How to choose a wedding photographer
March 7, 2025
Last week, we heard about a couple who hired their mate’s cousin’s dog walker’s brother to photograph their wedding. The result? Blurry, weirdly cropped photos where Uncle Dave’s forehead took center stage, and the first kiss looked like it was shot on a potato. It’s a perfect example of why knowing how to choose a wedding photographer is so important.
Look, we get it. Weddings are expensive, and budgeting is a must. But trust us, cutting corners on photography (whether it’s choosing the cheapest deal or the wrong style) is a disaster waiting to happen.
We’ve heard enough horror stories of couples regretting their choice. Not just because of price, but because their photographer didn’t capture their day the way they imagined. But don’t stress, we’ve got your back. This guide will make finding your dream photographer easy, stress-free, and (dare we say?) kinda fun. Let’s dive in!
How to choose a wedding photographer
- Know what you actually want
- Know how to compare wedding photographers
- The questions you need to ask before booking
- The questions you don’t need to ask before booking
- Wedding photographer red flags to look out for
- Booking your wedding photographer with zero regrets
- Why we might be the right photographers for you
Know what you actually want
Before you start looking for wedding photographers, take a moment to think about what’s truly important to you.
- Do you prefer candid, documentary-style photos, or more posed and editorial images?
- Do you love light and airy edits, dark and moody vibes, or classic and timeless tones?
- How involved do you want your photographer to be? Do you prefer lots of guidance or a fly-on-the-wall approach?
For example, our style is candid, documentary with classic and timeless tones and our approach is what we call “read the room”.
How to compare photographers
Wedding photographers aren’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s how to make sure you’re comparing apples to apples.
- Editing style
Will their editing still look great in 10 years, or is it trendy and might become outdated? (Remember how cool we all thought Instagram filters were in 2010?) - Portfolio consistency
Don’t just look at Instagram highlights. Ask to see full wedding galleries. Do the photos look consistently amazing in all lighting conditions? - Personality fit
You’ll spend more time with your photographers than anyone on your wedding day. How do they make you feel? - What’s included?
Ask about albums, second shooters, travel costs, and turnaround time for images.
The questions you need to ask before booking
Never book a photographer without asking these essential questions!
- Does your camera have two sd card slots?
This pairs well with asking, “Do you carry backup equipment?”. Cameras store photos on SD cards, and those with two slots can create instant backups. If a camera only has one slot and the card corrupts, your photos could be lost forever. - How do you handle difficult lighting situations?
Difficult lighting is inevitable. Blazing sun, dimly lit rooms, or a DJ going rogue with the strobes. A great photographer knows how to handle it all and should be able to demonstrate this. - How do you deal with wedding day stress?
Weddings can be beautifully chaotic. From unexpected timeline delays to last-minute nerves, stress is bound to pop up. A great photographer doesn’t just capture moments – they help keep the day running smoothly. Look for someone who stays calm under pressure, helps you relax and even acts as a low-key wedding coordinator when things get hectic. Bonus points if they can crack a joke or two to lighten the mood! - Do you use AI in anyway during your workflow?
AI is a hot topic in photography. Some photographers use AI tools for culling (choosing the best shots) or basic editing. The creative decisions (like choosing lighting, angles, and artistic edits) should always come from the photographer. Asking this question shows you care about their artistic process and whether they rely on tech or their own expertise for the final touches. - What’s your favourite part of the day to photograph?
This is a great question to understand your photographer’s style and vibe. Some love the raw emotions of the ceremony, while others thrive on capturing the party vibes. Their answer can also give you insight into how they approach your wedding day and which moments they’ll emphasize. A photographer’s enthusiasm for certain parts of the day is often reflected in the quality of those photos! - What’s your approach to organising family group shots quickly?
Group photos can easily eat into your wedding timeline if not handled efficiently. A great photographer will have a clear plan. Like creating a pre-approved shot list with you and using confident but friendly direction to gather everyone. This ensures you get the shots you want without losing time or patience!
The questions you don’t need to ask
Not every question helps you find the right photographer. Here are the ones you can skip!
- Have you worked at our venue before?
This one pops up a lot, but it’s not as important as you might think. A professional photographer doesn’t need prior experience at your venue to deliver stunning results. They’ll adapt on the day to work with the lighting, layout, and vibe. What matters more is their overall expertise, not whether they’ve been there before. In fact, many photographers find shooting somewhere new exciting. - What camera do you shoot with?
The brand of camera doesn’t matter. It’s the photographer’s skill that makes the magic. Asking about gear specifics won’t tell you much unless you’re a camera nerd yourself. Instead, focus on their portfolio to see if their style resonates with you. - How would you describe your style?
Photographers often describe their style in ways that don’t align with their actual work. They might say “light and airy” when their photos are dark and moody, or “natural” when their portfolio is full of stiff poses. This is going to leave you feeling really confused. Instead of relying on their words, trust their portfolio. If their images resonate with you, their ability to label their style doesn’t matter.
Wedding photographer red flags to look out for
The wrong photographer can ruin your wedding photos. Here are some red flags to look out for.
- The ‘you won’t notice I’m there’ photographer
This sounds great in theory. No one wants a photographer who’s loud, bossy, or intrusive. But if they truly go unnoticed, they might also miss key moments. A great wedding photographer knows how to blend in when needed but also step up to give gentle direction, organise group shots efficiently, and makes sure you actually get the photos you want. - ‘Natural light’ wedding photographers
Most wedding photographers love natural light, but it’s not always available. If someone calls themselves a ‘natural light’ photographer, it often means they struggle with flash. That’s a problem when conditions aren’t perfect. Make sure they can handle all lighting situations, not just bright afternoons! - The ‘one trick pony’ photographer
Some photographers rely on the same gimmick in every shot. Endless walking photos, shooting through leaves or over-the-top blur. While these can look cool, you don’t want every single photo to be the same. A great photographer has variety, capturing natural moments, emotions, and storytelling. Not just one signature move on repeat. - Poor communication
If a photographer takes ages to reply, gives vague answers, or constantly forgets details, consider it a red flag. Good communication is key. You need someone who’s organised, responsive, and makes the process stress-free. If they’re flaky before you book, imagine what they’ll be like when you’re chasing your wedding photos! - High-pressure sales tactics
Following up is normal but a good photographer won’t pressure you into booking. If you’re hit with “one-day only” discounts, endless emails, or urgent “book now” messages before you’ve even had time to think, that’s a red flag. Popular dates do get booked quickly, in fact some dates will get 4 or 5 enquirers for peak Summer Saturdays. A great photographer gives you space to make the right decision – no need for a hard sell. - ‘We Travel Anywhere in the UK for Free!’
Sounds great, right? But busy photographers don’t have time to drive six hours for free. If someone offers unlimited travel at no cost, they’re likely struggling for bookings. Travel eats into their schedule, limits how many weddings they can take, and can lead to exhaustion—none of which are good for your wedding photos (or the environment). - Only showing photos from styled shoots
Styled shoots look amazing, but they’re not real weddings. They’re staged with perfect lighting, professional models and zero chaos. A wedding day is fast-paced and unpredictable, experience counts. If a photographer only showcases styled shoots, they probably don’t have the experience to capture real moments under real pressure. Always ask to see full real-wedding galleries!
Booking your wedding photographer with zero regrets
By now, you’ve done your research, asked the right questions and shortlisted photographers whose work you love. But when it comes to how to choose a wedding photographer, how do you actually pick the one? Here’s how to make sure you choose with confidence.
Trust your gut
If you’re torn between two photographers with similar portfolios, who do you feel most comfortable with? Your wedding photographer will be with you all day (more than your maid of honor, more than your partner at times) so their vibe matters. Are they relaxed, professional, and easy to talk to? Or are they slow to reply, vague, or overly salesy? If something feels off now, it won’t magically improve on your wedding day.
Revisit full wedding galleries
You’ve probably looked at their portfolio already, but now’s the time to deep dive into their full wedding galleries. Do they handle all parts of the day well? Can they shoot in dark churches, midday sun, and dim receptions? Are the group shots well-organised and do they capture natural emotions? A great photographer is consistent across an entire wedding, not just the perfect moments. When you’re looking through, ask yourself – ‘how do these photos make me feel?’.
Imagine your wedding day with them
Picture it: It’s your wedding morning. You’re getting ready. Your photographer walks in. How do you feel? Are you excited to see them, knowing they’ll bring good energy and make you feel at ease? Or do you feel a bit awkward and unsure? This gut check is key.
Why we might be the right photographers for you
Choosing your wedding photographer is a big decision. These photos will be how you relive and recall your day for years to come. That’s why we don’t just take beautiful pictures; we make sure the whole experience is fun, relaxed, and completely stress-free.
If you’re looking for photographers who know how to capture real moments, keep things effortless, and blend in like guests (without missing a thing), we might just be the perfect fit. Contact us here.
