Finding the Right Wedding Photographer for You

You can find a wedding photographer whose photographs you absolutely love and still discover that they aren't the right photographer for you. That's because you're not only choosing the photographs. You're choosing the person who will be around you for a large part of your wedding day.

You'll see them while you're getting ready, during your portraits, around your family and friends, and often during some of the more emotional parts of the day.

So while their photographs matter, it's worth asking a few questions about the person behind the camera too.

Can we meet you before we book you for our wedding?

I'd strongly recommend this one.

A photographer can look perfect on paper, but you won't really know what it feels like to have them around until you've spoken to them.

That doesn't necessarily mean you need to meet in person. A video call can work just as well. Use the conversation to ask questions, but also pay attention to how you feel talking to them.

Do they listen? Do they understand what you're looking for? Do you feel comfortable asking questions? Do you feel like you can be yourselves around them?

You're not just hiring someone to take photographs. You're inviting someone into your day.

How many weddings do you photograph?

This can be useful to ask because photographers structure their businesses differently.

Some take on a large number of weddings each year. Others deliberately keep their bookings lower.

Neither approach automatically makes someone the right photographer for you. What's useful is understanding what their business looks like and how that might affect your experience.

I photograph one wedding at a time rather than taking on multiple weddings across the same weekend. That means I can give the day my full attention rather than thinking about the next wedding I need to get to.

How do you work on the wedding day?

It's worth asking a photographer how they actually work when they're photographing a wedding.

Some photographers take a very hands-on approach, while others prefer to stay in the background and let things happen naturally. You might want someone who gives you plenty of direction, or you might prefer someone who is happy to let you get on with your day and step in when needed.

There's no right or wrong answer. What's important is finding an approach that feels comfortable for you.

For me, I want to photograph what's happening without making you feel like you're constantly being photographed. I'll give you direction when it's useful, particularly for things like portraits and group photographs, but I also want you to be able to relax and enjoy the day.

Will you photograph our wedding alone?

If you're considering a second photographer, ask whether one is included, whether it's optional, and what difference having an additional photographer would actually make.

For some weddings, a second photographer can be useful because there are multiple things happening at once. For others, one experienced photographer is perfectly capable of covering the day.

The important thing is understanding what you're paying for and why.

What will you wear on the wedding day?

It might seem like a small thing, but your photographer is going to be moving around your guests for much of the day.

I keep my clothing smart and understated so that I can work without becoming a distraction.

For weddings with particular dress codes or cultural considerations, it's also worth discussing whether there are any expectations around what your photographer should wear.

What happens if we don't feel comfortable having our wedding photographs taken?

Not everyone naturally feels comfortable in front of a camera. If the thought of being photographed makes you nervous, tell your photographer.

A good conversation beforehand can make a big difference. Your photographer should be able to explain how they approach portraits and what they do to help you feel more relaxed.

You don't need to become a different version of yourselves just because you're having your photographs taken.

Why it’s important to have a conversation with your wedding photographer before booking

It's easy to spend hours comparing portfolios or prices and forget that you're also choosing a person.

Think about how you'd feel having that person around while you're getting ready, during your ceremony, when you're trying to relax for five minutes, and when you're on the dance floor with your friends.

The photographer who looks right on a website isn't necessarily the photographer who will make you feel most comfortable on the day. That's why I think having a conversation before booking is so important.

Look at the photographs, of course. But also talk to the photographer. Ask questions. Get a feel for how they work and whether you can imagine having them around on your wedding day.

Because ultimately, you're not just choosing the photographs you'll receive afterwards. You're choosing the person who will be there helping to create them.

Nicolas Challenor
Leicestershire Wedding & Portrait Photographer
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