Affirming vendors who Get You
You’re planning a wedding, elopement, or big life moment. You want someone behind the lens who not only takes killer photos, but who actually gets you. Someone who understands chosen family, knows how to capture queer joy without making it performative, and won’t ask who’s “the bride.” If you’ve ever Googled “queer photographer near me” and come up empty or overwhelmed — you’re not alone.
Let’s talk about how to find a photographer or videographer who doesn’t just accept you — they celebrate you.
Use Specific Search Terms
Generic search terms won’t cut it. Instead, use:
- “LGBTQ+ friendly wedding photographer in [your city]”
- “Queer videographer for elopement”
- “Inclusive photographer near me”
- “Nonbinary-friendly wedding photography”
Pro tip: Add location + type of service + a value you care about (like candid, documentary, or editorial).
Want to see what queer joy actually looks like?
Check Their Website for Affirming Language
A good queer photographer will usually make it obvious:
- Do they use inclusive language like “partner” or “couple”?
- Do they show diverse couples in their portfolio?
- Do they talk about why they serve the LGBTQ+ community?
Green flags: pronouns on the About page, client-centered language, and testimonials from queer folks.
Red flags: Only using “bride & groom” or only featuring hetero-presenting couples.
Stalk Their Instagram (Respectfully)
Social media is a window into who they are — and who they serve.
- Are they hyping up queer couples in their captions?
- Are they showing diverse gender expressions and body types?
- Do they celebrate love without making it a spectacle?
And don’t be afraid to message them directly and say, “Hey, I’m looking for an affirming photo/video team — is that something you offer?” (Spoiler: we LOVE when you ask that.)
Ask the Right Questions on the Consultation Call
You deserve more than just pretty photos — you deserve to feel safe and seen.
Here are a few questions to ask:
- “Have you worked with queer couples before?”
- “What’s your approach to working with clients of different gender expressions?”
- “How do you support couples with nontraditional family dynamics?”
- “Do you offer guidance for poses or moments that feel natural to us?”
If they hesitate or make it weird? That’s your cue to keep looking.
PRO TIP: Ask for full galleries and portfolios from your vendors
Peek through our galleries and feel the magic.
Check Directories That Center Queer or Inclusive Vendors
Try:
- Equally Wed
- Dancing With Her – we will be listing ourselves here soon!
- Everywhere Is Queer – we are listed on here!
- Zola – We are listed on here! (Now I know some of these “other vendor listing websites have “inclusive” vendors when they aren’t actually, but believe it or not out of The Knot, Wedding Wire, and Zola, we have found that Zola has the most inclusive and affirming vendors. I have actually reached out to a few of them!)
- LGBTQ+ Wedding Vendor Facebook Groups (seriously, we find clients and vendors there all the time!)
Bonus: Ask your queer friends who they used and loved. Community referrals >>> any ad you’ll ever see.
We’re not just here for the “pretty photos.”
We’re here to cheer you on, hold space, and document love the way it lives in real life.
Trust Your Gut
If something feels off — too performative, too awkward, too distant — you’re allowed to say “no thanks.”
You deserve a photographer and videographer who:
- Laughs with you.
- Celebrates your story.
- Respects your boundaries.
- Makes you feel radiant, not erased.
The right person won’t just capture your memories. They’ll help make them better.
Finding a queer photographer or videographer isn’t just about vibes — it’s about safety, affirmation, and joy. Whether you’re planning a backyard elopement, courthouse wedding, or a full glam day, you deserve to work with someone who sees you and cheers you on every step of the way.
