Planning your dream wedding and on the lookout for that perfect photographer to capture every magical moment? You’re in the right place! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in the East of England in lovely Suffolk, ready to spill the beans on how to find the photographer who will turn your special day into a treasure trove of memories.

So you’re engaged and planning your wedding – YAY! Congratulations to you both. You’ve secured your venue and now you’re on the hunt for your dream wedding suppliers to bring your vision to life. And oh my goodness it is an absolute minefield when it comes to who to book. And your wedding photographer is no exception. These photos are going to be the time capsules of your big day, so picking the right person for the job is like choosing the perfect wedding playlist – it’s gotta be spot-on! Now, with a gazillion photographers in the UK, how on earth do you find “the one”? Here are my top tips on choosing the perfect wedding photographer for your special day:

1. Find your vibe.

First things first – what’s your vibe? Do you love timeless classics, editorial glam, warm and vintage, fine art, or maybe keeping it real and fully documentary? Knowing what you are drawn to naturally will help you narrow down your search and find photographers who speak your language.

Get cozy and start browsing through photographers’ portfolios on their instagrams and their websites. Look for consistency and see if their photos give you all the feels. This sneak peek into their work will tell you if they’re a match made in heaven for your vision.

2. What is there Approach

What’s their approach? There are so many different ways a photographer may approach shooting a wedding. Are they very hands on with lots of posing and directing to get every shot absolutely perfect. Or are they a fly on the wall capturing everything in a reportage and candid manner? Or are they somewhere in between.

For me personally I fall in the middle somewhere. I describe my approach as relaxed, candid, documentary and romantic. I am a storyteller, focusing on the beautiful details, the soft glances, and the stolen kisses capturing things in a natural and candid way. But when it comes to the portraits my goal is to guide you through the process so you feel comfortable and at ease in front of the camera, I never want you to feel awkward, stiff or super ‘posey’. I’m inspired by those authentic in-between moments, that truly and honestly tell your story in the most beautiful way.

3. Editing

What is their editing style? This is the final finishing touch to your images and makes ALL the difference. It’s their secret sauce. Do they lean more dark and warm, or are they brighter and warmer? Think about the colours and the tones and make sure it fits your vibe and aesthetic. It’s important to consider how this edit might look and feel on YOUR wedding and your wedding decor and colours. For example if your wedding colours are pastel blue and mint green, then a wedding photographer with darker, warmer, more orange hue-toned edit may not be the best fit.

4. Experience

It’s a good idea to understand how much/little experience they have. How many years have they been doing photography and weddings. It’s important to note, just because they might be newer to the business isn’t always a negative at all! You might be able to get a great price on someone incredibly talented.

However, a photographer with more experience has likely dealt with a lot more scenarios and situations especially when it comes to lighting and weather so you’ll know you are in safe hands!

5. Chemistry

It’s all about chemistry! Schedule a chat with your potential photographers to see if you vibe well together. Gauge their excitement for your big day, see if they ‘get’ your vision, and make sure they’re on board to make your wedding as special as can be. It’s SO important to have a good relationship with your photographer, after all, they’re going to be spending a LOT of time with you on the wedding day.

6. Reviews

What are others saying? Dive into reviews and testimonials from previous couples. Find out how the photographer handled unexpected twists and turns – a true measure of their professionalism and dedication. Reviews can instill trust and reassure you that your big day is in the best hands.

7. Budget

Of course, budget has to come in to play. Discuss different packages and options with your potential photographer, and make sure there are no hidden costs (i.e. travel) when you agree on your package price.

If you’re on the lookout for a friendly, relaxed photographer who loves to capture timeless, editorial moments, get in touch! Whether you’re saying ‘I do’ in Suffolk or dancing under the stars in dreamy Tuscany, let’s chat and make some photo magic happen! 📸