is dedicated to delivering top-quality service, you’re not just investing in photos—you’re investing in peace of mind.

Wishing you all the best in your planning!