Couples! What to Look for in a Photographer
Finding the right wedding photographer isn’t just about ticking a box on your to-do list, it’s about trusting someone to capture one of the most intense, ridiculous, and beautiful days of your life. Here are a few things worth paying attention to when you’re choosing.
Style that feels like you
Scroll through their portfolio and ask yourself: could you imagine your own faces, your own family, in those photos? Every photographer has a signature look—some go bright and airy, some lean moody and cinematic, some are documentary-style and barely pose anyone. If their edits and approach don’t line up with how you picture your wedding, you’ll only be frustrated later and this could lead to upset. Look at my portfolio here - is that something you like? If so, let’s get chatting!
Friendliness really matters
You’re going to spend more time with your photographer on the day than with most of your guests. If you don’t like them, or if they feel stiff and awkward, it’ll show in the pictures. Before your wedding, we will have a video chat to get to know each other and all about your day - on the day itself, I’ll be the person you see more than your partner, which sounds crazy but it’s true!
I pride myself on being approachable - just check the review on the home page for proof - I even bring a bag with me that has been known to end up holding the happy couple’s phones as it makes their lives easier! I also bring battery packs to help charge your phones on the go, as I don’t want you missing out on anything.
Communication that’s clear and honest
A solid photographer will set expectations from the start. They’ll answer questions, keep you updated, and won’t hit you with hidden extras halfway through planning. If you’re chasing them for replies before you’ve even booked, that’s probably how it’ll feel the whole way through - I’m available on e-mail, WhatsApp, video call, phone call, Instagram… well, pretty much every way you feel most comfortable with.
Also, remember - no question is stupid - you might have something that you think is a silly question but it’s my job to answer! I can guarantee you, I’ve heard some wild questions in the past…
Contracts and Insurance
These are absolutely essential. The contract spells out exactly what’s agreed from how many hours I’ll be with you, how many images you can expect, how long delivery takes, what happens if something goes wrong, what you can do if something goes wrong... the lot.
If a photographer shrugs off contracts, that’s a red flag. Honestly? I did start off without them as I thought ‘well, sure, I’m hired, what’s the issue?’ but the contract also protects me! I’ve mentioned before that failure is learning - we learn from our mistakes, and I don’t want you to make any on your amazing day. I’ll send a contract over and I always say read it - if there’s something in there you want to question, let me know and we can discuss it.
Insurance is there to protect everyone - say a guest trips over a tripod of mine, that’s on me! My insurance protects me for injury and everything else, and protects you from the same.
Pricing that makes sense
Weddings are expensive… I’m sure you’re figuring that out by now! It seems to be that, as soon as you put ‘wedding’ onto something, the price jumps up, doesn’t it?!
I’ve been there. Sarah’s and my wedding spiralled in cost - right down to having to pay for a security officer, which I didn’t even think we’d need, as a few of our guests were police officers! Surely, that’s all the security you need, right? Nope, apparently that was a licensing requirement - £300, please and thank you.
I need to be honest with you - photography is more than just turning up with a camera, snapping shots on the day, and then going home and uploading them. There’s weeks of culling and post processing. Your wedding might just be one day, but it’s easily at least a month’s worth of work for me and, when I’m doing multiple weddings a month, that stacks up!
The adage of ‘you get what you pay for’ really counts when it comes to a photographer. If the price seems to be too good to be true, it is. Cheaper options are usually not the safest and you'll face disappointment. Most experienced and professional photographers in the UK charge upwards of £1200 (for a full day). Anything below that is really a gamble. Above this price point and you’re paying for experience and to secure a photographer who may well be a big name and in demand.
Other things worth checking
– Do they have backup gear? Cameras break. Professionals plan for it. Some even rent more camera bodies and lenses on top of what they already have… just in case.
– How do they handle family photos and group shots? A good photographer will have a system that gets it done quickly without killing the party mood.
– How quickly do they deliver images? Too quick and that’s a red flag - whilst it’s exciting to get photos back quickly, they won’t be quality assured to a high standard. Six weeks is a good benchmark.
– Can you see a full gallery, not just Instagram highlights? That’s the real test of consistency. If the photographer’s portfolio is there for you to see, then you’re in good hands!
Choosing your photographer is such a personal thing. You’re picking someone to stand right there in your most vulnerable and chaotic moments, camera in hand, to photograph your tears and your smiles. Make sure their style, their personality, and their professionalism line up with what matters to you.
Like what you’re seeing? Let’s chat!