How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer for Your Big Day
Photo by Sidey Clark
Written by Helen-Louise Dudney
When it comes to choosing your wedding photographer, it’s kind of a big deal.
You’re entrusting them to capture one of the most important days of your life, so you want to make sure they’re the perfect fit for you. Also… and here’s the bit that may seem obvious….you have to hang out with this person all day, so there needs to be a vibe, right? Your photographer will be with you through the intimate moments, laughter, and tears on one of the biggest days of your life and you want someone who makes you feel at ease, and whose photography style you LOVE!
No pressure, right?
Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision when it comes to choosing your wedding photographer:
Photo by Sidey Clark
1. Do Your Research
Start looking at photographers early on in your wedding planning because all the best ones will get booked out, especially during peak season. Look at online portfolios, read reviews, and ask for recommendations. If you want to make life really easy on yourself then head straight for our Book Of Love directory because we’ve already curated the UK’s best, modern wedding photographers who’ve been tried and tested, and we know you’ll love them!
Photo by Stella Photography
2. Meet Them In Person
I can’t stress how important it is that you meet your potential wedding photographer in person before deciding to book them for your wedding day. And most good wedding photographers will want to meet you too. This is your chance to make sure your personalities mesh. After all, you don’t want to spend your big day with someone who has awkward energy, or doesn’t make you feel at ease.
Most photographers will suggest a face-to-face zoom, or even a coffee/beer if you live within close proximity. You should come away from your meeting feeling totally energised and with a strong sense that this person is for you!
Another great way to meet your prospective wedding photographer IRL is by attending wedding fairs. Sooooo, many of the photographers who exhibit at The Un-Wedding Show get booked multiple times by our attendees because they’ve had that opportunity to vibe in a laid- back environment where it becomes pretty obvious that it’s a match made in heaven!
You can check out any forthcoming events and book your tickets to The Un-Wedding Show here!
3. Ask Lots Of Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions… lots of them!
How many weddings have they shot so far?
Have you ever shot at our venue before?
What would you suggest if it rains?
Do you have any advice about posing and group shots?
What can we expect from you on the day?
How many pictures will you take?
How long will we need to wait to receive the final gallery?
What’s your favourite film? … Seriously! The more you know about your photographer and the more things in common that you have with them, the better!
4. Know What You’re Paying For
Try not to let price dictate who you choose, or look for quantity over quality! Remember you are paying for your photographer’s skill and time, it’s their experience that will capture all the gorgeous (and funny) moments which you will be able to look back on for a lifetime - and lets face it, memories are priceless.
However, this isn’t the time for surprises, unless they involve cake! You’ll want to know what you’re getting, how much it costs, and what the timeline looks like for getting to see your images. So make sure you know what to expect, in what format and when.
5. Trust Your Instinct
Make your final decision based on your comfort and confidence in the photographer. Ultimately, when choosing a wedding photographer, trust your gut.
Feeling at ease and confident in your wedding photographer’s skills is crucial. Once you’ve done everything else, let your intuition guide you to the perfect match for your special day. If something feels off, it probably is. Trust yourself - after all, you know you best. You don't want your wedding photos to look like a bad Tinder date or to look back at your wedding photos and think, “Who are these people and why are they wearing my clothes?”
So when it comes to choosing your wedding photographer, think of it like choosing a roommate, but for your wedding day - awkward vibes are definitely not what you're going for!
It's essential to go with your gut feeling. Your photographer will capture some of the most intimate moments of your special day, so it's crucial to find someone who truly understands your vision. Don't get caught up in endless research or overwhelmed by too many options. Take the time to meet with potential photographers, review their portfolios, and trust your instincts. The connection you feel with your photographer can make all the difference in the final images. So, follow your intuition, choose someone who aligns with your style, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. Your future self will thank you!
Check out the Book Of Love directory. The good news is, with so many talented wedding photographers, you're bound to find the one. Happy hunting!