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Choosing the Perfect Photographer for Your Wedding Photography

Cat Brant
Jul 31
4 min read

Selecting the right photographer for your wedding day can feel overwhelming. With so many options available, how do you find someone who captures the essence of your special day? This guide will help you navigate the intricacies of choosing the right wedding photography professional to ensure your memories are beautifully preserved.

Understanding Wedding Photography

Wedding photography is not just about capturing moments (although there's a lot of that too!) it’s about telling the whole story of your day through the images. A good wedding photographer understands your vision and can translate it into your photos and ultimately into your wedding album.

A couple walks toward a stone castle with towers under a blue sky. The Welsh flag flies atop. Green lawns surround the pathway.

When choosing a photographer, it’s essential to look at their portfolio. Each photographer has a unique style, some prefer a traditional approach, while others may lean towards candid or documentary-style photography. Make sure to review their past work to ensure their aesthetic aligns with your vision.

For example, my style is true to life colour with classic/ light-filled shots. My focus is on connection and emotion so I'll be looking for feeling over perfection and candid imagery over posed shots.

What to Look for in a Wedding Photographer

Begin by considering your preferences. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Style: As mentioned before, every photographer has a distinctive style. Identify what resonates with you—whether it’s bright and airy, dark and moody, or classic and timeless.
Experience: Look for someone who has a proven track record in wedding photography. Experienced photographers know how to work with various lighting situations and are adept at handling unexpected moments.
Personality: It’s essential to choose a photographer with whom you feel comfortable. This person will be with you for most of your day, so having a good rapport is crucial. Schedule consultations to meet potential photographers in person.
Reviews and Recommendations: Check online reviews and ask friends or family for recommendations. A photographer with positive testimonials will provide peace of mind as you plan your wedding.

How Much Can a Wedding Photographer Charge?

The cost of hiring a wedding photographer can vary significantly based on several factors. Typically, couples may spend anywhere from £1,000 to £10,000 or more, depending on the photographer’s experience, location, and services provided.

Experience: A seasoned photographer may charge more due to their expertise and quality of work. Newer photographers may offer competitive rates to build their portfolios, as a general guide I would suggest in Hampshire and Surrey a photographer charging less than £1000 for a day likely does not have a great deal of experience or may need to cram more weddings in to make a living meaning longer image turn around times or less highly polished edits.
Location: Prices can vary by region. For example I cover London where the cost of photography is greater than Sussex or Berkshire.
Packages: Many photographers offer different wedding photography packages that include various services such as engagement shoots, albums, and multiple photographers. Review these offerings carefully to find what fits your needs best. Explore wedding photography packages that suit your style.

Ultimately, determine what you are willing to invest to capture your wedding day and push that limit if you find someone you really love!

A bride and groom stand in front of Royal Holloway

Questions to Ask Potential Photographers

Once you narrow down your options, consider the questions you should ask during your consultations. This will help clarify your needs and expectations.

What is your shooting style? Understand how they approach weddings and what their typical workflow looks like.
Can we see a full gallery from a recent wedding? This will give you insight into how they captured an entire event rather than just the highlights.
What does your package include? Know what you are paying for—how many hours of coverage, if there’s a second shooter, and the number of edited photos you will receive.
How do you handle unexpected situations? Weddings can be unpredictable, so it’s essential to know how your photographer adapts to changing environments or potential issues.
What is your post-processing workflow? Understanding their editing style and how long it takes to receive your photos will help set expectations.

Reviewing Contracts and Pricing

Once you’ve chosen a photographer, it’s time to go over the contract. Ensure that the agreement outlines everything agreed upon—price, services, delivery timelines, and cancellation policies.

Woman with gray hair laughs, holding colorful bouquet at a gathering. Others around her chat, holding drinks. Warm, joyful atmosphere.

Pricing Structures

Photography pricing structures often include:

Hourly Rates: Pay for the number of hours you require coverage.
Packages: Comprehensive rates for various services, providing tangible benefits.
Add-ons: Additional services like engagement sessions, albums, or extra prints.

Every photographer has their own way of structuring costs, so review them to decide what works best for your budget.

Making the Final Decision

Choosing a wedding photographer is a significant decision. Follow these steps to make the process easier:

Create a Shortlist: Identify the photographers whose styles you like and contact them.
Meet in Person: Schedule meetings to discuss your vision and see if you connect.
Check Their Availability: Ensure they’re free on your wedding date.
Review Contracts: Go through the details before signing and don’t hesitate to ask questions.
Trust Your Instincts: Ultimately, go with the photographer who feels right for you. Your intuition will often guide you towards the best choice.

Capturing Timeless Wedding Photography

Choosing the perfect photographer for your big day is about more than just finding someone with a camera; it’s about securing someone who'll become an integral part of your day.

Take your time, do your research, and trust your instincts when selecting a photographer who will help you preserve the magic of your wedding day.

P.s. I hope it's me! Get in touch to chat :)

A bride and groom stand under an ornate stone arch in a garden. The bride holds a bouquet; both smile under a clear blue sky.

Comments

hi! I'm cat and i am a full time wedding photographer

(and a little bit of a photography geek!)

I started taking photos as a teenager, my Dad was a wedding photographer and I would often help him. In 2021 I left my corporate job with a dream and hope that I could make photography a full time job. Since then I have been pouring my heart and soul into this business and have been honoured to be chosen as wedding photographer for so many lovely couples as well as being a portrait and event photographer.

I TAKE CLASSIC, TIMELESS, DOCUMENTARY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHS WITH MINIMAL INTRUSION

But I will step in and offer gentle guidance when it's right to do so, I have learned over the years to read the room, anticipate the next move, hold space when needed and offer support when I can.

aRE YOU LOOKING FOR A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

When choosing a wedding photographer, consider their style, experience, portfolio, and reviews from previous clients. It's also important to discuss pricing, availability, and any specific requests you may have.

Don't forget to meet with them in person to ensure you have good chemistry and feel comfortable with their approach.

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential wedding photographers, it's a good idea to ask them some key questions to help you make your final decision.

Here are a few questions to consider:

What is your photography style? Do you prefer a more traditional approach or a more candid, documentary style?
Do you have experience with weddings of a similar size and style to mine?
Can I see a full gallery of a recent wedding you photographed? This will give you a better sense of their consistency and quality of work.
Do you have backup equipment in case something goes wrong on the day of the wedding?
How do you handle difficult lighting situations (e.g. low light, harsh sunlight, indoor vs. outdoor)? This will help you gauge their technical expertise.
What is included in your packages? Are there any additional fees I should be aware of (e.g. travel, overtime)?
How long will it take to receive my photos after the wedding? Will they be edited and retouched?
Can you accommodate any special requests I have (e.g. specific shots, family portraits)?
How do you ensure that you capture all of the important moments on the day of the wedding?

By asking these questions and having an open and honest conversation with your wedding photographer, you can ensure that you find the right fit for your big day.