Instagram is just Bumble for Photographers
Ok but seriously think about it.
You’re scrolling along, having a great time. Hitting like every once in a while. You find a photographer you think has a good photo on your feed, you look at the rest of the photos really quick to see if you still like them. You look through the little blurbs that they wrote about themselves and the bio that has a very limited amount of characters. And if you think they might be a good fit, you message them. They don’t usually message you first, but they might like a photo or two to keep themselves at the front of your mind.
When you do message them, it’s not like you’re talking to a friend. It’s kinda stiff, lowkey cookie-cutter, professional. Then if it’s the right photographer, they hit ya back and it’s like magic. You eventually meet up for coffee or drinks, and then after you talk for awhile — make sure things are ~just right~ — you make things *official*. OK BUT ARE YOU GONNA LOOK AT ME AND TELL ME I’M WRONG???
(If you understood the vine reference, we can be friends)
Scrolling is Swiping
Think about your average night on Bumble: you’re casually scrolling, maybe sipping coffee or wine, swiping left on a few, then stopping on someone who seems interesting. Instagram works the same way when you’re looking for a photographer.
You’re scrolling your feed or searching hashtags like #weddingphotographer or #ohiowedding. Suddenly, an image stops you in your tracks. Maybe it’s a golden-hour portrait that makes you feel something. Maybe it’s a candid shot that looks effortless but clearly took a skilled eye. Whatever it is, that single photo catches your attention enough to make you pause.
This is the first swipe moment. Instead of left or right, it’s like a mental yes/no: am I interested enough to click through to their profile?
The Profile Stalk
On Bumble, once you swipe right, you immediately scan through their profile. A couple of photos. A short bio. A vibe check. Do they seem like someone you’d want to get to know better?
Instagram is no different. Once you land on a photographer’s profile, you look for consistency. Do you like more than just the one photo that popped up on your feed? Do they show a mix of portraits, candids, and details that match the kind of wedding coverage you want? Does their editing style feel timeless, or does it lean trendy? Does their bio give you any kind of personality hint that makes you feel like you’d get along?
It’s the same instinct as scrolling through someone’s dating profile. You’re asking: is this someone I want to spend my time (and in this case, money) with?
The Bio is the Hook
Dating apps give you a tiny character count to show off your entire personality. Instagram bios work the same way. Most photographers only get 150 characters to explain who they are, what they do, and where they’re based.
When you’re looking for a wedding photographer on Instagram, this little space becomes more important than you think. A bio that reads, “Wedding photographer based in Colorado | Lover of candid moments | Always chasing sunsets” tells you three key things: location, style, and personality.
It’s short and sweet, but it’s enough to make you decide if you’re sticking around or clicking away.
The Soft Like is the Flirt
On Bumble, you might swipe and wait for someone to message first. On Instagram, it’s the same idea. Most photographers aren’t going to cold-DM you, but they might drop a like or two on your posts if you’ve been browsing their work.
It’s a subtle way of saying, “Hey, I see you.” And honestly, it works. It keeps them at the front of your mind when you’re making decisions about which photographers to actually reach out to.
The DM is the First Move
Here’s where things start to feel almost identical. On Bumble, someone has to make the first move and send a message. On Instagram, you’re usually the one to slide into a photographer’s DMs.
At first, the conversation feels a little stiff. You’re introducing yourself, maybe sharing your wedding date and venue, and asking if they’re available. It’s formal, it’s professional, and it’s a little cookie-cutter. Nothing wrong with that, but it doesn’t exactly feel like you’re texting a friend.
Then comes the magic moment: if it’s the right photographer, their response clicks. You feel seen. They’re excited, they ask questions that show they care about your wedding, and the tone shifts from professional stranger to potential teammate.
The Coffee Date = The Consult
In dating, once the conversation feels good, you grab coffee or a drink to test the vibe in real life. Booking a wedding photographer is the same. After a few messages, you set up a consultation whether that’s in person over lattes or virtually over Zoom.
This is the test drive. Are they easy to talk to? Do they make you feel comfortable? Can you see yourself spending one of the most emotional, important days of your life with them constantly by your side?
It’s more than just skills and portfolio it’s chemistry.
Making It Official
If the consult goes well, you do what you’d do after a few successful dates: you commit. You sign the contract, pay the retainer, and lock it in.
Just like dating, you don’t commit to the first person you come across. You test the waters, check the vibe, and then say yes when it feels right.
Why Instagram Works So Well
So why is Instagram such a perfect matchmaker for couples and photographers? It’s because it gives you an instant look at three things:
- Style: You see their editing, posing, and storytelling in real time.
- Personality: Through captions, stories, and reels, you get a peek into who they are.
- Consistency: You can see whether they consistently deliver high-quality work or if they’re more hit-and-miss.
That’s way more information than you’d get from a static Google search or a listing site. Instagram feels alive it shows how a photographer interacts with clients, shares their behind-the-scenes, and adapts their style over time.
What to Keep in Mind When Shopping on Instagram
Before you go full-on swiping mode, keep these things in mind:
- Hashtags and location tags matter. Search specific terms like #arizonaweddingphotographer or #yosemiteelopement. You’ll get better results than just “wedding photographer.”
- Don’t judge on one photo. Anyone can have a lucky shot. Look at multiple galleries or scroll a few months back to see consistency.
- Engagement tells you a lot. Are people commenting real things, or is it all just spam? Do past clients tag them in posts?
- Message more than one. Just like dating, you don’t stop after the first match. Talk to a few to see who feels right.
The Bottom Line
Instagram is basically Bumble for wedding photographers. You scroll, you stalk, you vibe check, you message, you meet, and if it feels right you commit. And just like dating, the process should feel exciting, not stressful.
Choosing your wedding photographer is about more than photos. It’s about finding someone whose energy matches yours, who you feel comfortable with, and who you trust to document a day you’ll never repeat.
So the next time you’re scrolling, don’t be afraid to think of it like swiping. When you find the right one, you’ll know.
Ready to book?
If you’re in the middle of “swiping” for your wedding photographer and wondering how to know if you’ve found the right fit, let’s make it easy. Reach out, tell me your date and your vision, and let’s see if we click. Because when it comes to choosing a photographer, you deserve more than a good profile you deserve the real connection.
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