Why I Don’t Believe in Booking Wedding Photographers Through Subscription - Based Websites
- Nina Bashaw
- Jun 17
- 3 min read
Why I Don’t Believe in Booking Wedding Photographers Through Subscription - Based Websites
Let’s talk about something important that most wedding planning platforms won’t tell you: not all wedding vendor directories are created with your best interest in mind. Many of the most popular sites—like The Knot, WeddingWire, and others—are subscription-based platforms, meaning wedding photograpehrs and other vendors are listed not because they’re vetted or highly rated, but because they’ve paid for visibility. As a Tampa wedding photographer, I think couples deserve transparency during one of the most emotionally and financially significant seasons of their lives.
The Truth Behind Wedding Vendor Listings
These directories function more like ad platforms than curated recommendations. When you scroll through a list of vendors, you’re not necessarily seeing the most experienced or highest-rated professionals—you’re seeing the ones who paid to appear on top.
Sure, some amazing vendors do advertise there. But being on the first page doesn’t mean they’ve shot dozens of real weddings in fact, some of the most highly ranked wedding photographers are brand new, with portfolios made up entirely of styled shoots, not real wedding day work. And that’s not a knock on new wedding photographers. We all start somewhere! But for couples planning a once-in-a-lifetime event, it’s important to know the difference.
What to Do Instead
Instead of relying solely on subscription wedding websites, here are some meaningful ways to find and vet your wedding vendors:
Ask to see full wedding galleries. Not just highlight reels—look at how they document the entire day, including tricky lighting, emotional moments, and candid chaos.
Ask for referrals from vendors you trust. Venues, planners, and DJs see firsthand who delivers (and who doesn’t).
Check Google reviews. These tend to be more authentic than the curated reviews shown on wedding directories.
Read through contracts carefully. A professional will always have clear terms and expectations.
Schedule a meeting—virtually or in person. You’ll learn more from a 15-minute conversation than a polished Instagram feed.
Follow them on social media. Watch their Stories. See how they show up for clients in real time.
Why This Matters to Me As A Tampa Wedding Photographer
Being a Sarasota and St. Pete wedding photographer, I’ve spent years not just photographing weddings but building real relationships with couples who trusted me with their most important memories. I’ve also seen too many horror stories from couples who booked a vendor solely because they were listed on the first page of a wedding site. Many of these “top vendors” are brand new again, nothing wrong with that—but they’ve earned their placement by paying for ads or getting friends and family to leave reviews, not necessarily by serving actual clients. Some even “win awards” based on how much they advertise, not on quality or experience.
And I want to be clear: this blog post isn’t meant to hurt anyone’s feelings or discredit new wedding photographers. We all start somewhere, and I support those learning and growing in this industry. But as someone who deeply cares about couples having an stress-free wedding experience, I feel a responsibility to share this honest perspective. Booking a wedding photographer because they’re the first name you see online isn’t always the safest bet. You deserve to feel confident, supported, and seen on your wedding day—and that starts with knowing the full story behind who you’re hiring.
About Me
I’m Nina Bashaw, a Tampa wedding photographer who serves couples across St. Pete, Sarasota, and Florida’s Gulf Coast. I specialize in genuine, editorial-style wedding photography with an emphasis on connection and storytelling. I don’t believe in cookie-cutter experiences—I believe in helping you feel like the best version of yourself in front of the lens.
Want to work with a wedding photographer who really gets it? Reach out here.
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Nina Bashaw is a Tampa wedding photographer offering timeless, heartfelt photography in St. Pete, Sarasota, and throughout Florida. With a focus on connection over clicks, she helps couples find vendors based on trust, not just placement on subscription-based wedding websites. If you're searching for a St. Pete wedding photographer or Sarasota wedding photographer who believes in transparency and true-to-you wedding days, Nina’s your go-to.
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