How to Choose a Wedding Photographer: A Complete Guide*

Table of Contents

• Not Every Photographer Is a Wedding Photographer
• 1. Define Your Style
• 2. Set Your Budget
• 3. Do Your Research
• 4. Meet the Photographer
• 5. Review Full Galleries and Beware of Social Media
• 6. Consider Experience
• 7. Consider the Lighting
• 8. Ask About Packages and Deliverables
• 9. Trust Your Instincts
• 10. Get Everything in Writing
• Consider a Magnet Photographer as an Addition
• Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
• Conclusion

Your wedding day is one of the most special moments of your life, and capturing those memories is priceless. The right wedding photographer can make all the difference, creating stunning images that you and your loved ones will cherish forever. But with so many photographers out there, how do you know which one to choose? In this guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect wedding photographer for your big day.

Not Every Photographer Is a Wedding Photographer

Not all photographers are experienced in shooting weddings. Family photography, product photography, and corporate event photography are very different from wedding photography. Each type of photography has its own unique challenges, and wedding photography requires the ability to adapt to fast-paced environments, work with diverse lighting conditions, and capture fleeting emotional moments. Just because someone is skilled in other forms of photography doesn’t mean they have the experience needed for a wedding. Make sure you choose a photographer who specializes in weddings to ensure they can handle the complexities of your big day.

1. Define Your Style

Before you start your search, it's important to have a clear idea of the kind of photography style you love. Wedding photography comes in many styles, such as:

• Traditional: Classic posed portraits, perfect for timeless albums.
• Photojournalistic: Candid, storytelling images that capture moments as they unfold.
• Fine Art: Stylized, artistic shots with an emphasis on composition and beauty.
• Moody or Dramatic: Rich colors, high contrast, and emotional storytelling.
• Editorial: Posed, magazine-style shots that have a polished and glamorous feel.
• Dark and Moody: A dramatic style that often uses shadows and muted colors to create an atmospheric effect.
• Light and Airy: Bright, soft images with a romantic feel, often achieved using natural light and soft colors.
• Vintage: Images with a nostalgic feel, often edited to look like film photographs, with muted tones and grain.
• Documentary: A style focused on capturing real, unposed moments, emphasizing the authentic story of the day.

Knowing your preferred style will help you narrow down your options and find a photographer whose portfolio matches your vision.

2. Set Your Budget

Wedding photography can vary greatly in price, typically accounting for 2-10% of your overall budget. It's important to establish a budget early on and determine what aspects of photography are most important to you. Photography often takes up a significant portion of the wedding budget, but for good reason—your photos are one of the few lasting elements from your big day, capturing the emotions, details, and special moments that you'll treasure forever. Remember to include costs for extras, such as engagement sessions, additional hours, or printed albums, as these can enhance your overall experience and provide even more memories to cherish.

Professional wedding photographers often come with tens of thousands of pounds in equipment, including high-quality cameras, lenses, lighting, and other tools that help them achieve the best possible results in various conditions. They also invest in backup equipment to ensure everything goes smoothly, even in unexpected situations. Beyond the wedding day itself, photographers will typically spend at least three times as long as they were at the wedding on editing the photos, carefully selecting the best shots, adjusting colors, and making any necessary retouches to ensure they meet the highest standards. This post-production work is what helps transform great shots into breathtaking images, ensuring every detail is perfect and the overall story of your day is beautifully told.

3. Do Your Research

Once you've identified your style and budget, it's time to start researching photographers in your area. A great way to start is by:

• Browsing Online Portfolios: Most photographers have websites or Instagram profiles showcasing their work. Pay close attention to consistency in their style and the quality of their images. But be wary - things aren't always as they seem. More on this later.
• Reading Reviews: Look at reviews on Google, social media, or wedding planning sites. Pay attention to how couples felt about their experience—both on the wedding day and when receiving their final images.
• Seeking Recommendations: Ask friends, family, or your wedding planner for recommendations. Personal referrals are often a great way to find reliable photographers.

4. Meet the Photographer

Your photographer will be with you for most of your wedding day, so it's important to find someone you feel comfortable around. Schedule a meeting or video call to get to know them and discuss your expectations. During this conversation, you can also:

• Discuss Your Vision: Explain what kind of shots are important to you, whether you love candid moments or prefer posed portraits.
• Evaluate Their Personality: Are they easy to talk to? Do you think they'd fit in well with your friends and family?

It's an important to let the photographer tell you what their style of photography and working is, so you can decide if it matches what you're looking for. Many photographers will say "yes I can do that" once they hear what you're after, so hold your cards close to your chest to get the most honest answers.

5. Review Full Galleries and Beware of Social Media

Photographers often showcase only the best shots on their websites and social media profiles, which may not give you the full picture of their work. This is why it's crucial to review full galleries from actual weddings to get a sense of their consistency and ability to adapt to different situations throughout the day. Additionally, be aware of styled shoots and masterclass shoots—these are photos taken during controlled settings, often with professional models, perfect lighting, and plenty of time to adjust. While these images can be stunning, they don't necessarily reflect the experience required for real weddings with their fast pace and unpredictable moments. Make sure your photographer has the skills and experience to handle the unique challenges of a live event.

6. Consider Experience

Weddings can be unpredictable, so having an experienced photographer is key. An experienced wedding photographer knows how to work with different lighting conditions, manage group shots efficiently, and be in the right place at the right time to capture fleeting moments. They should also have backup equipment and a contingency plan in case of unforeseen circumstances.

7. Consider the Lighting

Photography is all about light, and it's essential to consider your photographer's experience in handling different lighting settings, as well as the type of lighting you envision for your wedding. Many photographers specialize in natural light photography without using flash—this works beautifully for outdoor ceremonies or bright daytime settings. However, if you're having an evening wedding, especially during the winter months, you'll need someone skilled in using off-camera flash to properly capture the atmosphere and ensure your photos are stunning regardless of lighting challenges.

8. Ask About Packages and Deliverables

Make sure you know exactly what is included in the photography package. Some questions to ask include:

• How many hours of coverage do you provide?
• Will you have a second shooter?
• How many edited images will we receive, and when?
• Do you offer albums or prints, and are they included in the package?

9. Trust Your Instincts

Once you've done your research, met with photographers, and reviewed their work, trust your instincts. Choose someone who not only has the talent but also makes you feel comfortable and excited about capturing your special day.

10. Get Everything in Writing

Once you've made your decision, make sure to get all the details in writing. Your contract should include key information, such as the date, hours of coverage, deliverables, payment schedule, and cancellation policy. This will ensure that both you and your photographer are on the same page and help avoid any misunderstandings.

Consider a Magnet Photographer as an Addition

Magnet photography is a fun and unique addition to weddings that allows guests to take home instant mementos. Unlike traditional wedding photography, magnet photographers create photo magnets on the spot, which guests can take as souvenirs. This adds a layer of interaction and excitement to your celebration, making it more memorable for everyone involved.

Magnet photography typically costs an additional £700-£1200 and is intended to complement, not replace, your wedding photographer. Your primary photographer will capture the core moments and provide a complete album, while the magnet photographer offers a more light-hearted, instant keepsake experience that your guests will love.

Whilst your wedding photographer is for you, your magnet photographer is for the guests.

Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer

To make sure you and your wedding photographer are on the same page, it's helpful to ask detailed questions during your consultation. Here are 25 questions you should consider asking:

1. What is your photography style?
2. Can we see full galleries from recent weddings?
3. How many weddings have you photographed?
4. Have you ever shot at our venue before?
5. Do you work with a second shooter or assistant?
6. What kind of equipment do you use?
7. Do you have backup equipment in case of failure?
8. How do you handle lighting challenges?
9. What happens if you’re unable to attend on our wedding day?
10. How many hours of coverage are included in your packages?
11. Can we customize our photography package?
12. How many images can we expect to receive?
13. How long will it take to receive our photos?
14. Will the images be edited and color corrected?
15. Do you offer retouching services?
16. Will we have the rights to print our photos?
17. Do you provide an online gallery for viewing and sharing images?
18. Are albums or prints included in your packages?
19. How do you handle requests for specific shots?
20. What is your policy on travel fees?
21. Can you accommodate our wedding day schedule?
22. How do you handle group shots and family photos?
23. Do you have liability insurance?
24. What is your payment schedule?
25. What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Conclusion

Choosing the right wedding photographer can feel overwhelming, but with a little preparation, you can find the perfect person to capture every meaningful moment. Remember, these photos are keepsakes that you'll cherish for a lifetime, so it's worth taking the time to find someone who aligns with your style, budget, and personality.

Take your time, do your research, and go with the photographer who feels right for you. You'll thank yourself when you're flipping through your album, reliving all the beautiful memories from your big day.