How to Choose a Wedding Photographer in a Sea of Many
groom and bride having a cuddle moment candidly
If you’ve ever typed “wedding photographer” into Google, you’ll know it’s a bit like walking into the world’s biggest pick ’n’ mix… Endless choices, everything looks tempting, and you’ve no clue where to start.
The truth is, your photographer is one of the most important suppliers you’ll book. They’re not just snapping away on the day, they’re capturing the moments you’ll be looking at for the rest of your life. Long after the cake’s been eaten and the flowers have wilted, your photos will be the one thing you can pick up and instantly relive the day. This shouldn’t be something you just pick due to Budget, there is a long list to make sure you get the PERFECT photographer for YOU.
So, here’s how to find the one (photography-wise — you’ve already nailed the other one).
1. Define Your Style
Before you start scrolling, work out what style feels most you:
Traditional – Posed, formal portraits with a timeless feel. Think the kind of family photo your nan will proudly display on the mantelpiece, these are very posed and guided, think “stand there, smile, look back at the camera, etc”.
Documentary / Reportage – The pure “fly on the wall” approach. The photographer won’t interrupt, pose, or guide you, ideally not even for group shots or portraits. They simply capture moments exactly as they happen. Perfect if you want your day to unfold with zero interference. (Even some photographers get this niche mixed up with Candid)
Candid – Similar to Documentary in its natural feel but with more gentle guidance. Your photographer will still capture real, unforced moments but may step in to help with moving you into better light or giving little prompts:
“Walk together but have the bride glance back at the camera.” This creates a moment of just you two
“Whisper the naughtiest shopping list item you can think of.” This can capture the candid and genuine laugh reactions.
“Lift her up and spin her.”
This way, you get authentic images and the best lighting and composition.
Fine Art – Dreamy, romantic, editorial-style images with soft tones and an emphasis on light and composition. These are great if you are wanting that vogue look type of wedding, the photographer will usually dedicate a lot more time to positining you in breath taking lights/promts etc.
Contemporary / Modern – Bold, fashion-forward shots with creative angles and dramatic lighting.
💡 If you can’t decide or love a mix, choose the photographer whose personality clicks with you. Comfort and trust are everything.
2. Do Your Research
Portfolio – Every photographer will always post their best shots on Instagram or their website. That’s just how it is because no one’s scrolling through a full 800-photo gallery on social media.
But when you’re choosing who to book, you need to go deeper:
Do you like their editing style? This is just as important as defining their shooting style. Are you drawn to light & airy, true-to-tone/natural colours, moody & dramatic, warm & golden, or even film-inspired edits? Pick a style you can imagine loving in 20 years, editing is what gives photos their final look and feel.
Is their editing consistent across different weddings?
Are the colours true-to-life or heavily filtered?
And here’s the big one — ask to see a full wedding gallery. Ideally, one from a venue or lighting situation similar to yours. That way, you can see how they handle:
Changing weather.
Different lighting (ceremony, reception, dance floor).
The candid moments between guests that don’t always make the Instagram cut. (this is important especially if you’re big on wanting candid moments captured throughout the day)
I can’t tell you how many couples only look at my website portfolio and never ask for a full gallery and still just say “lets book!” Luckily, in my consultations, I show one anyway because I want you to see how I capture the whole story, not just the highlights.
Reviews – Google, Facebook, and wedding forums are a great way to see what other couples experienced. But here’s the thing:
Some photographers (especially newer ones) might only have a handful of reviews (especially in the first few years). That’s not always a bad sign, I promise! If those reviews are detailed, consistent with their portfolio, and they’re happy to show you full galleries, it’s still a green flag.
Look for quality over quantity. A heartfelt, specific review means far more than a dozen vague “they were great” comments.
Pay attention to any recurring themes, if every review says they were friendly, calm under pressure, and blended in well with guests, chances are that’s exactly what you’ll get.
Social Media – This isn’t just for pretty photos. Watch their Instagram Stories, TikToks, or Facebook posts to get a feel for:
Their personality and how they interact with people.
How they talk about weddings and couples (are they genuinely passionate, or just ticking boxes?).
Whether their work is consistent over time.
Social media can show you the human behind the lens — and that’s just as important as their technical skills.
3. Be Realistic with Your Budget
Wedding photography in the UK can range anywhere from a few hundred pounds to £4,000+. But here’s what a lot of people miss… You’re not just paying for someone to “turn up with a nice camera” for the day. You’re paying for:
Experience – Years of shooting, learning, and adapting to all sorts of situations (from low-lit churches to pouring rain to missing vicars). This means your photographer can work quickly, problem-solve calmly, and still get beautiful results when things don’t go to plan.
Editing – For every 8–10 hours spent photographing your wedding, there’s usually 20–40 hours of culling, colour correction, and detailed editing afterwards. This is where the magic really happens and your photos get their final polish. A lot of clients forget that so much tweaking goes into editing that your photos will not be the finished product until your photographer has finished editing them.
Professional equipment (and backups) – Quality cameras, lenses, flashes, memory cards, and storage systems — plus duplicates in case something fails.
Insurance – Public liability and professional indemnity insurance to protect you, your guests, and your images.
Pre-wedding prep – Emails, calls, planning meetings, timelines, shot lists, venue visits — all before a single photo is taken.
Gallery hosting & delivery – Secure online galleries, USBs, albums, or prints — and the cost of keeping your images safe for years to come.
Travel and logistics – Time and expenses for getting to and from your venue(s), sometimes across the country.
Ongoing business costs – Website hosting, marketing, software subscriptions, training, and kit maintenance so your photographer can keep delivering their best work.
💡 A note on “new” photographers:
Everyone has to start somewhere, and there are talented beginners out there. But weddings are high-pressure and once-in-a-lifetime — you can’t redo them. If budget is your reason for booking someone new, make sure they:
Have photographed real weddings before (even as a second shooter) Ideally they shouldn’t be promoting or advetising to get bookings if they don’t have a PORTFOLIO to showcase they can do your wedding. This is a big risk to your day, if anything goes wrong, you can’t replace it or get it back.
Have a strong background in photographing people in other settings. Even street photography is a good way to get a grasp on their work, these are unplanned photo moments.
Own at least two cameras and multiple lenses. they must have BACKUPS and each camera they MUST have a dual SD card slot, SD card slots can currupt, if they have a second slot, most likely your photos will be saved.
Have insurance in place.
A small budget doesn’t have to mean taking big risks — it just means being extra careful about who you choose.
4. Meet Them Before You Book
Whether over coffee or a Zoom call, meeting your photographer is essential. This is when you’ll see if:
You click personality-wise.
They actually listen to your vision.
They make you feel at ease (especially important if you’re camera-shy).
You’ll realistically be spending your whole day with them — most likely from the nervous morning prep to the last dance — and realistically, they’ll be the only other person who’s with you both the most throughout the day (sometimes even more than your new husband or wife).
That’s why it’s so important that you genuinely like them. If you feel comfortable, relaxed, and able to be yourselves around your photographer, it will show in your photos. If you don’t… well, that’ll show too.
5. Check Their Availability
Most photographers book up 12–24 months in advance, especially for summer Saturdays. If you’ve found “the one,” don’t hang about.
6. Understand Their Packages
Not all photography packages are created equal, so read them carefully. Look at:
Hours of coverage – Does it start at bridal prep and end after the first dance, or does it cover a set number of hours? If your speeches run late or your party kicks off later than planned, will they stay?
Second shooter – Having an extra photographer can mean more angles, more candid guest moments, and simultaneous coverage of both partners getting ready. Some photographer’s will include two photographers in their bigger packages but if they don’t, always enquire with your photographer if you want a second shooter, they usually have trusted seconds that they will recommend and hire.
What you’ll receive – Will you get digital files only, or also physical products like USBs, prints, or an album? How many edited images are included?
Turnaround time – How long after the wedding will you get your photos? Will you get sneak peeks in the meantime?
Travel costs – Are they included or charged separately? If your venue is far away, this can make a difference.
Extras – Engagement or pre-wedding shoots, post-wedding “day after” sessions, photo booth hire, or additional hours on the day.
Licensing – Are you free to print your images anywhere you like, or do you have to order through them?
Online gallery – Will your guests be able to view and download images too, or will everything go to you first?
💡 Tip: Most photographers are happy to tailor their packages. If there’s something you want to swap, add, or remove — just ask. You might be able to create something that fits your day perfectly without paying for things you don’t need.
7. Read the Contract
It’s not glamorous, but it’s vital. Look for:
Exactly what’s included.
Payment schedule.
Delivery times for your photos.
Any travel or overtime fees.
8. Consider Their Personality
Your photographer will be there for your most intimate and joyful moments — the quiet morning nerves, the emotional ceremony, the chaos of the dance floor — and they’ll also be the one rounding up your entire family for group shots.
You need someone who can:
Be friendly and approachable – so guests feel comfortable being photographed and you feel relaxed in front of the camera.
Stay calm under pressure – because weddings don’t always run to plan, and you want someone who can adapt without stressing you out.
Be discreet when needed – during the ceremony or emotional moments, they should be able to blend in so you forget they’re even there.
Be assertive when it’s time to organise people – they should be able to gather guests quickly for group photos without it taking half the drinks reception.
Not be afraid to shout when necessary – a good photographer knows how to project their voice to get everyone’s attention, even over a loud crowd, without sounding rude.
Read the room – knowing when to step back and let a moment unfold, and when to step in to guide it.
💡 The sweet spot is someone who can be a calming presence when needed, but who can also take charge when it’s time to get things done. Too quiet, and they’ll struggle to organise guests; too pushy, and they’ll put people off. The best photographers balance both.
9. Check Their Experience
Ask:
Have they shot at your venue or similar ones?
How do they work in low light or bad weather?
Have they photographed weddings of your size and style?
Experience means they can problem-solve without stress showing on their face.
10. Ask About Backup Plans
A professional should have:
Backup cameras and lenses.
A backup photographer in case of illness.
Multiple backups of your images.
Final Thought
Choosing your wedding photographer isn’t just about pretty pictures. It’s about finding someone who gets you, works in a style you love, and can handle the day calmly while still capturing magic.
If you want candid, laughter-filled moments with a sprinkle of gentle direction so the light and angles are just right — that’s my thing. My goal is to make you feel like you’ve got a friend behind the camera, not a stranger barking orders.
When you find a photographer whose work makes you smile and whose personality makes you relax, you’ve found the right one.
Carmen Sherred Photography — Manchester & North UK Wedding Photographer
When You Forget the Camera Exists
When you stop worrying about the perfect pose and simply lean into the moment, this is what happens. Unfiltered joy, shared between two people who couldn’t care less about the camera — and that’s when the magic happens.