Your wedding photos will outlast every flower, favor, and place setting—so finding the right photographer isn’t just another checkbox. But here’s the thing: the “perfect” photographer isn’t the same for everyone. Your best fit depends on your style, your priorities, and how you want your wedding day to feel.
Whether you’re getting married on the shores of Lake Havasu or in the desert hills above, here’s how to find a wedding photographer who matches your energy—and makes sure your images are everything you’ve dreamed of (and more).
1. If Your Wedding Is Indoors or Outdoors, Lighting Experience Is Everything
Lake Havasu weddings often take place under the open sky—but not always. Whether your venue is filled with natural light or relies on dimmer indoor lighting, your photographer needs to know how to handle both.
If your ceremony or reception will be indoors, ask your photographer how they work in low light or ask to see some of their work from indoor lighting situations.
Experienced photographers will know how to adjust for artificial light sources, use available window light, or rely on their gear (like high-end camera bodies and fast lenses) to keep images natural, vibrant, and sharp without harsh flash and shadows.
For outdoor weddings, especially in bright sun or harsh midday light, look for how your photographer finds flattering lighting and positions their subjects.
Photographers trained in natural light will use shade, direction, and timing to create soft, balanced results.
In any setting, lighting makes or breaks a photo—and having the right experience and equipment is what ensures the best possible outcome.
2. If You Want Your Photos to Feel Natural and Timeless, Ask About Editing Style (And Know What to Look For)
Not all editing styles are the same—and not all of them age well. Some may look dramatic or trendy at first glance, but they can distort the colors and tones that made your day feel so special.
If you want images that feel real and timeless, ask your photographer about their editing approach.
Do they prioritize true-to-life color? Are their edits consistent across different lighting scenarios? Can they preserve the natural look of your venue and the people in it?
You can also spot differences by taking a closer look at their portfolio:
- Do white dresses look truly white, or are they cream, gray, or tinted yellow?
- Does greenery look green, or is it desaturated or made to look brown or orange?
- Do skin tones look natural, or do they lean orange, overly pink, or washed out?
And here’s something most couples don’t think about:
If you’ve spent time carefully choosing the perfect shade for your bridesmaids' dresses, floral arrangements, groomsmen’s ties, or ceremony decor, unnatural editing could change how those colors show up in your final images.
If color accuracy matters to you, make sure your photographer’s style reflects that.
3. If You Want to Easily Share Your Photos, Ask About Delivery
Your photos aren’t just for you—they’re for your partner, your parents, your future kids, and your friends. The way you receive them matters more than you might think.
Ask how your photographer delivers galleries, whether you get unlimited high-res downloads, and if the gallery is easy to use and share.
Some photographers use professional delivery software to get your photos to you in an instant- others might send you a USB or Hard Drive with all of your images. Photographers who offer personalized galleries and integrated print options can make your experience so much smoother.
4. If You Want More Than Just Photos, Ask About What Comes After
Your images are more than digital files. They’re keepsakes you’ll display, gift, and return to for the rest of your life.
If albums, thank-you cards, or framed images are on your mind, ask if your photographer offers support with these services.
Some photographers might offer a variety of print products such as albums, save-the-dates, invitations, and high-quality photos or access to professional print labs—making it easy to turn your memories into meaningful, tangible heirlooms.
5. If You’re Planning on a Shorter Timeline, Ask About Availability + Flexibility
Not every wedding is planned a year in advance—and that’s okay. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding in Lake Havasu or organizing things on a shorter timeline, flexibility can make all the difference.
If you’re booking closer to your wedding date or traveling in from another area, ask your photographer how far in advance they typically book—and whether they accept shorter notice weddings.
Some photographers book 9+ months in advance, but others- (like me!)- might book about 6 months out or less, which means last-minute availability isn’t out of the question. The shortest notice I've had for a wedding was less than 24 hours’ notice—it was a miracle, and I loved it. If I’m available, I’m all in.
6. Ask About Their Working Style
Some photographers love to take charge—guiding every pose, directing the action, and sticking to a detailed shot list. Others prefer to blend into the background, capturing unscripted moments you may not even realize are happening.
Photography styles live on a spectrum—and there’s no right or wrong approach. But it’s important to know where your potential photographer falls.
Ask them how involved they typically are during the wedding day and how they help couples feel at ease on camera.
Then take a good look at their portfolio. (This can be their social media or their website or any other places they share their work.)
Do the photos feel posed and polished, or candid and spontaneous? Are couples laughing, relaxed, and emotionally present?
The answer will tell you a lot about how your experience will feel—and what kind of images you’ll receive.
Planning Your Wedding in Lake Havasu City?
If timeless edits, natural lighting, high-res galleries, custom print options, and intentional service matter to you—I’d love to connect. You can explore my work and learn more about my wedding photography experience at