How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer: Expert Tips from a premier Richmond Wedding Venue

Jess Williams
Sep 3
4 min read

When it comes to planning your wedding, few decisions are as important as choosing your photographer. After all, once the cake is cut, the flowers have wilted, and the guests have gone home, your wedding photos will be the lasting memories of your special day.

As a venue that has hosted hundreds of weddings in the DMV area, we’ve seen the full spectrum of photography—from jaw-dropping galleries that capture every golden-hour glow to unfortunate moments missed due to poor planning or lack of familiarity with the venue.

We’re here to help you make a confident choice that leads to stunning images and a stress-free experience. Here are our top expert tips for choosing the right wedding photographer:

1. Use Our Preferred Vendor List

This isn’t just a nice suggestion—it’s one of the best ways to set yourself up for success. All of the photographers on Avonlea Farms' preferred vendor list are:

Fully insured and vetted
Familiar with our venue rules and layout
Acquainted with the best photo spots on property
Loved by past Avonlea couples

By choosing a photographer who’s worked with us before, you’re skipping over a big learning curve. These pros know the timing of the light in the greenhouse, the perfect angle under the Wedding Tree, and exactly where to catch those romantic sunset shots.

2. Always Add a Second Shooter

Trust us: having a second shooter can make or break your timeline. Weddings are fast-paced and multifaceted. While one photographer is capturing your emotional walk down the aisle, the second shooter can be grabbing your partner’s reaction or documenting candid moments among your guests.

Second shooters also allow for better coverage of both parties getting ready, speedier family portraits, and more variety in your final gallery. It’s an investment that pays off in storytelling power.

3. Ask to See a Full Gallery

Highlight reels and Instagram feeds are curated to show only the best of the best. But what about the rest? Ask potential photographers to show you a full wedding gallery. This helps you evaluate:

How they handle different lighting situations
Whether they capture moments consistently throughout the day
Their skill in documenting both the big and small details

You want to see the full story, not just the Instagram-worthy chapter.

4. Choose Them for Their Editing Style—and Know It Won’t Change

This is a big one. Every photographer has a unique editing style, whether it’s light and airy, dark and moody, or crisp and true-to-color. When reviewing portfolios, make sure their style aligns with your vision. If you love true-to-life color, don’t hire a photographer who edits with warm vintage tones hoping they’ll change it for you.

Editing style is part of a photographer’s signature, and it won’t (and shouldn’t) be altered. Make peace with that upfront so you get images you love and expect.

5. Clarify Delivery Timelines and Image Counts

Every photographer has their own workflow. Some deliver sneak peeks within 48 hours; others might take a few weeks. Standard turnaround time for full galleries is often between 6-12 weeks. Make sure you understand:

When you’ll get your images
How many edited images are included
Whether you'll receive an online gallery, USB drive, or physical prints
If printing rights are included

No one likes chasing down wedding photos, so set expectations early!

6. Choose Someone You Actually Like

This might seem like a small detail, but it’s everything. Your photographer will be with you during intimate, emotional, and sometimes stressful moments. You want someone who feels like a calming presence, not a chore to be around.

Schedule a call or engagement shoot to test the waters. If their vibe puts you at ease, that’s a good sign you’ve found a winner.

Some of Our Favorite Photographers to Consider

We’re lucky to work with some truly amazing creatives. Here are just a few of the photographers we love and trust at Avonlea Farms:

1. Savannah Tilghman Film & Photo Savannah provides wedding media that exists at the intersection of tradition and trend. She blends a traditional approach with documentary and editorial flare to create a well-rounded story in your wedding gallery or highlight film, which are all edited by hand with a touch of warmth.

2. Ripp Photography Co Casey is perfect for the adventurous couples. Ripp Photography is all about capturing those raw and real moments and making sure everyone feels like their most gorgeous selves. She specializes in documentary-style wedding photography, capturing genuine emotions and unscripted moments.

3. Amber Mae Photography Working with Amber goes beyond shot lists. She wants to know how you met, what you love about each other, why you're choosing this person for this lifetime, what you're most looking forward to during your celebration.

4. Jessica Erin Photos Jessica creates a stress-free photo-flow that enables you to stay immersed and present in your day, while still capturing artful and visually interesting photos. Jessica values capturing candid, emotive moments and naturally styled posing that make even the most camera-shy couple feel comfortable, stunning, and true to themselves.

Final Thoughts

At Avonlea Farms, we believe photography is one of the most important investments you can make in your wedding day. Your photos are more than images—they’re heirlooms, mementos, and the storybook of your love.

By following these tips and leaning on trusted vendors who know our property inside and out, you’ll set yourself up for a seamless day and a gallery full of magic.

Still looking for the perfect place to say "I do"? Book a tour with us and come see why Avonlea Farms is one of the DMV’s most beloved venues for couples who want beauty, heart, and a personalized experience.