How to Choose a Wedding Photographer Whose Style Suits You
You'll often hear photographers describe their style by using words like documentary, candid, natural, relaxed, editorial and traditional. Although these words can be useful to narrow down your preferred wedding photographer style, they don't always tell you what your experience will actually be like.
When choosing a photographer for your wedding day, it’s important to know some of the practical questions to ask. But it’s also worth thinking about what it will actually feel like to have that person photographing you throughout the day.
So when you are looking around for wedding photographers, here are some questions I'd ask to understand whether a photographer's approach is right for you.
How would you describe your photography style?
This is probably one of the first questions I'd ask.
Rather than choosing a photographer because you like a particular label, ask them to explain how they actually work.
Some photographers are almost completely documentary, observing what's happening without much intervention. Others give a lot of direction and create more posed photographs. Many, like me, sit somewhere in between.
I photograph a mixture of natural moments and gently directed portraits. Sometimes, I'll step back and let things unfold. Other times, a little direction can help you feel more comfortable and allow us to create something together.
For me, natural doesn't have to mean completely unposed. It's about making sure the photographs still capture how that day felt for you.
How much direction will you give us?
This is particularly worth asking if you're not comfortable having your photograph taken.
Some couples love being given lots of direction. Others would rather forget the camera is there altogether. Most couples I’ve worked with sit somewhere in between.
That’s why it’s useful to ask the photographer what actually happens during couple portraits. Will they tell you exactly where to stand? Will they give you something to do? Will they simply observe?
There is no right way to approach this. You simply want to know what the experience will feel like for you as a couple.
My approach is to give enough direction that you know what we're doing without making you feel as though you're performing. I don’t expect you to become models for the day but I will help you with where to stand, where to look and how to move, while keeping things relaxed and natural.
How do you photograph the moments that aren't planned?
Wedding days don't always go according to the schedule and some of the best photographs happen because of that. I’m talking about the quiet glances, the unexpected laughs, the tears, the embraces and all the little interactions that make a wedding day yours.
Those are the moments you can’t recreate later. And a big part of my wedding photography style is being able to anticipate what's happening and be ready when something unfolds, rather than simply waiting for the next scheduled part of the day. On the day, I pay attention to the people around you, the interactions between guests and the little moments that might otherwise go unnoticed
Which is why it’s useful to know how your potential wedding photographer fills these quieter in-between moments. Are they more likely to move around and connect with your wedding guests and capture some of the unexpected moments or do they simply stick to what’s on your wedding photography list?
What happens if one of us hates having our photograph taken?
This is a very common concern, and it's worth bringing up rather than hoping it won't matter on the day.
You shouldn't feel as though you need to become a model for your wedding. Often, once couples stop worrying about whether they're doing it right, they start enjoying themselves. And that's when the photographs become much more natural.
The photographer you choose should be able to explain how they work with people who aren't naturally comfortable in front of a camera. It’s also why an engagement session is the perfect way to ease into being in front of the camera and experience how well you connect with your photographer.
Can we see a full wedding gallery rather than just your favourite photographs?
A photographer's portfolio will naturally contain their favourite images. That's useful, but it doesn't necessarily show you what they consistently produce across an entire wedding.
If you're seriously considering someone, ask whether you can see a full gallery like this one.
Look at the photographs throughout the day. How do they photograph the preparations, ceremony, family photographs, speeches and dancing?
You're not just looking for a handful of photographs you love. This is your opportunity to imagine what your own wedding gallery might look and feel like.
How do you approach family photographs?
Family photographs are generally the part of a wedding photographer's portfolio that looks the most traditional and formal. And for a good reason. They're often some of the photographs you'll value most years later.
It’s worth asking how your potential wedding photographer organises them and how much time they recommend setting aside.
Personally, I keep family photographs organised and efficient so that you don't spend a large part of your wedding day standing around waiting to have your picture taken. I always ask my wedding couples to prepare a list of the family photographs you'd like beforehand. A little preparation can make this part of the day run much more smoothly.
The most important thing is to understand how a photographer works and whether their approach feels right for you. You don't need to know whether you want documentary, editorial or traditional photography before you start looking. You just need to find someone whose way of working helps you feel comfortable and whose photographs capture what matters to you.
Nicolas Challenor
Leicestershire Wedding & Portrait Photographer
Get to know me