Choosing a wedding photographer can feel far more complicated than it needs to be.
Between endless style labels, price variations, Instagram trends and conflicting advice online, many couples worry about making the wrong decision — especially when photography is one of the few things that lasts beyond the wedding day itself.
The truth is, choosing the right photographer isn’t about memorising terminology or comparing dozens of websites. It’s about understanding what actually matters — and what doesn’t.
Start With How You Want Your Day to Feel (Not the Photos)
Before looking at portfolios or prices, ask yourself one simple question:
- How do you want to experience your wedding day?
Do you want:
A relaxed day where moments unfold naturally?
Gentle guidance when it’s helpful, not constant direction?
Time to enjoy your guests rather than posing all day?
A photographer’s approach affects your entire experience — not just the images.
The right photographer should fit into your day seamlessly, not control it.
Be Careful With Photography “Styles”
Many couples get stuck trying to decode terms like:
Storytelling
Contemporary
In reality, most modern wedding photography is a blend.
Very few weddings are photographed in just one strict style, and most couples actually want:
Natural, real moments
A few relaxed couple portraits
Family and group photos handled calmly and efficiently
Rather than choosing a label, focus on whether the photographer can adapt throughout the day.
If you’d like a clearer explanation of how these styles really work in practice, I explain this in more detail in my guide to documentary, storytelling and hybrid wedding photography.
Experience Matters More Than Trends
Wedding days don’t run perfectly — and that’s normal.
Timings slip. Weather changes. People get emotional.
An experienced wedding photographer knows how to respond calmly and keep things moving without adding pressure.
- Look for someone who:
Has photographed a wide range of weddings
Understands real timelines, not just styled shoots
Can handle people gently and confidently
- This is especially important for:
Family photographs
Tight schedules
Low-light ceremonies
Emotional or high-pressure moments
Don’t Compare Photographers on Price Alone
Wedding photography pricing varies hugely — and often for good reason.
Lower prices may reflect:
Part-time photographers
Limited experience
Minimal post-production or support
Higher prices usually reflect:
Time spent before and after the wedding
Editing, backup systems and professional reliability
Consistency across many weddings
Rather than asking “Who is cheapest?”, ask:
What am I actually getting for this price?
How much experience does this photographer have?
Do I feel confident trusting them with my day?
If pricing feels confusing, I’ve written a clear breakdown explaining why wedding photography prices vary so much – ‘understanding wedding photography prices – why costs vary so much‘, or review my wedding photographer prices and packages to see how I’ve structured my costings.
Personality and Trust Are Non-Negotiable
You’ll spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone else on your wedding day.
You should feel:
Comfortable
Understood
Listened to
If a photographer makes you feel rushed, pressured or unheard during early conversations, that feeling rarely improves on the wedding day.
Trust your instincts.
Ask Yourself One Final Question
When you look through a photographer’s work, don’t ask:
“Is this perfect?”
Instead ask:
“Can I see myself in these photographs?”
The right photographer should make your wedding feel like your day — not a styled version of someone else’s.
In Simple Terms
A great wedding photographer:
Understands people as well as photography
Adapts to your day rather than forcing a formula
Provides calm structure without pressure
Focuses on real moments, not just trends
If you’d like to understand how this approach works in practice, you can explore my wedding photography style here — or get in touch if you’d like to talk through your plans.
Get In Touch
If you’d like more information, please get in touch – here or browse through my entire website to learn more about my wedding photography starting with my homepage – here.