how to choose the perfect wedding photographer for you!

Choosing your wedding photographer can feel like a huge decision and in many ways, it is (sorry, not trying to scare you I promise!) The photos and videos are all that will remain after the day is done but I think it's so much more than that, the right person stood beside you can enhance your experience of your day.

But with so many talented photographers across Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire and London, how do you know which one is right for you? Today I wanted to share my thoughts with you as a wedding photographer but also as a woman who was a bride and made these choices too!

The truth is that there isn’t one “perfect” photographer for everyone, if there was that person would never be available! The right photographer is the one whose style, approach and personality fit naturally with your wedding and with you as a couple.

So without any further delay, here are the most important things to look at when choosing your wedding photographer.

Start by Looking at the Types of Weddings They Show

A photographer’s portfolio tells you a lot about the kind of weddings they enjoy shooting and the experience they already have.

If a photographer’s website is full of large luxury weddings, then that’s likely the type of wedding they specialise in and want to shoot more of. Others may focus more on intimate weddings, relaxed countryside celebrations, or destination weddings abroad.

As a couple planning your wedding, it’s worth looking for photographers who regularly show weddings that feel similar to the one you’re planning. The more experience they have with that type of celebration, the more confident and prepared they’ll be on the day.

Really subtle plug for myself, the images you see here are one's I've taken!

Look for Real Weddings

One thing that many couples don’t realise is the difference between styled shoots and real weddings.

Styled shoots are carefully planned photoshoots where suppliers collaborate to create images. The couple are usually models, the timeline is controlled, and every element is perfectly styled.

These shoots can produce just stunning photos, but they don’t necessarily demonstrate the skills required to photograph a real wedding day and all the chaos that comes with it!

A real wedding includes unpredictable moments, guests arriving, emotional ceremonies, confetti throws, speeches, hugs, laughter, tears and maybe a few mishaps too. Photographers need to be able to work quickly, hold nerve and keep going even when issues arise. Models are happy to stand and take photos for hours but realistically most of my couples only want to do this for 10-15 minutes.

When viewing a photographer’s portfolio, it’s worth checking that they show genuine wedding days, with guests, real moments and the full story of the day. Like this!

Think About the Photographer’s Approach

Every photographer approaches a wedding day slightly differently.

Some take a more editorial or fashion-led approach, carefully directing and posing images throughout the day to create highly polished, magazine-style photographs.

Others prefer a completely documentary style, capturing moments exactly as they happen without setting up any shots.

Most wedding photographers sit somewhere between these two approaches and it's all about working out what feels right for you.

I take a hybrid approach leaning towards documentary— natural, candid moments throughout the day, combined with some very gentle direction during couple portraits to create beautiful images without making the experience feel staged.

The key question to ask yourself is simple: How much posing do you want to do on your wedding day?

Your photographer’s website will usually give you a good sense of their approach, but if it isn’t clear, it’s absolutely worth asking during an enquiry or discovery call.

Pay Attention to Editing Style

Editing style plays a huge role in how your wedding photos will look.

It’s worth remembering that the vast majority of wedding photographers do not provide RAW images, so their editing style will be a permanent part of how your wedding day is documented.

Different photographers edit their work in different ways. Some prefer a light and airy style, others darker and more dramatic tones. Some lean towards warm, golden edits, while others keep colours very natural and true to life.

You might also notice that some photographers include a lot of black and white images as part of their storytelling.

The most important thing isn’t necessarily understanding all the terminology though (because it's even overwhelming for me and I've been a full time photographer for years!) It’s simply whether you love the images in the photographer’s portfolio and you can see yourself in them.

Another plug for me- I edit in honest colours always striving to make photos look like you experienced it.

Look at the Packages They Offer

Wedding photography packages can vary quite a lot from photographer to photographer.

Some photographers only offer full-day coverage, while others may also offer shorter packages for smaller weddings or elopements.

You might also find photographers who offer additional elements such as:

• second photographers

• 35mm film photography

• content creation clips for social media

• drone photography

• multi-day wedding coverage

• albums and prints

  
  

Before reaching out, it can be helpful to check whether a photographer offers the type of coverage that suits your wedding plans.

If package information isn’t available on their website, most photographers will happily send over a pricing or package guide when you enquire. (Here's mine!)

Consider the Price

Every couple has a budget for their wedding, and photography budgets can vary widely.

The price of a wedding photographer can depend on many factors, including experience, hours of coverage, the number of images delivered, and what’s included in the package.

If you’re curious about typical prices in this area, I’ve written a full guide on the average cost of a wedding photographer, which breaks down what couples can expect to invest.

Having a rough idea of your budget before contacting photographers can make the process much easier.

Don’t Underestimate Personality

This is something many couples don’t think about at first, but it can make a huge difference to your experience.

Your photographer will likely be with you for most of your wedding day, from the morning preparations right through to the evening celebrations.

Because of that, it’s important that you genuinely feel comfortable around them.

Some couples prefer a photographer who is outgoing and confident, someone who can easily guide guests and keep things moving.

Others prefer a quieter presence who blends naturally into the background and captures moments without being noticed.

Neither approach is right or wrong , it simply depends on what feels most natural for you.

If you can, try to have a quick chat or discovery call before booking. Even a short conversation can give you a good sense of whether your personalities will work well together.

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

Before booking your photographer, there are a few questions that are always worth asking.

Can I see a full wedding gallery?

A full gallery helps you see how a photographer captures an entire wedding day, not just the highlights.

If possible, ask to see a wedding that feels similar to yours in size or style.

Are you insured?

Most wedding venues require photographers to have public liability insurance, so it’s worth confirming this in advance.

What’s your backup plan?

Professional photographers should have contingency plans in place, such as:

• backup cameras and lenses

• multiple memory cards

• secure image backups

• a network of trusted photographers in case of illness

  
  

How do you approach couple photos?

Every photographer has a slightly different approach to couple portraits.

Some prefer more posing and direction, while others use prompts or gentle guidance to keep things natural.

How do you prepare before the wedding day?

Many photographers will help with timeline planning, venue logistics and other small details that make the day run smoothly.

Choosing the Right Photographer for You

Ultimately, choosing your wedding photographer isn’t about finding the “best” photographer, it’s about finding the right photographer for you.

Someone whose style you love, whose approach suits your day, and whose personality makes you feel relaxed and confident.

If you take the time to explore portfolios, ask questions and trust your instincts, you’ll find a photographer who can capture your wedding day in a way that feels completely true to you.

And finally, maybe look at some Google reviews! These are really hard to fake.