Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographers: How to Choose the Right One for You
If you’ve landed here, chances are you’re deep in wedding planning mode, you’ve opened 27 tabs, and somewhere between venues and guest lists you’ve typed Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographers into Google. Welcome, you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re planning a beach wedding in Noosa, a hinterland celebration in Maleny or Montville, or a relaxed coastal wedding in places like Caloundra, Mooloolaba or Point Cartwright, choosing the right photographer on the Sunshine Coast can make all the difference to how your day feels and how it’s remembered.
This blog post is the written companion to Episode 16 of my Pop The Question podcast, and it’s a little different. This episode is just me, and my dog Kiki hanging out, sharing everything I’ve learned about choosing a wedding photographer after years in the industry.
No sales fluff. No gear talk. Just honest, real-world advice to help you choose a photographer who actually makes your wedding day better.
Choosing the Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer
The best Sunshine Coast wedding photographer is someone whose style, personality and experience suit you, not just someone with pretty photos.
Experience matters because your photographer helps manage timelines, people and unexpected changes.
You should feel calm, comfortable and supported around your photographer.
A great photographer plans with you, works with your other vendors and keeps the day flowing.
The right photographer documents how your wedding feels, not just how it looks.
Why This Podcast Episode Is Different
After photographing weddings all across the Sunshine Coast for years, from intimate elopements on the headlands to big celebrations at venues like Caloundra Power Boat Club, Noosa Waterfront, Tiffany’s Maleny and beachside locations up and down the coast, I’ve seen firsthand what truly makes a wedding day flow beautifully.
In Episode 16, I wanted to pull back the curtain and talk about the side of wedding photography that doesn’t always make it onto websites. The emotional side. The people skills. The calm in the chaos.
Because yes, beautiful photos are a given when you book a professional. But what most couples don’t realise is just how much your photographer shapes your wedding day experience.
A Little About Me and Why Experience Matters
I started my photography career at just 17 as a press photographer for Sunshine Coast Newspapers. Old-school training. Manual cameras. Darkrooms. Tight deadlines. Multiple jobs a day.
I was painfully shy back then, so being thrown into fast-paced, people-heavy environments taught me quickly how to read a room, think on my feet, and stay calm under pressure.
That training is exactly why weddings don’t feel stressful to me. They feel joyful. Familiar. Fun.
Press photography taught me how to tell stories as they unfold, and that’s how I approach weddings today. I don’t just photograph how things look. I photograph how they feel.
Your Wedding Should Feel Like You
When my husband and I got married, we did things our own way. I wore red. We married on Caloundra Headland near where I grew up. We celebrated with an elevated backyard wedding before backyard weddings were trendy.
That experience cemented something I truly believe.
Your wedding should reflect who you are.
And your photographer should support that, not force you into a mould that doesn’t fit.
So… How Do You Choose the Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer?
If you’re comparing photographers around the Sunshine Coast, you’ll quickly notice there are lots of talented options. The key is working out who is right for you and your type of celebration, whether that’s an elopement, micro wedding or a full wedding day across multiple Sunshine Coast locations.
Here’s what I want couples to think about beyond the price list.
1. How Do You Want to Feel on Your Wedding Day?
This is the biggest question.
Do you want calm reassurance when the nerves hit? Someone who can quietly support you, but also bring the energy when it’s party time?
Your photographer is with you for a huge part of the day. If you feel rushed, awkward or uncomfortable around them, that energy shows up in your photos.
Ideally, your photographer feels like someone you’d be friends with in real life.
2. Your Photographer Is a Planner, Not Just a Camera Holder
This is especially important on the Sunshine Coast where light, weather and travel time between locations like Maleny, Noosa, Eumundi and the coastal beaches can really impact your timeline.
A professional photographer isn’t winging it on the day.
I help couples plan timelines that actually work. I factor in light, travel, ceremony flow, family photos and breathing space.
A “20 minute ceremony” is rarely 20 minutes once arrivals, walking down the aisle, signing and congratulations are included. That knowledge alone can save your whole afternoon from feeling rushed.
Good planning creates space. Space to breathe. Space to soak it all in. Space to enjoy being married.
3. Experience Means Calm When Plans Change
Weddings rarely run exactly to plan. And that’s okay.
Experience means knowing how to reshuffle things quietly without stress. I’ve flipped timelines, swapped ceremony orders and solved problems before couples even knew they existed.
That value is invisible until you need it.
4. Managing People Is a Big Part of the Job
Guests, family dynamics, big personalities, shy partners. This is where experience really shines.
I always know my couples’ names, but I also know their bridal party, parents and key people by name. When people feel seen, they’re happy to help.
Wrangling guests is more like herding kittens than cats, but when it’s done with warmth and confidence, everything runs smoother.
5. Your Photographer Should Work as Part of Your Vendor Team
On the Sunshine Coast, most weddings are made up of small, passionate local businesses. Having photographed weddings alongside incredible celebrants, planners, florists and venues across the region, I know how important strong vendor relationships are to a smooth wedding day.
Most Sunshine Coast weddings involve multiple independent vendors.
Your photographer should be liaising with your celebrant, venue, planner, videographer and other suppliers. When vendors work as a team, your day flows effortlessly.
Often, photographers are the glue that holds everything together.
6. Bringing the Calm and the Vibe
Some moments need calm reassurance. Others need a little hype.
A great photographer knows when to step in and when to step back. When to bring the party and when to quietly let a moment unfold.
If I’m calm, you’re calm. And when you’re calm, you enjoy your day.
7. You’re Paying for More Than Photos
When you invest in an experienced wedding photographer, you’re paying for:
Confidence
Problem solving
Emotional awareness
People skills
Storytelling
Not just images.
Why Storytelling Matters
Your wedding isn’t one moment. It’s a full story.
From the decisions you make, to the people you choose to stand beside you, to the atmosphere you create.
A great photographer documents it all so your gallery feels complete, meaningful and uniquely yours.
Those little in-between moments often become the most treasured.
My Biggest Tip When Choosing Your Photographer
Trust your gut.
Once you’ve found a photography style you love, talk to the photographer. See if you gel. Ask yourself if you feel comfortable, supported and understood.
That connection makes all the difference.
FAQs: Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographers
How do I find the best Sunshine Coast wedding photographer?
Look for a photographer whose style, experience and personality align with you. Read reviews, view full galleries and have a conversation before booking.
What should I look for in a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer?
Experience, calm energy, strong people skills, storytelling ability and knowledge of local venues.
How far in advance should I book a Sunshine Coast wedding photographer?
Most couples book 9–18 months in advance, especially for peak Sunshine Coast wedding seasons.
Why is experience important in a wedding photographer?
Experience helps manage timelines, people, lighting challenges and unexpected changes calmly.
Do the best Sunshine Coast wedding photographers help with timelines?
Yes. Experienced photographers help plan realistic timelines that reduce stress and improve your day.
Is it worth investing in a professional wedding photographer?
Absolutely. You’re investing in peace of mind, storytelling and memories that last a lifetime.
What style do Sunshine Coast wedding photographers offer?
Styles range from documentary and candid to editorial and classic. Choose what resonates with you.
Should I meet my wedding photographer before booking?
Yes. Feeling comfortable with your photographer is just as important as loving their work.
Can my photographer work with my other wedding vendors?
A professional photographer will liaise with your celebrant, venue and vendors to keep everything running smoothly.
What makes Lou O’Brien one of the best Sunshine Coast wedding photographers?
Years of experience, press photography background, calm energy, strong storytelling and deep local knowledge of Sunshine Coast weddings. Don’t just take my word for it, check out my 200+ Google reviews.
Hear the Full Episode
You can listen right here and also catch up on past episodes👉How to Find the Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer for You
Planning a Sunshine Coast Wedding?
If you’re planning a Sunshine Coast wedding and currently researching the Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographers, this blog and Episode 16 of Pop The Question with Lou O’Brien, are designed to give you clarity, confidence and a fresh perspective.
I’ve photographed weddings all over the region, including Noosa, Maleny, Montville, Caloundra, Coolum, Yandina, Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland. My local knowledge means I can help you plan timelines around light, travel, ceremony flow and locations that truly suit you.
If you think we’d be a great fit, I’d absolutely love to photograph your wedding and tell your story honestly and beautifully.
📷You can view my packages here - Wedding Photography Packages
🎧 Want more wedding wisdom? See all Pop the Question episodes here
📘 Download my FREE Sunshine Coast Wedding Planning Guide - it’s full of local tips and insider advice to help you plan with confidence.
Instagram: @imagesbylou
TikTok: @imagesbylou
Helpful internal resources you might love:
• Sunshine Coast wedding galleries featuring real weddings and elopements
• Venue guides for Sunshine Coast and Hinterland wedding venues
• Engagement and proposal photography galleries
• Reviews and testimonials from Sunshine Coast couples
• Previous Pop The Question podcast episodes with local wedding vendors
👍 Keep up with Pop The Question & me, Lou O’Brien – Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer:
Subscribe to my YouTube: @sunshinecoastweddingcollective
Follow me on Instagram: @imagesbylou
Follow me on TikTok: @imagesbylou
Follow me on LinkedIn: @imagesbylou
Like my Facebook page: @imagesbylouobrien
Full show notes - https://www.imagesbylouobrien.com/pop-the-question
Episode Transcript
Lou (00:31)
Hi and welcome back to Pop the Question. Say hi Kiki. I can't believe this is my 16th episode. This is amazing. I can't believe I've made it this far already. So thank you for everyone who has been listening. It really means a lot to me. ⁓ that's a big yawn Kiki. Yeah. Anyway I thought I would mix it up in this episode and do something a little bit different.
So there's no guests today, just me and Kiki here to chat to you guys.
I wanted to share my thoughts and tips about how to choose a wedding photographer because that is a question I get asked a lot. And here's the twist. We're not going to be talking about the usual questions like how many photos do I get? How many hours are included or what gear do I use?
Those things matter of course. But today I wanted to talk about the stuff that isn't always on the websites, the emotional side of photography and why hiring a professional with years of experience is worth so much more than what people realise. Hey Kiki.
So before we dive in, I thought I would share a little bit about myself so you can understand my background and where I come from. So I actually started my photography career as a press photographer when I was 17 years old, working in the darkroom of the Sunshine Coast Newspapers And I was lucky enough to land a cadetship and learn the craft from some truly incredible photographers.
This was definitely old school training. This was hand rolling black and white film, wet processing, developing in the dark room and learning to shoot on a manual camera. So it became an extension of my body and just second nature.
I was so painfully shy back then. I know it might surprise people now. I just found it really difficult to talk to people. So it was like throwing me into the fire. I had to learn on my feet. I had to think quickly. There was deadlines every day. You would go out to multiple jobs all over the Sunshine Coast. I had to get to know people really quickly, get the story, take the shot, get it back to work.
get it ready and printed for the night's paper. So it was a really fast paced environment, but it helped me with my camera skills, my people skills, and it's brought me to who I am as a photographer today.
This training ground gave me the ability to stay calm under pressure.
would say to me, I can't believe you're a wedding photographer. That must be so stressful. And I'm like, no, I used to be a press photographer. That was stressful. And it was the best training ground for me. It helped me get out of my shell, meet people, be calm under pressure. So coming to a wedding day, I actually find it really fun and enjoyable.
⁓ It was the best training ground I could have asked for.
So moving from media into a world filled with love, connection and emotion honestly fills my spirit. I absolutely love it. It feels like coming home and my true calling.
So when it was my turn to get married, I knew straight away I wanted something different. My hubby and I are not exactly the traditional couple. So a traditional wedding wasn't really our style. We very much bucked the trend. I got married in red. We got married on Caloundra Headland across the road from where I grew up. And this is back in a time when weddings were still really happening in event centers and churches. So was really different at the time.
After our ceremony, we celebrated with a backyard wedding, which was so much fun. And back then it was really hard to get food caterers and bar staff, but I found them. It made our celebration so amazing. So it was a little bit different to a backyard barbecue. It was actually elevated with beautiful bar staff.
So I believe your wedding should reflect you and who you are so that you feel relaxed and comfortable. And it's a true celebration with the two of you with your nearest and dearest.
I was so lucky to have three of my press photographer friends cover our wedding. I chose them because I love their unique styles, but also because I truly knew how to document a story and cover the event as it unfolded. They understood the moments, the energy, the timing, the emotion, and looking back, those photos mean the absolute world to me. That experience is what
truly shaped how I became a press photographer and how I shoot weddings today. I just don't photograph how things look. I like to photograph how they feel.
So let's dive into this episode. I want to talk about how to choose a wedding photographer. So obviously you're going to get beautiful photos. That's a given, isn't it? Like if you're choosing a professional photographer, the photos are going to be beautiful.
don't always think about is everything else that comes with having the right photographer by your side on your wedding day. And honestly, that's where the true value comes in.
One of the biggest things I think couples should be asking themselves is how do I want to feel on my wedding day? Do you want someone who's calm, steady, reassuring when the nerves kick in? Someone who can read a room, know when to quietly support you and when to bring the energy. Your photographer should be there for you and they should be a calm presence, but they should also bring the energy when it's needed. So how do you want to feel?
on your wedding day. It's really important to think about that because finding the right photographer, you need to match up your personalities. You either want someone who compliments you as a couple or is similar to you. ⁓ It depends the vibe that you want, but you really want to be able to find a photographer that makes you feel special and can also control the day and not add stress to your day.
Because when you choose a photographer, they are a huge part of your day. Whether you're having a little elopement or a micro wedding or something even bigger, they are there for a lot of key moments and they can really help you feel calm and in control. And you want someone there that is actually on your side and making you feel great.
because your photographer is there for a huge part of your day. You want to feel relaxed and comfortable, If you feel awkward, rushed or uncomfortable around your photographer, that energy shows up in your photos. So you need to feel relaxed and supported and generally looked after. And that way, you know everything will flow and will just work out naturally.
So finding a photographer that suits your personality and complements your personality because you want to enjoy being around them on your wedding day.
your photographer needs to be someone who you would probably be friends with in real life because they are going to make you feel comfortable and that's going to show up in your photos.
So your photographer is more than just someone rocking up on your day with a camera.
This is something
some couples don't always realise is how much planning support your
when I'm turning up to your wedding day, I'm not just winging it on the day. I'm helping you plan a timeline that actually suits you, your priorities, the light, the location. I'm thinking about things like when the sun sets, how long...
family photos and group photos actually take? How long your ceremony actually takes? One thing is sometimes your celebrant will say to you, it's just a 20 minute ceremony. That's great. That's the 20 minutes that the celebrant's doing. But when I talk about a ceremony time, I talk about when you arrive in the car, when you get out of the car, we make sure all the guests are seated. Then it's the walking down the aisle, the ceremony.
you have the signing and then you have walking with the recessional coming back up with the congratulations. So that 20 minute ceremony is probably actually between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your celebrant. So if we don't get that timing right, that actually throws everything off for the rest of the day. And we're kind of rushed. And the thing that you miss out on is those bridal couple photos. So it's knowing the timing and it's also giving you breathing space.
So you don't want to go straight from congratulations into the group photos and then straight into the bridal party photos. What I like you to do is actually to continue your ceremony into the congratulations, straight into the group photos. And then we can get your guests off into canape hour or cocktail hour and give you guys five, 10 minutes to relax, something to drink or eat. And then we'll go into the bridal party photos. Because you guys need to like,
Take a moment and think, my God, we just got married. Like, that's pretty amazing. So you want to actually be in that moment and feel it
You also need a photographer who knows how to go with the flow. I know it sounds weird. I was just talking about being organised in timelines. But the thing is, the day doesn't always go according to plan, because let's be honest, it rarely does. And that's where the experience of a professional photographer will truly shine through. So I'm a planner, but I like to go with the flow as well.
As long as I know what I need to cover, we can shuffle things around easily and keep things moving without it being stressful or drawing attention to the fact that something had to change.
Another big one that you need to be conscious of is the photographer being able to manage people and personalities.
Wrangling guests can be quite difficult. I like to say it's like herding kittens because herding cats would actually be easier. Herding your guests can be quite difficult, but if you've got a photographer that can actually control your guests, keep them together, have fun with them, then your wedding day is gonna run so much smoother. One of the things I love to do on a wedding day is
I don't only just know my couple's names. I know their bridal party's names. I know their parents' names, their siblings' names. I know all the important people's names. Because if you can talk to someone and use their name, they're going to be so happy, feel seen. And when you ask them to help, they're happy to help you. So as a photographer, it's really important to have those personal skills, not just with your couple.
but also with your guests and family as well.
So your photographer needs to know how to handle big personalities, emotional parents or excited bridal parties or camera shy partners. There is a real mix of people on a wedding day and your photographer needs how to understand them and make them feel comfortable and make the day just run seamlessly. So this is where years of experience of working with people really matters.
So it's not just about barking orders, it's about building a rapport quickly, reading personalities, making everyone feel comfortable and included.
I also say that when your photographer is with you, they're your guiding star. They should be the ones that help with the flow of the day to make it run seamlessly. When people are at ease, that's when the magic happens.
So unless you're planning a wedding with a wedding planner at a venue that includes all the vendors, sometimes when you, well, most of the time actually, when you hire your vendors, they are all small businesses and independent people. So what you want is you want a photographer that actually knows the vendors. You want someone that if they haven't met them before, that they ring them, they talk to them.
You want your wedding photographer to work in a team with all your wedding vendors. And that's a really important thing to think of when hiring a photographer, that they have a rapport with other vendors,
as a professional photographer, your photographer should be liaising with your celebrant, your venue, your planner, your videographer, and any other key vendors that help make up your day. By working together, they're working as a team, and then this way, everything runs smoothly. So having a relationship with the other vendors is so important because if you have vendors that don't talk to each other,
then your day can be a little bit out of control. And I find as a wedding photographer, we're kind of the glue that brings a lot of the vendors together because we're there for a majority of your day and we cover through a lot of those vendors. So we can help if things are running a little bit behind with hair and makeup, we can make that time come in a lot quicker to get you there on your ceremony on time.
I've had before where we had a wedding where guests were stuck on the highway because there was an accident and they couldn't get there to the ceremony in time. So we just flipped it around as a photographer. I took the couple, we did the photos first. The guests actually went in and had cocktail hour. Then they came back when all the guests arrived could actually get to the ceremony. And then we had the ceremony completely flipped around. So
Being able to work with those other vendors meant that we can make everything work seamlessly. And the couple actually had a great time. The guests had a great time. So having those relationships is really important. So make sure you talk to your photographer and ask them if they talk to the other vendors.
then when all your vendors are working together as a team, the day just runs so smoothly. So a good photographer knows when to step in and when to step back and knows how to collaborate with our ego, which is such an important part of the job. So it's something that comes with experience and not just talent.
If you don't want your wedding day to feel like a production, you need a photographer that will be there to enhance your day and not hinder
Another thing you should look for when finding a wedding photographer is finding someone who can bring the vibe as well as bring the calm.
Your wedding day is all about the vibe. So some days need energy and fun, where others need calm and reassurance. A good photographer knows how to bring both. So bringing calm to the chaos is honestly one of the biggest parts of my job. If I'm calm, you feel calm. And when you feel calm, you actually enjoy your day.
And also a good photographer knows that they can bring the party if needed. Because some guests are actually shy, but a good photographer can lift the energy in the room and make sure that it's a true celebration.
So when looking for a photographer, experience is worth it. Now there are photographers out there just starting out. I had to start out as well. So that's fine. If that's what you want, you wanna have a friend or relative or someone who knows someone come and photograph your day so that they can get the experience. That is actually fantastic. And we need photographers to be able to be given that chance.
But if you're wanting a wedding day to run smoothly, then hiring a professional with a lot of experience is worth it
having a lot of experience as a wedding photographer is why I always say you're not just paying for photos. You're paying for confidence, problem solving, people skills, emotional awareness and experience.
even knowing there was an issue in the first place. And that is the kind of value that's invisible until you need it.
And on a really personal note, coming from a press photography background, I always believe that every photo should tell a story.
That's why I don't believe in just creating a highlight reel of your wedding day. I want your gallery to feel like a story from start to finish. You make so many decisions for your wedding day, whether they be micro decisions, big decisions, they all need to be documented.
From the way the day flows to the people you choose to stand behind you to the atmosphere you create.
A great photographer knows how to document it all so your gallery feels complete from start to finish.
And that's true, whether you're eloping with just the two of you or having a big celebration, Because your wedding isn't just one moment, it's a story. And that's why a good photographer knows how to capture all the little nuances of your day, the things that are unique to you.
that you will come back and have inside jokes and so on. And it just feels so special. So you want a photographer that has the skills to be able to capture all of that and not just a couple of great hero shots.
So if I can leave you with anything today, it's this. When choosing a wedding photographer, try to look beyond the price list and the inclusion.
matter, the person behind the camera matters just as much. You're choosing someone who'll help shape your day, keep things flowing, calm the chaos, bring the vibe, wrangle the people you love and...
quietly make sure your story is being told as it unfolds. You're so cute, Tiki.
So from the planning stages to the timeline to the energy on the day, a great photographer knows so much more than just to take a
is to trust your gut. Choose a photographer that makes you feel comfortable, supported, and understood.
whether you like a big loud photographer or a quiet and calm photographer or someone who sits in between, find someone that you get on with. You really want to find a photographer. Not only is the style of photography important to you, but once you find the style of photography that you love from those photographers, have a chat to them. Find out who you gel with because it's going to make your day so much better.
Thanks so much for spending time with me and Kiki today. I loved sharing this side of my story with you and my experience, and I hope it helps you see wedding photography in a different light, pun intended. So thanks for listening to this solo episode, and with Kiki, of course. I love to mixing things up in this episode, and I'll be back next time chatting to another wonderful Sunshine Coast wedding vendor.
And we will be bringing back the question with the mystery wedding theme question as well, which will be heaps of
So for more tips and inspiration on planning your Sunshine Coast wedding, head on over to my website,
imagesbylouobrien.com/pop-the-question You'll find show notes there for all past episodes. You can also find my details. So if you're looking for a wedding photographer and you think that we'll have a great time together, I would love to be there. Until next time, we'll see you later. Bye.
Podcast link - How to Find the Best Sunshine Coast Wedding Photographer for You with Lou O’Brien