Planning a wedding is exciting, but it can also be stressful, especially when it comes to choosing a photographer to capture your special day.

As a professional wedding photographer, I’ve been fortunate to capture many weddings over the years and I’ve learned a thing or two about what to look for when choosing the perfect wedding photographer.

Here are my top 10 tips for choosing a wedding photographer for your big day:

1. Determine your preferred photography style

Before you start looking for a wedding photographer, it’s important to determine your preferred photography style.

Do you want traditional posed photos or a more candid and natural approach? Do you want your photos to have a fine art feel or a fashion edge?

Understanding what style you prefer will help you narrow down your search and find the perfect photographer for you.

I enjoy the challenge of adapting my style to suit my client’s needs, but I’d say the more candid, fly-on-the-wall style is the most popular from the weddings I’ve been a part of.

When it comes to having your photo taken, some people are naturally more intimidated than others; that’s why I prefer to let you enjoy your day and capture everything as it happens, in a non-obtrusive way.

Of course, the ‘posed’ photos of friends and family are still important and those can be catered for – ultimately, it’s up to you to discuss what feels right for you and your partner.

2. Research and read reviews

Once you have a list of potential photographers, do your research. Look for reviews and testimonials from past clients on their website, social media, and other platforms like Trustpilot, Facebook and Google.

This will give you a sense of their level of professionalism, how they handle their clients, and the quality of their work.

I love receiving feedback from my clients – it’s what motivates me and gives me a buzz! Your satisfaction and happiness with your wedding photos is the most important thing to me.

3. Ask for referrals

If you have friends or family members who recently got married, ask them for recommendations. Personal referrals are often the best way to find a reliable and talented photographer.

Your friends and family members can give you a first-hand account of their experience working with the photographer, and you’ll be able to see their wedding photos as well.

Word of mouth is a powerful tool! I’ve been fortunate to have been referred by friends and family members for many of the weddings I capture.

4. Schedule a consultation

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential photographers, it’s time to schedule a consultation. This is your chance to meet with them in person or via video chat, ask questions, and get a sense of their personality and communication style.

It’s important to choose someone who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust to capture your special day. During the consultation, ask about their availability, their photography style, their packages and pricing, and any other questions you may have.

I always prefer to meet with my clients first before discussing things like pricing – it’s more important to have a personal connection and a vibe between yourself and your wedding photographer.

After all, they will be with you for most of the day, so you want to be with someone who makes you feel relaxed and comfortable in the knowledge that they’re going to do a good job!

5. View full galleries of past weddings

When looking at a photographer’s portfolio, it’s important to see the full gallery of weddings they’ve shot in the past. This will give you a better sense of their overall style and the quality of their work.

Look for things like lighting, composition, and editing. You want to make sure they have a consistent style that matches your vision for your wedding photos.

You can take a look at plenty of my past client galleries to get a better feel for the photos and approach to wedding photography I take.

6. Consider the photographer’s experience and professionalism

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and you want to make sure you hire a photographer who is experienced and professional.

Ask about their experience shooting weddings, and if they have any specific experience with your wedding venue or style.

Make sure they have backup equipment in case of malfunctions, and that they have a plan in place for unexpected situations like bad weather.

You want to feel confident that they will be able to handle any situation that arises.

7. Ask about packages and pricing

Wedding photography can be a significant investment, but it’s important to remember that these photos will be cherished memories for years to come.

Ask each photographer about their packages and pricing, and what is included in each package.

Remember, you get what you pay for – if a wedding photographer claims to be cheaper than everyone else, ask yourself why… are they young or inexperienced? Are they going to capture your day with confidence? What is their ability like?

Make sure you have a clear understanding of what you’ll be getting for your money – this will usually come towards the end of your first meeting with the photographer, as they can provide you with a more accurate quote once they understand exactly what you’re looking for on your big day!

8. Communication is key

Make sure the photographer you choose is responsive and communicative. You want to feel confident that they will respond to your calls and emails promptly, and that they are willing to answer any questions you may have.

Ask about their communication style and how they typically keep in touch with their clients throughout the planning process.

I aim to respond to all enquiries and questions within 24 hours and am available via email, phone call and WhatsApp – so if there are ever any burning questions, I’m always on hand to help you.

9. Trust your instincts

When it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, it’s important to trust your instincts.

Sometimes things just don’t feel right – both from the photographer and the client. It’s important to make sure you’re happy with who you choose.

If something feels off or you don’t feel comfortable with the photographer, it’s okay to keep looking.

You want to choose someone who you feel confident in and who shares your vision for your wedding photos.

10. Read and understand the contract

Before signing a contract with your chosen photographer, make sure you read and understand all the terms and conditions.

Make sure everything you’ve discussed is included in the contract, such as the number of hours of coverage, the number of photographers present, and any additional fees or charges. This will help avoid any misunderstandings or surprises down the line.

Learn how to pose for your wedding photos

Now you know how to choose a wedding photographer

Choosing a wedding photographer is an important decision that requires careful consideration. Take the time to do your research, ask questions, and trust your instincts.

Remember, these photos will be cherished memories for years to come, so it’s important to choose a photographer who will capture your special day in a way that reflects your unique style and vision.

If you’d like to reach out to discuss how I can help capture the important memories of your wedding day, just fill out my contact form and I’ll be in touch!