Choosing your wedding photographer can feel like a bit of a minefield.
There are so many photographers out there, all with different styles, packages, prices and ways of working. And when you’re looking at hundreds of beautiful wedding photos online, it can be surprisingly difficult to work out who is actually going to be the right fit for you.
Because, yes, you want beautiful photographs.
But you also want to feel comfortable in front of the camera. You want someone who understands what you’re looking for, knows when to step in and when to leave you alone, and who you can trust to capture everything properly while you’re busy enjoying your wedding day.
So, how do you actually choose a wedding photographer?
Here are seven things I’d look at before making your decision.
1. Start with a photography style you actually love
This might sound obvious, but it’s one of the most important things to get right.
Take some time to look at different photographers and work out what you naturally gravitate towards.
Do you love photographs that feel natural and unposed? Do you prefer lots of direction and beautifully styled portraits? Maybe you like something a little more editorial, or you want your photographs to feel relaxed and documentary, with all those little moments in between.
There isn’t a right or wrong answer here.
The important thing is that you genuinely love the way your photographer takes photographs.
Try not to choose someone just because they’re popular on Instagram or because their work looks impressive. Imagine looking through your own wedding gallery in ten, twenty or thirty years.
Does it feel like you?
That’s what matters.
If you’re looking for wedding photography, it’s worth taking some time to understand exactly what style you love.
2. Look beyond the favourite images
When you’re choosing a wedding photographer, it’s very easy to fall in love with a photographer’s portfolio.
Of course it is. That’s what it’s there for.
But remember that a portfolio is usually made up of someone’s favourite images from lots of different weddings.
I’d always recommend asking to see a few full wedding galleries if you can.
This gives you a much better idea of what your wedding photographs could actually look like from beginning to end.
Look at the getting ready photographs, the ceremony, group photographs, portraits, reception and all those little in-between moments.
You want to see consistency, not just a handful of amazing photographs.
3. Make sure you actually like your photographer
You are going to spend a lot of time with this person.
They’ll probably be there while you’re getting ready, during your ceremony, throughout your drinks reception and at least part of your evening. They’ll be around for some of the more emotional and personal moments of your day too.
So yes, liking their photographs is important.
But liking them as a person matters too.
You don’t need to become best friends, obviously. But you should feel comfortable around them.
If the thought of having someone bossing you around all day makes you cringe, look for someone whose approach feels more relaxed.
If you’re nervous about being photographed, find someone who makes you feel at ease.
A quick video call or meeting before booking can tell you a lot.
4. Find out how they actually work on a wedding day
Every photographer works differently.
Some are very hands-on and will give you lots of direction throughout the day. Others take a much more documentary approach and prefer to let things happen naturally.
Neither is better. It’s about finding what works for you.
It’s worth asking questions about how they approach things like group photographs, couple portraits and the little moments in between.
Will they help you if you’re not sure what to do?
Will they leave you to enjoy your drinks reception while they quietly photograph what’s happening?
How much time do they usually need for portraits?
What happens if the weather changes?
These are the sorts of things that are worth knowing before you book, rather than trying to work them out on the morning of your wedding.
5. Ask the questions you actually want answered
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions before you book.
A good photographer should be happy to talk you through how everything works.
Here are a few questions you might want to ask your wedding photographer:
- How would you describe your photography style?
- Will you be the photographer on the day?
- How do you help couples who feel awkward in front of the camera?
- How long will you photograph the wedding for?
- How many photographs will we receive?
- How will our photographs be delivered?
- How long will it take to receive our gallery?
- What’s included in the package?
- What happens if it rains?
- Do you have backup equipment?
- What happens if you’re ill and can’t photograph our wedding?
You don’t necessarily need to ask every single one of these, but they can help you work out whether a photographer is right for you.
And if there’s something that’s important to you, ask.
It’s much better to have a conversation beforehand than to make assumptions.
6. Think about your venue and location
Having a photographer who knows your area or venue can be really useful.
They may already know where the best light is, where you can go for photographs if the weather isn’t playing ball, or where you can get a few quiet minutes away from your guests.
If you’re getting married in Hampshire, for example, there are so many different types of wedding venues and locations, from barns and country houses to registry offices and smaller, more intimate celebrations.
Every venue has its own quirks.
That local knowledge can be a lovely bonus, particularly if you’ve never been married before and have absolutely no idea where you’re supposed to stand for photographs.
7. Choose someone whose work feels like you
This is probably the biggest piece of advice I can give you.
Don’t choose your photographer because you think you should have a certain type of wedding photography.
Choose someone whose work makes you think, “Yes. That’s how I want to remember this.”
Your wedding photographs shouldn’t just be a collection of technically perfect images.
They should remind you of how the day actually felt.
The nervous excitement while you’re getting ready.
The look on your partner’s face when they see you for the first time.
Your friends laughing during the speeches.
The ridiculous dance moves that come out after a few drinks.
Your mum trying not to cry.
The quiet moments you didn’t even realise were happening.
Those are often the photographs you’ll treasure the most.
Don’t just choose a photographer. Choose someone you trust.
At the end of the day, choosing your wedding photographer isn’t just about finding someone who can take a nice photograph.
You’re trusting them with one of the most important days of your life.
You want someone who understands what you’re looking for, makes you feel comfortable and can quietly get on with photographing everything while you get on with enjoying your wedding.
For me, the best wedding photography is natural, relaxed and full of the little things that made your day yours.
If that sounds like the sort of wedding photography you’re looking for, I’d love to hear about your plans.
Have a look through my wedding photography work, get a feel for how I photograph a wedding, and when you’re ready, get in touch and tell me a little bit about your day.
I can’t wait to hear all about it!
