How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer Without the Stress

Planning a wedding feels like juggling whilst balancing on a tightrope. Every decision seems massive. Every choice feels permanent. Your wedding photographer is no different.

Here’s the honest bit: even though this is a photographer’s blog, I might not be the right fit for you — and that’s completely okay. This isn’t about me trying to convince you to book me. It’s about giving you a clearer picture of what’s out there so you can find the person who feels right for you. You’ve probably spent hours scrolling through Instagram. You’ve seen thousands of beautiful photos. Maybe you’ve started a Pinterest board that’s spiralling out of control. But here’s what nobody tells you: there’s no such thing as the perfect wedding photographer.

What matters is finding the right photographer for you. Someone who gets your vibe. Someone who makes you feel relaxed. Someone whose photos make you think “yes, that’s exactly how I want to remember our day.”

Understanding Different Photography Styles

Wedding photography usually falls into a few main styles, though most photographers blend them.

Documentary: real moments, no posing. The quiet observer who catches what you might miss.

Fine Art: carefully crafted, light-filled portraits. Think magazine-worthy images.

Editorial: polished and styled, with a fashion-shoot feel. Stunning, but needs more time away from guests.

Traditional: posed family photos and safe, classic shots. Reliable but formal.

The key? Don’t just look at Instagram highlights. Ask to see full galleries. If you don’t love 99% of the photos, not just the one perfect shot, keep looking.

Decide What Matters Most to You

Do you want a photographer who blends into the background, or one who takes charge and directs? Neither is better. It’s about what fits you. If you’re introverted or camera-shy, you might prefer a quiet photographer who lets you breathe. If you enjoy being photographed, you may like someone more hands-on. Think back to any engagement photos or even family pictures you’ve had taken, what felt natural, and what didn’t?

Be Realistic About Budgets

Wedding photography prices vary wildly. You might see quotes from £500 to £5,000 in the same area.

Part of this comes down to experience, but it’s not the whole story. Some photographers shoot a hundred weddings a year, others only twenty. Neither is automatically better — but the experience you’ll get will likely feel different. A high-volume photographer might work like clockwork, while someone who takes on fewer weddings may have more time to get to know each couple personally. It’s also worth remembering that good photography is more than just one day of work. Editing, communication, and preparing your gallery all take time. Running a business comes with costs too — from insurance to backup gear. Very cheap photography often comes with risks. Maybe they’re just starting out. Maybe they don’t have backup equipment. Maybe they’ll disappear after your wedding.

But expensive doesn’t always mean better either.

Look for photographers whose work you love and whose prices feel realistic for your budget. The sweet spot is finding someone whose photos you connect with, and whose way of working makes you feel comfortable without leaving you stressed about money.

Connection Matters More Than You Think

You’ll spend more time with your photographer on your wedding day than with most of your guests. If you don’t feel comfortable with them, it’ll show in your photos. Book a call or coffee. Do they make you feel relaxed? Do you trust them? Would you happily hang out with them on a random Tuesday? If yes, you’re on the right track.

Trust your gut — it rarely lies.

Look Beyond Just the Pretty Photos

Beautiful photos are only part of the story. What happens if they’re ill on your wedding day? Do they carry backup cameras? How do they handle family drama? Check reviews for words like “reliable,” “calm,” and “organised.” Ask about turnaround times, editing style, and whether you’ll have printing rights. These practical things matter as much as the portfolio. There’s No One-Size-Fits-All Solution The photographer who was perfect for your best friend might be all wrong for you. Some couples want a calming presence. Others want big energy. Some want hours of posed portraits. Others want to barely notice the camera.

All of these approaches can create beautiful photos. The only question is: which one feels like you?

Finding Your Perfect Match

Your wedding photos will tell the story of one of the most important days of your life. But the experience of taking them should feel good too. If you value authentic moments over perfect poses, choose someone who works that way. If you’d rather stay grounded in your day than be whisked away for hours of photos, find someone whose approach matches that. The right photographer won’t just take photos — they’ll make you feel comfortable enough to be yourselves. They’ll notice the quiet moments others miss. They’ll be a steady, calming presence.

Take your time with this decision. Look at full galleries. Have those coffee dates. Trust your instincts.

There’s no perfect choice. Just the right choice for you.

If you’re starting to picture the kind of photographer who feels right for you, you can read more about me or see how other couples have felt working together on my Stories page. When you’re ready to see if we’d be a good fit, say hello. I’d love to hear from you.