How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s be honest – planning a wedding can sometimes feel a bit like herding glitter. It's proper exciting, often sparkly, but definitely capable of getting everywhere and being a tad chaotic! And when you get to sorting the wedding photographer? That decision can feel like a big one. Because once the confetti’s settled, the last slice of cake is gone, and that gorgeous outfit is packed away, your photos are genuinely what you’ll have left to bottle up and relive all those brilliant, emotional, hilarious moments.
So, how on earth do you go about choosing the right one without spiralling down a rabbit hole of endless Instagram grids, wedding forums that make your head spin, and those epic "top 100" lists that seem to go on forever?
Don’t you worry! Grab that brew we talked about last time. I've been doing this a while, and I've got you. Let’s break it down into some no-nonsense, actually-helpful tips so you can find the perfect photographer for you (and ideally, stay relatively sane in the process!).
1. Get a Feel for Photography Styles
Before you even start searching, have a good natter with your other half and think about the kind of photos you’re naturally drawn to. Are you dreaming of soft, romantic vibes? Do you love bold colours and candid moments? Or perhaps you're thinking more timeless, classic portraits?
Here are a few common styles you'll come across to get your head around:
Documentary / Natural: This is all about candid, unposed, real moments. Think genuine reactions, spontaneous laughter, and letting the day unfold naturally. (Yep, that's pretty much me, that is! https://www.martynhathawayphotography.co.uk/about👋)
Traditional: More structured and posed – classic group shots and timeless portraits are key here.
Editorial: Focus on creating photos, very posed and set up to be “perfect”.
Once you've got a handle on what you love, it makes shortlisting photographers who shoot in that style much, much easier.
2. Dive into Full Galleries (Properly Look!)
Instagram is brilliant for getting an initial vibe and seeing some cracking shots, but remember you're usually only seeing the photographer's absolute top 1% there. To get a proper feel for their work, you simply have to ask to see [Link to your Portfolio page or a 'Featured Weddings' page] a few full wedding galleries.
This is where you see how they handle the entire day – from the quiet buzz of morning prep, through the ceremony nerves and joy, the group shots (keeping it relaxed, hopefully!), right up to the evening's dancefloor chaos.
When you're looking, keep an eye out for:
Consistent quality in all sorts of lighting – bright sun, dark churches, moody evenings.
Plenty of real moments, not just perfectly styled setups.
Happy, relaxed guests and couples looking comfortable in front of the camera.
Because honestly, even the most Pinterest-perfect wedding day can have its moments of slight chaos or tricky light – you want someone you trust to handle it all beautifully. Take a good look at My gallery some complete wedding stories in my portfolio.
3. Have a Brew & a Chat (Even if it's via Zoom!)
Your photographer is going to be by your side for pretty much the whole day. So, it's absolutely crucial that you actually like them as a person. You need to feel comfortable with them hanging about while you're possibly a bundle of nerves and excitement.
Book a chat! Whether it's a coffee shop natter or a relaxed video call in your joggers, see if you click. Do they get your sense of humour? Do they genuinely listen to what you're saying (more than they talk about themselves!)? Do they make you feel instantly at ease?
You're looking for someone who feels like a calming, supportive, extra mate on the day – definitely not someone who's going to be bossing you about or making things feel awkward. If you fancy a proper chat with me to see if we click, just give me a bell! Contact
4. Ask the Right Questions
Feeling a bit stuck on what exactly to ask once you've got them on the phone or Zoom? No bother! Here’s a few good'uns to get you started:
How would you describe your photography style and approach on the wedding day?
What exactly is included in your packages? (Are there options for things like engagement shoots?)
What happens if you're ill or there's an emergency on our date?
How long after the wedding until we receive our photos, and how will they be delivered?
Can we see full galleries from similar venues to ours?
How do you back up our precious images to keep them safe?
(Or, you could just make it super easy and check out my '10 Questions You Must Ask Your Wedding Photographer' blog post for an even more detailed rundown!)
5. Get Crystal Clear on What’s Included
This ties into questions but deserves its own point. Photographers offer different packages covering various bits of the day, so make 100% sure you understand what you're booking. Ask:
Exactly how many hours of coverage are you getting?
Will there be a second shooter?
Roughly how many images you'll receive and how you'll get them (e.g., online gallery, USB).
Are any physical products like prints or albums included, or are they add-ons?
And yes, I know reading contracts isn't exactly thrilling stuff, but please, please do read it properly! It covers everything important. You can find all the details on my packages and what's included here.
6. Have a Look at the Reviews (But Trust Your Gut Too!)
Reading reviews can give you a fantastic insight into how a photographer made other couples feel on their day. Look for comments about their professionalism, how easy they were to communicate with, and how relaxed they made everyone feel – these insights are often more valuable than just comments about how pretty the photos turned out.
But remember, reviews are only part of the picture (pun intended!). Your gut instinct? That’s absolutely gold and often tells you everything you need to know.
7. Seriously, Trust Your Gut!
Speaking of gut instinct... you’ll probably just know when you’ve found the right photographer for you.
It's that person who:
✔ Answers your emails quickly and like a real human, not a corporate robot.
✔ Makes you feel like your wedding genuinely matters to them.
✔ Gets just as excited about your plans as you are (and doesn't flinch when you say things like "We're having our dog walk me down the aisle!" 🐾).
Spoiler alert: If all that sounds like the kind of photographer you're secretly hoping for... well, we should definitely have a chat, shouldn't we?
Final Thoughts: It's All About the Right Fit
At the end of the day, the best wedding photographer for you isn't necessarily the most famous or the most expensive. It’s the one who truly sees you both and captures the real stuff – the belly laughs, the happy tears, the cheeky glances, the dad dancing – without making it feel forced or awkward.
If you're dreaming of relaxed, natural, joy-filled wedding photos taken by someone who feels more like a friend with a camera across Lancashire and the North West (with absolutely zero cringe poses and full "you do you" energy!), then I would genuinely love to hear all about your day.
Ready when you are! Let’s have a proper, relaxed chat – absolutely no pressure, just a natter about your plans and seeing if I'm the right fit for you.
