How to Choose a Wedding Photographer (Without Regretting It Later)

Picking your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. Bigger than flowers, bigger than table favours, bigger than whether Uncle Dave gets to sing on the mic after three pints. Your photos are what you’ll still have long after the last bit of cake has been eaten, so choosing the right person matters.

Look Beyond the Instagram Grid

Instagram is great, but it’s basically a shop window. Any photographer can cherry pick their five best photos and make themselves look world class. What you need to see is a full gallery from start to finish. Prep, ceremony, confetti, dancefloor — the lot. That’s where you’ll spot whether a photographer is consistent or if they’re just good at editing a few showstoppers.

Find a Style That Makes You Buzz

Photographers all have different styles. Some are light and airy, some are moody and cinematic, others are full-on documentary. None are wrong, but you need to feel excited by what you see. If you love timeless editorial, go for it. If you want storytelling candids, find someone who thrives on that. If you’re after bold, modern and fun… well, you know where this is going.

Make Sure You’d Actually Have a Pint With Them

You’ll spend more time with your photographer than with most of your guests, so you need to actually like them. If you feel awkward around them, it’ll show in your photos. Jump on a call, meet for a coffee, whatever works — just make sure they’re someone you can have a laugh with, not just someone who knows their way around a camera.

Ask About Experience, Not Just Equipment

Anyone can buy a fancy camera, but not everyone knows how to handle a wedding day when timings slip, the weather turns or the registrar goes off script. Ask how they handle things when it doesn’t all go to plan. A good photographer will keep you calm, adapt quickly and still deliver the goods without you even noticing the hiccups.

Don’t Forget the Rain Plan

It’s the UK. It rains. The question is: does your photographer know how to turn that into a win? The right person will make a moody indoor portrait look epic or pull out a flash and turn drizzle into drama. The wrong person will panic and hope someone has a golf umbrella. Always ask how they handle the “what ifs.”

Check Reviews That Go Beyond the Photos

The photos matter, obviously, but reviews should also talk about the experience. Did the photographer make people feel relaxed? Were they discreet during the ceremony but everywhere they needed to be at the party? Those little details tell you if they’re someone you’ll actually enjoy having around all day.

Trust Your Gut

You’ll know when you’ve found the right one. Something about their energy, their portfolio, the way they talk about your wedding — it’ll click. And when it does, that’s the one to go with.

Why That Might Be Me

Here’s the thing. Every photographer will tell you they’ll capture your day beautifully, but not everyone can make it fun while they’re doing it. That’s where I come in. I care about getting the big moments and the little details, but I also care about making sure you feel comfortable, relaxed and like you’re just hanging out with a mate who happens to have a camera. If you want photos that are bold, stylish, unposed and full of life, then I’d love to be the one to do it.