Wedding Photographer Website
communicate, share inspiration, and easily book a wedding photographer
Project Background
Couples often feel stressed when booking wedding photographers due to hidden pricing, vague timelines, and confusing flows. For this project, I partnered with a real photographer to redesign her site for a more transparent, user-friendly experience.
The redesign includes clear pricing, a streamlined client portal, testimonials, and extras like mood board templates—aimed at building trust and reducing friction.
Note: This project was created as a Designlab student exercise to demonstrate UX/UI skills and is not currently live.
Scope
User Research: Interviews to simplify client interactions and reduce drop-offs.
Branding: Defined a brand that balances accessibility with authenticity.
UX/UI Design: Designed an intuitive, engaging client experience.
Prototyping: Built interactive prototypes to test features.
Usability Testing: Gathered feedback to refine usability and accessibility.
My role
I led the full UX/UI design process, including research, interviews, wireframes, prototypes, and final visual design. I focused on simplifying booking flows, enhancing transparency, and reflecting the photographer’s creative brand personality.
Timeline
📅 4 months → April–July 2025
⏱️ 15 hrs/week (part-time)
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Problem
Context
Couples booking a wedding photographer want artistic style, transparent pricing, and clear communication. Since weddings are highly emotional, the selection process is as emotional as it is practical. Many photography websites fail to provide the clarity and confidence couples need to feel secure.
Challenge
Hidden pricing and vague timelines create uncertainty.
Limited visual examples (e.g., by venue or lighting) frustrate users.
After booking, scattered tools and emails make communication fragmented and inefficient.
Opportunity
Redesigning the photographer’s website with a transparent, visually organized, user-centered experience can:
Improve conversion rates
Reduce client anxiety
Streamline photographer workflows
Research
Research
RESEARCH Overview
To better understand the needs of couples seeking a wedding photographer, I conducted user interviews and competitor analysis. Insights revealed that clients value transparent pricing, clear timelines, and organized planning tools. They also want portfolios that feel personal and emotionally engaging, with features that simplify the booking and delivery process.
Insight
Aspect
Transparency
Clear pricing, timelines, and availability build trust.
Intuitive Tools
Calendars, filters, mood boards empower user engagement and reduce friction.
Portfolio Design
Cohesive, recent, emotionally-driven galleries with filters enhance relevance.
Communication
Organized delivery timelines, sneak previews, and self-service tools streamline planning.
Emotional Connection
Clients connect with personality, candid storytelling, and curated UX journeys.
Homepage Flow
Structure around pain points, experience value, social proof, pricing, and visuals.
Competitor Analysis
To inform the redesign of the wedding photography website, I examined design patterns and features from competitor sites offering similar services. This helped identify best practices and usability expectations for key user flows such as booking, image browsing, and style communication.
Booking and Availability
Observed Pattern: Websites allow users to view calendar availability and book directly.
Key Feature: Interactive scheduling tools integrated into the website.
Design Insight: Simplifying the booking process by surfacing available dates improves ease of planning and increases user confidence in reserving a session.
Photo Gallery Access
Observed Pattern: Photographer portfolios offer filtering and browsing tools for public and client galleries.
Key Feature: Filters for location, event type, or photo style.
Design Insight: Users benefit from easy-to-navigate galleries that let them assess the photographer’s style quickly. For clients, filtered access to their own session photos enhances post-shoot usability.
Organized workflow
Observed Pattern: Internal task management tools help photographers stay organized.
Key Feature: Checklists and scheduling visibility.
Design Insight: Including tools for task tracking supports a smoother experience for both the photographer and client, especially during busy wedding seasons.
Client Interactive Features
Observed Pattern: Mood board creation tools, sometimes AI-assisted, help clients communicate their vision.
Key Feature: Style board creation using uploaded or referenced imagery.
Design Insight: Allowing clients to create a mood board gives them a voice in the creative process, helping align expectations and reduce pre-session ambiguity.
Interview Insights
I created an affinity map to synthesize all my interview information, and this gave me 6 main points to focus on when designing a website that works well for both the clients and the photographer herself.
Booking and availabilitY
Users want a visual calendar showing availability, preferably color-coded by session type (e.g., weddings, family)
Transparency in pricing upfront (including "starting at" rates) helps prevent uncomfortable budget mismatches
Users prefer to see specific photo delivery dates instead of general time ranges
Short sessions and full wedding day availability should both be visible
An intake quiz or form to estimate pricing based on session details (guest count, venue, etc.) would simplify decision-making
Portfolio Expectations
Users prioritize updated, high-quality portfolios showcasing recent work and the photographer's personality
Candid, emotional moments are highly valued over posed perfection
Photographer's style and personality matter more than technical equipment specifications
Familiarity with the venue is appreciated but not required
Communication Preferences
Users strongly prefer essential information (pricing, availability, gallery examples) to be readily accessible on the website rather than requiring email or phone contact
Communication during and after booking should be organized and efficient, minimizing scattered emails, DMs, or messages
Customization and Collaboration
Mood board features (drag-and-drop, AI-enhanced) allow clients to align vision and style early in the process
Clients want tools to:
Build inspiration boards with a mix of photographer’s and client-sourced images
Select preferred shot types via a wedding photo checklist
Share day-of schedules and expectations clearly with the photographer
Gallery Experience & Photo Delivery
Online galleries should:
Be organized by event (e.g., getting ready, ceremony, reception)
Allow filtering by key people (e.g., bride, groom, family members)
Stay available long-term or indefinitely for downloads
Include clear download deadlines
Clients like receiving a preview set of edited photos ahead of the full gallery
Bulk galleries should be searchable and intuitive—possibly including AI-assisted sorting or tagging
Social Proof & Add-Ons
Reviews paired with real example photos help users trust the quality of service
Clients appreciate:
Clear, upfront info on add-on services like outfit planning or mood board building (+$100 was seen as acceptable)
The ability to make galleries public (with opt-in consent)
Print purchase options through the website, but they dislike persistent email upselling
Persona
TARGET AUDIENCE
Elise represents the ideal client: a modern, detail-oriented bride who values style, clarity, and efficiency. She’s 32, reflecting the photographer’s goal of reaching clients in larger cities, with a focus on creative vision, budget alignment, and intuitive self-service tools.
FEATURE ALIGNMENT
Interviews revealed brides like Elise want:
Upfront pricing with minimal back-and-forth
Visual calendar for availability
Editable mood boards to align vision early
Tools like shot lists & timelines to reduce uncertainty
Organized galleries & filters for browsing
These features address pain points: unclear pricing, clunky communication, and uncertainty about visual fit.
DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS
Elise’s story shaped broader decisions:
Key info (pricing, reviews, availability) surfaced early
Collaborative tools for both client and photographer
Interface: clean, mobile-friendly, emotionally warm
Elise also reflects an analytical mindset, creating spreadsheets to weigh options—reinforcing the need for clear, structured site organization.
Problem Statement
Elise is searching for a wedding photographer whose artistic style aligns with her vision and whose services fit comfortably within her budget constraints. Like many couples, she finds the process overwhelming due to unclear pricing, difficulty visualizing the final results, and concerns about missing important moments of her special day.
💡 insights
🔍 Needs
⚙️ How Might We’s
Pricing transparency frustration: Prospective clients become frustrated and often abandon websites when pricing information is hidden, vague, or requires contact before being revealed
A clear, comprehensive pricing structure that outlines package options, customization possibilities, and what each price point includes
How might we present pricing information in a way that is transparent yet doesn't overwhelm clients or devalue our artistic expertise?
Location visualization concerns: Couples need to see how their specific venue or similar settings would look through the photographer's lens before feeling confident in their decision
A diverse gallery organized by venue types (indoor/outdoor, rustic/elegant, etc.) and lighting conditions (day/evening) to help clients envision their own event
How might we organize our portfolio to help clients quickly find relevant examples that match their planned venue and style?
Shot list anxiety: Clients worry about missing important moments or family combinations and want reassurance that all key photographs will be captured
A collaborative planning system that combines photographer expertise with client priorities to ensure comprehensive coverage
How might we create a structured yet flexible approach to shot planning that balances our professional judgment with the client's unique priorities?
Style compatibility concerns: Couples struggle to articulate their preferred photographic style and worry about misalignment with their chosen photographer
Visual tools that help clients identify and communicate their aesthetic preferences effectively
How might we develop an intuitive style-matching process that helps clients confirm we're the right artistic fit before booking?
Budget-value disconnect: Clients have difficulty understanding what represents good value in wedding photography and why prices vary so significantly
Education about what influences photography pricing and what vaue each component provides.
How might we educate clients about the value components of wedding photography in a way that justifies our pricing without being defensive?
Timeline uncertainties: Couples are unfamiliar with how much time different photography elements require and struggle to plan their wedding day schedule appropriately
Clear guidance on timing requirements for different types of shots and coverage options
How might we help couples develop realistic photography timelines that ensure quality results without causing wedding day stress?
Mood board integration challenges: Clients collect inspiration on various platforms but struggle to effectively share and discuss these references with their photographer
A seamless mood board feature that integrates with popular inspiration platforms and facilitates meaningful discussion
How might we create a mood board system that connects with clients' existing inspiration sources while guiding them toward achievable results?
Post-wedding delivery anxiety: Couples feel uncertain about when they'll receive their images and what the selection and editing process involves
Transparent explanation of the post-wedding workflow, with clear timelines and expectations for delivery
How might we create a post-wedding process that keeps clients informed and excited rather than anxious about their photo delivery?
Project Goals
User Goals
Discover photographer’s style and specialty through a curated portfolio
Visualize their wedding through the photographer’s lens
Quickly find clear pricing without contacting the photographer
Access a simple contact method for inquiries and booking discussions
Share vision and preferences via inspiration boards and reference images
Understand the full process from booking to final delivery
Read testimonials to build confidence
Get must-have shots without micromanaging
See full wedding galleries to understand consistency
Shared Goals
Maintain clear communication to keep client and photographer aligned
Use shared vision boards to translate ideas into visual plans
Create an intuitive website with simple navigation
Strategically highlight best work to attract ideal clients
Offer multiple support touchpoints for questions and booking
Set clear expectations for timeline and deliverables
Foster collaboration that balances guidance with client preferences
Business Goals
Establish a distinctive brand identity
Increase traffic and conversions with SEO and UX design
Minimize inquiries from unfit clients
Clearly set expectations for pricing, process, and deliverables
Create efficient workflows to ensure timely delivery
Generate reviews and referrals for word-of-mouth marketing
Develop brand loyalty for repeat business
Scale with associate photographers maintaining brand standards
Justify premium pricing with exceptional service
feature set
Guided by user interviews and market research, I developed a feature prioritization matrix that aligns user needs with implementation feasibility. The roadmap emphasizes essential planning and communication tools first, while reserving more personalized and advanced features for future updates based on client feedback and engagement trends.
Price Transparency
Quiz or Interactive pricing tool where clients can select their basic package and add/remove components. "Starting At" price guide examples.
Must Haves
Priority 1:
Client Communication Portal
Dedicated platform for all wedding-related communication. Maintains organized record of all decisions and discussions.
Mood Board
Visual tool where clients can select favorite images from your portfolio. AI-powered analysis identifies patterns in their selections. Generates personalized shot recommendations based on preferences.
Nice to Have
Priority 2:
Guided Inquiry Process
Multi-step contact form that collects key information for meaningful first response. Includes budget comfort range as dropdown options.
Before & After Editing Samples
Showcase editing process with sliders comparing RAW to finished images.
Surprising and Delightful
Priority 3:
Wedding Day Timeline Generator
Helps organize what shots need to be taken when, to make sure the people who are needed for a shot are around and keeps everything moving smoothly.
Can Come Later
Priority 4:
Journey Map
I created a journey map to highlight the major pain points brides experience when choosing and booking a photographer. The analysis showed that the highest friction occurs during the initial contact stage. If pricing or an estimate is not visible upfront, many potential clients disengage before reaching out. Providing brides with clear pricing and essential details earlier in the process can reduce the number of casual inquiries while increasing the percentage of inquiries that convert to bookings.
Initial Prototyping
Initial Prototyping
Low and MID Fidelity
To begin the prototyping phase, I created mid-fidelity wireframes that aligned with the photographer’s existing brand. Since she already had a functioning website with established imagery and stylistic choices, I used those as a foundation to ensure visual consistency and familiarity.
The primary goal at this stage was to focus on the site’s structure, flow, and functionality—making sure users could easily navigate and access the content most relevant to them. I used this phase to experiment with layout options and refine the overall information architecture.
Following the creation of these wireframes, I conducted user testing to identify gaps in the experience and gather early feedback. This helped surface a few missed opportunities and guided revisions before moving into high-fidelity design.
To accommodate the needs of multiple user types—namely the photographer, current clients, and prospective clients—I explored a set of differentiated screens. Each group required varying levels of access and privacy, so I designed flows that reflected those needs:
Public-facing content for new visitors
Client access portals
Private photographer dashboard
These distinctions helped ensure a seamless and secure experience tailored to each user type.
Public-Facing Content for new visitors
The homepage design evolved through multiple iterations, beginning with a foundation similar to Ashley's existing website to maintain brand familiarity. I explored several creative directions, experimenting with different layouts, visual hierarchies, and content arrangements to find the most effective approach.
Through this iterative process, I tested various ways to showcase Ashley's photography while ensuring clear navigation and compelling calls-to-action. Each version built upon insights from the previous iteration, gradually refining the balance between visual impact and functional usability. The final design successfully combined Ashley's artistic aesthetic with improved user experience, creating a homepage that both captivates potential clients and guides them seamlessly through the booking process.
Internal Dashboards
I designed both the client-facing and internal photographer dashboard interfaces, focusing first on information architecture and core functionality for each user type. For the client dashboard, the early iterations successfully defined key user interactions and content structure, setting the stage for visual refinement.
For the photographer's internal dashboard, I prioritized organizational tools and centralized workflow management. This included consolidating client communications, booking schedules, project timelines, and administrative tasks into a single, streamlined interface to help Ashley manage her business more efficiently.
Both dashboard concepts provided solid frameworks but required visual refinement to improve usability and aesthetic quality. The next phase involved optimizing the layout hierarchy and enhancing the aesthetic treatment to create more polished, user-friendly experiences tailored to each user's specific needs.
Note: I had initially designed using the pink and red colors to set the photographer apart from other designers. But the colors were just a place holder and were changed later to reflect the wants of the photographer.
Client Access Portals
Private photographer dashboard
User Flow Maps
I developed comprehensive user flow maps to define how different user types would navigate the site, distinguishing between client booking journeys and photographer administrative workflows. These initial flows provided the structural foundation for content organization and feature prioritization. As user interviews revealed deeper insights into actual behaviors and pain points, I refined the flows to create more intuitive pathways that truly reflected user needs and business objectives.
CLIENT User Flows
Clients interact with the website in two phases:
Before creating an account (exploring availability, pricing, and gallery examples)
After logging into their dashboard (accessing tools and communication features)
Design Rationale:
Setting up the flow to allow clients to check availability and get a price estimate before committing to an account was intentional. This lowers the barrier to entry while guiding users toward booking. Once inside their dashboard, tools are laid out to help them stay organized and feel confident about the upcoming shoot.
Key Flows Include:
Booking Inquiry: Visitors can select a date to check the photographer’s availability and initiate an inquiry before needing to make an account
Price Quiz & Account Creation: A simple price estimation quiz leads naturally into account setup for more personalized service
Dashboard Access: Once logged in, clients can view their model gallery, messages, favorites, and scheduling tools
Interactive Features: Clients can build inspiration boards and shot lists, edit them, and communicate with the photographer directly in their portal
Photographer User Flows
The internal photographer experience was designed to be highly functional and streamlined. This flow is optimized for daily use, helping the photographer stay organized with minimal friction.
Key Flows Include:
Messages: Unread/read status helps prioritize responses quickly
Client Management: Photographers can view client profiles, galleries, style preferences, and associated tasks
Task Tracking: From the client’s style board to the day-of shot list, everything can be broken down into actionable tasks
Calendar Integration: A visual calendar helps track upcoming shoots and sessions
Gallery Management: Private and public gallery settings give control over what clients and future clients can view
About Me Section: Easily accessible for updating business details, bio, or pricing info
Design Rationale:
The photographer flow was built to reduce cognitive load and streamline daily operations. Whether checking messages, managing galleries, or tracking deliverables, the site structure supports efficiency without sacrificing usability.
User Testing Summary
Method: 1:1 Moderated User Testing (Prototype walk-through + verbal feedback)
Participants: Clients (brides-to-be or newlyweds), ages mid-20s to mid-30s
Stage Tested: Low- to Mid-Fidelity Prototype
“This is really helpful and I could see it being used as a template for other photographers or small businesses."
-Ashley (The Photographer)
Key Findings
1. Booking Transparency Was a Top Priority
Users wanted pricing and availability upfront before creating an account.
“Price quiz” felt helpful but too slow for confirming open dates.
2. Reviews & Galleries Build Trust
Real reviews and example galleries boosted confidence in the photographer’s style.
Public galleries were especially useful for comparing across weddings.
3. Communication Should Feel Easy and Personal
Users wanted one place to message, share shot lists, and schedule with the photographer.
4. Dashboards Felt Useful — but Only After Booking
Features like shot lists and inspiration boards felt relevant post-booking.
Some testers were confused when introduced too early.
Iterations Made After Testing
🎨 Visual & Structural Updates
Standardized homepage using color photos only for cohesion.
Adopted mixed photo sizes for a more authentic, dynamic gallery.
💸 Booking & Inquiry Flow
Replaced quiz pop-up with a dedicated slide-out price quiz.
Simplified layout with stacked answers for faster selection.
Revised calendar design to show available dates more clearly.
📋 Shot List Enhancements
Added checkable boxes and option to add custom shots.
Included space to paste existing lists or links.
📌 Style Board Improvements
Improved hierarchy of AI-generated style board.
Enabled users to replace images or re-edit prompts.
Added Pinterest board link for shared inspiration.
🧭 UI Behavior Feedback
Made the dashboard persistent for easier navigation, based on majority preference.
📁 Photographer Dashboard Updates
Clearer separation of current vs. past clients with “Closed” sections.
Task management split into Upcoming and Completed Tasks.
Added wedding date & location summaries for quick access.
Branding
Branding
Co-Creating the Brand Experience
To ensure the final design reflected the photographer’s aesthetic and vision, I collaborated closely with her after completing the mid-fidelity prototypes. During our review session, we refined key visual elements together:
Typography: I presented multiple font pairings, and we selected Playfair Display for its elegant, editorial quality—matching the romantic and timeless feel the photographer wanted to convey across the site.
Color Palette: I initially explored bold alternatives to help her stand out, but we ultimately opted for tones that aligned with her existing brand and portfolio. The palette was adjusted to incorporate earthy neutrals like sage, cream, and deep brown, complementing the natural warmth of her photography.
Imagery: The photographer provided additional high-quality photos and a super 8 video, which I incorporated into the layout. Her hero image selection helped shape the tone of the homepage immediately upon landing.
Mood & Style: Inspired by refined minimalism and rich textures, the mood board guided the creation of a cohesive brand presence from button treatments to gallery styling.
This collaborative process ensured the final website was not just user-friendly, but also an authentic extension of the photographer’s brand and visual storytelling style.
Usability Testing
Usability Testing
usability Testing
The primary goal of usability testing was to ensure that users—particularly busy brides planning their own weddings—could quickly and easily access key information such as pricing, availability, and personalized tools to stay organized throughout the wedding process.
My main user persona leads a fast-paced lifestyle but is hands-on when it comes to wedding planning. She expects a self-serve portal where all wedding photo-related details are easy to find, update, and communicate about—without relying on back-and-forth emails.
I conducted 1:1 moderated usability testing sessions with users who matched the target persona. Each session included a live walkthrough of a high-fidelity prototype, during which users were asked to speak aloud while completing specific tasks. I observed how intuitively they navigated the site and gathered feedback on both functionality and design.
On the internal DashboarD
“This is really nice. I wish I had this for my... Someone tell me what I was doing every day.”
- Kelsey
On booking and finding the price
“I think I would hesitate pressing book with me because I know right away it's not within my budget.”
- Adam
On the calendar
"I really like the calendar. Because the dashboard is, like, obviously great and tells me immediate action items, but I like, I'm a, I'm a big planner."
- Rachel
On the overall flow
“This is really nice. I wish I had this for my [work] Someone tell me what I was doing every day.”
- David
Core Tasks & Prompts
General Exploration
Open the website and explore freely. What’s your first impression?
How would you go about finding pricing or an estimated quote?
Can you figure out how to reserve a date and send a notification to the photographer?
Client Dashboard Tasks
Create an account and sign in
Once logged in, explore the dashboard
Does it match your expectations for what you'd want access to?
Is anything missing or confusing?
How would you send a message to the photographer?
How would you find and customize your shot list for the day of the wedding?
Photographer Dashboard Tasks
Check what tasks need to be completed and mark the first few as done
Open the inbox and respond to any new messages
Look up the Chen wedding and access their client dashboard
Find the engagement session for Ella and Sam in the calendar
Add a new event to the calendar for an upcoming booking
Insights From testing
What Users Want Most
Pricing transparency before any commitment
Non-committal language in booking flow
Dashboard sharing with family/partners
Visual clarity in calendars and tasks
Biggest Wins
Simple, clean aesthetic
AI-powered style boards
Unified messaging system
Color-coded task management
Critical Issues
Pricing discovery friction
Booking language confusion
Missing sharing functionality
Calendar workflow problems
Changes Made
Pricing Discovery
Challenge: Users struggled to find pricing during booking.
Solution:
Moved pricing buttons to the top of the booking section
Added pricing CTAs in About page content
Impact: Easier access to pricing, multiple touchpoints, improved transparency.
Booking Clarification
Challenge: Users were unsure about process and commitment level.
Solution:
Added clarifying text in booking quiz
Clear messaging: “This is not a binding agreement”
Automated notifications for photographers about potential matches
Impact: Reduced client anxiety, clearer communication.
Gallery
Challenge: Empty states limited usability and sharing.
Solution:
Added placeholder states for empty galleries
Enabled download and sharing for completed galleries
Provided simple options to share galleries externally
Impact: Higher engagement and value-added sharing features.
About Page
Challenge: Homepage overloaded with text and lacked previews.
Solution:
Moved details to dedicated About page
Reduced clutter by streamlining content
Added dashboard preview section for transparency
Impact: Improved homepage clarity and conversion potential.
Photographers internal
Challenge: Photographers needed better client and task management.
Solution:
Inquiry management for new, existing, and past clients
Customizable dashboard backgrounds
Calendar with due dates and deadlines
Streamlined view for active shooting days
Impact: Better workflow efficiency, enhanced professional experience.
All these changes and more can be seen in the high fidelity prototypes below.
High Fidelity
High Fidelity
Interactive Prototype
The high-fidelity prototype incorporates all key updates from the latest round of usability testing, including improvements to navigation, information architecture, user flow, and role-based functionality. The design balances the needs of public visitors, clients, and the photographer while maintaining a consistent visual identity across all interfaces.
Designed in Figma, the clickable prototype allows users to experience the complete platform, from public browsing to client portal management and photographer dashboard tools. A persistent sidebar navigation enables seamless switching between public, client, and photographer views.
This version reflects a polished and fully functional vision of the platform, showcasing how user feedback directly shaped design decisions.
Click either image below to explore all three interfaces.
Public and Client Facing
Photographer internal
Responsive Web Design
Responsive Web Design
Responsive Website
To ensure the site was accessible and user-friendly across devices, I designed a fully responsive layout that adapts seamlessly to phones and tablets.
Users can comfortably browse, plan, and access galleries whether on the go or at home. I optimized spacing, text sizing, and layout components for touch interaction and readability on smaller screens.
I also built an interactive prototype that mimics the live site experience. It highlights core features, meets contrast and accessibility standards, maintains clear navigation and hierarchy, and ensures realistic usability testing for a smooth, inclusive experience.
Click the images below to explore the tablet or phone prototypes.
Tablet
Phone
Future Considerations
Future Considerations
As the dashboard is put into real-world use, ongoing feedback will guide improvements. The focus is on refining pricing clarity, enhancing decision support, and scaling the platform for broader use.
Continuous Feedback: Monitor client use to identify gaps in content, flow, and functionality
Pricing Quiz Algorithm: Refine for personalized, transparent estimates that set clear expectations
Decision Support: Add before-and-after editing samples to showcase style and build trust
Scalability: Adapt platform as a reusable template for other photographers or service businesses
Photographer Benefits: Centralized hub for timelines, deliverables, and communication