Finding a wedding photographer is hard. You have to like their style, their personality, and they have to be available on your date. And when you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it becomes even harder. Not only do you have to make sure your photographer isn’t a homophobic asshole, but you also have to make sure they truly understand your relationship and how to capture it. And finding someone in the community to be your LGBTQ+ wedding photographer tends to be the best route. Here’s why:

Gender Neutrality

Whether it be contracts or posing, let’s keep it neutral. Your relationship deserves to be reflected the way it is, and that comes without an assumption of gender roles. A few ways to keep gender neutrality top of mind:

• All contracts and client guides have a focus on gender neutrality – let’s keep bridesmaid and groomsmen terms in the past
• Session posing and prompts are up to interpretation based on your relationship
• Using the right pronouns or none at all – your pronouns are part of your identity, and respecting those is a top priority

Comfort & Camaraderie

As a fellow member of the LGBTQ+ community, I get it. Not only how careful you have to be about booking a photographer that makes you feel like yourself… but also all those jokes that, let’s be real, our straight friends just can’t laugh at in the same way. And when it comes to your wedding day, let’s make sure your photographer knows exactly how to deal with that homophobic aunt.

Advocacy

Supporting LGBTQ+ businesses is important, especially within the wedding industry. This industry is (unfortunately) filled with many vendors that don’t support our beautiful community, so it’s important to show support to those in the LGBTQ+ community so we can continue to grow and represent all types of marriages. Whether you’re gay or straight, hiring an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer helps support an underrepresented business.

Hiring an LGBTQ+ Wedding Photographer

There are plenty more reasons to prioritize finding an LGBTQ+ wedding photographer to capture your day, and this is just a start. If you’re ready to hire your photographer, head to my inquiry form!

For more questions about planning an LGBTQ+ wedding, check out this Q&A with the Knot.