Finding the right Lake Charles Wedding Photographer isn’t just about price or availability. It’s about trust, style, and connection. Here’s what most people don’t learn until after the contract is signed.
1. Every Photographer Edits Differently
I team up with my sister— Brittany Bean Photography —for weddings all the time. We can shoot the same ceremony, the same vows, the same couple… and still deliver galleries that feel completely different.
Her style? Bright, playful, romantic—edited to give that “happily ever after” vibe. Wide frames, soft angles, and that peaceful storybook feel.
Mine? Bold. Cinematic. Intentional. I shoot tight and close, almost always in portrait orientation. I lean into deep color tones and lower angles to bring out the intensity and strength between a couple. It’s less about pretty poses—more about emotional gravity.
Neither one is right or wrong—but one of them might feel more like you.
2. Not Everyone Delivers the Same Number of Photos
I usually shoot around 600 photos at every wedding—not because I plan to deliver 600, but because I never stop paying attention. Even when we’re not staging a shot—while you’re walking between spots, adjusting your dress, or just breathing—I’m shooting.
Some of the most powerful moments happen when you think the camera’s down. That’s my zone. Those raw, real, unplanned frames? They’re often the ones you’ll feel most.
I shoot 600 to make sure I don’t miss anything—not just the big stuff, but the subtle in-betweens. Even if it doesn’t seem amazing in the moment, it might just blow your mind when you see it.
3. Your Location Changes Everything
It probably sounds strange, but what’s beautiful to the eye doesn’t always translate on camera. A bright sunny day with clear blue skies? Honestly, that’s some of the most difficult light to shoot in.
I actually prefer overcast or cloudy days—they’re perfect for my cinematic editing style and help create mood, depth, and emotional weight in the images.
But in Lake Charles, we don’t always get perfect conditions. That’s why it’s so important to have a photographer who can pivot fast, adapt to light on the fly, and still find the magic no matter what the forecast says.
4. Personality Compatibility Matters More Than You Think
On your wedding day, your photographer isn’t just clicking a shutter. We’re problem-solvers, timekeepers, emotional anchors—and sometimes, unofficial coordinators.
I remember shooting a wedding at The Sugar Chateau with Brittany Bean. There was a day-of coordinator on the payroll… but no one ever actually saw them. Then the weather turned: cold, wet, and still raining. Not exactly ideal.
But instead of panicking, we stepped up. Brittany and I handled the timeline and kept both wedding parties moving while the owners (seriously some of the best humans ever) worked to move the entire ceremony from outdoors to indoors. Everyone adapted. Everyone stayed calm. And we still made beautiful things happen.
That’s what you want in a photographer—someone who’s not just there to take pictures, but someone who’s invested in the whole experience with you.
5. Not All Packages Are Created Equal
If a photographer is advertising an absurd number of final images—500, 800, 1000+—chances are, their editing is outsourced. That’s not necessarily a dealbreaker. But it’s something worth thinking about.
Whoever edits those photos wasn’t there. They didn’t see the look on your face during the vows. They didn’t feel the way your family hugged you after the ceremony. They didn’t build a relationship with you or your people. They’re just matching a style preset and moving on.
When I edit, I remember what it felt like to be there. I remember the energy in the room, the tone of your voice, the weird and beautiful in-between moments that no one else saw. Editing isn’t just a post-process—it’s part of the emotional arc of the whole experience.
That’s why shooting and editing matter. But more than that? The relationship matters. It’s the most important part of everything I do.
Looking for a Lake Charles Photographer Who Gets It?
You deserve more than pretty pictures. You deserve someone who’s fully present—someone who notices the way your hands find each other when no one’s looking. Someone who’s calm under pressure, but fully in the moment with you.
That’s how I work. I’m based in Lake Charles, and I shoot all over Southwest Louisiana—always with intention, always with heart. If you want images that feel like your story, not someone else’s trend, I’d love to talk.
Reach out here and let’s start something real.
Want to Learn More or See the Work for Yourself?
Choosing a photographer is personal. It’s about emotion, trust, and knowing you’ll be seen—not just posed. If you’re planning your wedding in Lake Charles or anywhere in Southwest Louisiana, I’d love to show you what that looks like in real life.
Start by exploring my portfolio to see how I capture real moments with intention. You can also download free wedding planning tools like my budget calculator, estimator, and savings guide to help you stay grounded while planning.
And if you want a second opinion on what to expect from a photographer’s process, this article from Brides.com offers another perspective—because you deserve to feel fully informed before booking anyone.
