While there are plenty of LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographers out there, not all of them walk the walk.
As a queer wedding & engagement photographer myself, I’ve seen firsthand that anyone can claim to be LGBTQ-friendly, but the reality is – well, questionable.
And since you’ll be spending more time with your wedding photographer than anyone else on your big day, I’m here to help you find one who truly celebrates all love stories—especially yours!
So, if you’d like to have the best LGBTQ photoshoot… Let’s dive in!
LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographers: What to look for
If you’re a non-traditional couple, here are 9 things to look for when choosing your wedding or engagement photographer:
Inclusive online presence
Firstly, check out your potential photographer’s online presence—website, social media, the works. Truly LGBTQ friendly photographes welcome all genders, sexual orientations, ethnicities, sizes, and abilities, and their digital presence proudly showcases that.
So, if you see photos of multiple happy queer couples all over (like on my website), consider this your green flag! Your potential wedding photographer clearly has experience working with queer couples.
Reviews that show people felt empowered & celebrated
Read their reviews and make sure they’re someone who welcomes you just as you are, right now.
As a photographer who works with queer couples all the time, I can tell you that when people feel celebrated and appreciated, they’ll happily share it in their reviews.
So, my advice? Dive into their reviews. See how other couples like you felt about their experience. It’s a great way to get a feel for what your own experience might be like too.
When I do photoshoots, I aim to capture photos that wholeheartedly celebrate everything my clients are, with a bit of an unconventional touch. And guess what? My reviews reflect that, too! Feel free to have a look if you’d like to see for yourself.
They showcase queer love stories beyond June
June is Pride Month, and it’s amazing to see so many brands and photographers celebrating with LGBTQ content. But here’s the thing: if someone is genuinely committed to our community, that love and representation shouldn’t stop when June ends.
Look for photographers who showcase queer love stories all year round. This consistent representation shows they’re truly passionate about celebrating our community every single day, not just during Pride Month.
Gender-neutral language
Next up, check if their language is inclusive, too. And I don’t just mean on their IG captions, but everywhere! Think inquiry forms, their website, emails – you name it.
Using gender-neutral and inclusive language shows respect for all identities and a thoughtful, inclusive approach. It’s a small but powerful way to ensure everyone feels seen and valued and can be a sign that the photographer is LGBTQ+-affirming.
They’re skilled in making you feel at ease & confident
Getting married is such a vulnerable moment – you deserve someone who’s right there with you, supporting you every step of the way.
Look for a photographer who’ll make you feel amazing in front of the camera, just the way you are, and help you let go of any nerves so you feel comfortable and confident the whole time.
Someone who really gets you and knows how to bring out your unique essence (in you and your partner). Speaking from experience, a little friendly guidance can give you a major confidence boost.
If we work together, I’ll be there to share my favorite tips from countless weddings (including my own!).
I’ll help you with everything—from picking the perfect location to figuring out what to wear and what to do with your arms, to all the other little but overwhelming details.
They realize it’s your day & your way
I believe there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to your wedding day. What makes LGBTQ-friendly photographers truly inclusive is their openness to different needs and wishes. For your special day, you should get everything you want!
Look for a photographer who’s flexible with their packages – offering options like combining engagement and wedding photography, different styles, or really anything you need or desire. It’s all about making your vision come to life in every tiny detail.
The next few tips are more general ones but still super important to make sure you get your dream LGBTQ wedding photos and an awesome customer experience because you deserve it!
They have a quick turnaround time
No one likes waiting forever for their photos, right? Check if your photographer has a specific turnaround time and if their reviews back it up.
Trust me, once your wedding celebration is over, you’ll be super excited to get your wedding pictures. You’ll want to relive it all while it’s still fresh and see how amazing you looked in your wedding outfit!
It’s important to check what a photographer’s delivery window is, and whether or not it’s a guaranteed date or a general ballpark time frame. If I’m your photographer, you’ll get your finished photos within 2 weeks, guaranteed.
With a variety of editing styles
Alright, so you found a photographer who suits you, but you’re not sure about their editing style. No worries! You shouldn’t have to limit yourself or change your vibe because of your photographer.
Instead, try finding someone who’s flexible and inclusive to all your wants and preferences, adjusting their editing style to meet your dream vision.
For example, as a queer engagement and wedding photographer, I love using vivid, true-to-life colors.
But if someone requests something different, like a moody vibe or whimsical retro style, I’m more than happy to edit in any style they like. To me, it’s all about making sure their photos reflect exactly what they envision.
They’re happy to meet virtually commitment-free
Before you pay or sign anything, make sure your personalities and vibes align! Remember, your photographer will be the one you spend the most time with on your wedding day.
They should be excited to meet you free of charge, no matter the outcome, to see if they’re the right fit for you and if they can truly help you. I ALWAYS do this with my potential clients. If you’re interested in chatting about your vision, just contact me here!
And they’ll go that extra mile for you
Lastly, you know someone truly cares about you if they go a bit extra to make you even happier. So, besides breathtaking photography, a fast turnaround time, and great customer service, they’ll offer some special perks for working with you.
In my case, I’ll help you find the perfect vendors (since finding LGBTQ+ inclusive wedding vendors can feel scary), show you how to write your ceremony script, create your wedding day timeline, and more! (If you’re curious, see this page here).
Pro tip: Do a test run with an engagement photoshoot
Oh, and my bonus tip: If you’re looking for a wedding photographer, do a test run with them by having them do your engagement photos. This way, you can get an idea of what it’s like to work with them.
My luxury wedding package includes a complimentary engagement session, but anyone can add it at cost to their package.
Final thoughts on choosing your LGBTQ Wedding Photographer
I hope this post has helped you to learn about how to choose an LGBTQ-friendly wedding photographer for your big day.
If you’d like to work with a queer photographer like me, let’s talk! I’d love to bring your vision to life and celebrate your love story. Most weddings I photograph are in the SF Bay Area, but I’m happy to come wherever you are!
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