Shropshire based wedding photographer & videographer
How To Find the Right Wedding Photographer For You!
Dana Lewis Photography
Your wedding day will fly by in a blur of excitement, emotion and celebration. Long after the cake has been eaten and the flowers have faded, your photographs will be the keepsakes you’ll turn to again and again.
But how do you make sure you pick the right photographer for you? This guide walks you through each step — from understanding your style to reading contracts — so you can book with confidence and look forward to photos you’ll love.
Understand Your Style
First things first: what kind of photography style are you drawn to?
Do you love candid, photojournalistic shots that capture moments as they naturally unfold?
Or are you more into posed, traditional photos with that timeless, classic feel?
Maybe your heart is set on artistic, creative shots—those with unique angles, lighting, or compositions that tell a story in a less conventional way.
Pro tip: Spend time browsing wedding photography portfolios—online, in magazines, on Instagram. Make a list of images you really connect with. Over time, you’ll start seeing patterns, and that will help clarify what you really want.
Research Potential Photographers
Once you’ve got your vision, it’s time to find people who do that kind of work. Here’s what to look for during your research:
Consistency of style. Does every wedding in their portfolio feel like it could be your wedding? Do they maintain the same mood, lighting, editing style?
Quality. Are the photos well composed? Is the lighting flattering? Are the colours and editing on point?
Versatility. Weddings come with all kinds of lighting (churches, golden hour, interiors, outdoors) and environments. Can the photographer handle those well?
Look especially carefully on their website, social media, and any galleries where past weddings are shown
Meet or Speak with the Photographer
When you’ve narrowed things down, arranging a meeting or at least a call is essential. A good shoot is not just about equipment—it’s about personalities meshing, comfort, and trust.
Here are useful things to ask or discuss:
How do they describe their photography style?
What happens if something unexpected comes up on the wedding day?
Do they have references or past clients you can speak with?
How involved are you in planning the shot list or deciding on poses?
What’s their approach to working with couples who may feel awkward in front of the camera?
A photographer who listens, offers ideas, and responds to your vision (instead of just telling you what they do) is a very good sign.
Review Their Packages and Pricing
Wedding photography is a serious investment. You want to know exactly what you’re getting—and what it will cost.
Things to check:
Coverage time. How many hours are included? Will that cover all the key moments?
Extra costs. Are there travel fees, extra editing, or additional prints/albums? Are those included or add‐ons?
Physical prints and albums. If you want an album or physical photos, what are the options, and are they included?
Make sure the contract or agreement is clear—what deliverables you’ll get and when.
Check Reviews and Testimonials
You can learn a lot from what past clients say. Don’t just look at the photos—in reviews you’ll see hints of how professional, punctual, reliable, or easy the photographer was to work with.
Where to look:
Google Reviews
Comments & feedback on their social media pages
Wedding photography directories or sites that collect client testimonials
Try to get a well-rounded view: how they were on the day, whether deadlines were met, whether they were friendly under pressure, how they handled unexpected situations, etc.
Trust Your Instinct
After all the research, conversations and comparisons, one of the most important steps is trusting your gut.
Do you feel comfortable with them?
Are you excited about working with them?
Does their way of working feel right for you?
If you feel at ease, that comes through in your photos—your natural reactions, the laughter, the moments when you forget the camera is there. That’s often what makes wedding photography genuinely special.
Common Questions
The cost of a professional photographer can vary widely based on their experience, location, and the scope of your project. It’s common to spend anywhere from £1,000 to £3,000 for wedding photography.
Candid photography captures spontaneous moments without any posing or direction, often resulting in natural, genuine expressions. Posed photography, on the other hand, involves directing the subjects into specific positions or expressions, focusing more on creating a certain look or mood.
For weddings and large events, it’s advisable to book your photographer as quickly as you can. If you have researched and believe you have found the right photographer for you then try and get them booked as early as you can to avoid disappointment. I get booked on average at least a year in advance.
A second photographer or assistant can be beneficial, especially for large events like weddings. They can provide different angles, cover more moments, and ensure that no important shot is missed. Discuss this with your photographer to see if it’s necessary for your event.
Schedule a consultation to discuss your vision and ensure your personalities match. Feeling comfortable with your photographer is key to ensuring you have a great wedding day with natural, authentic photos.
To save money, consider booking during the off-season, limiting the number of hours of coverage, or opting for a digital-only package without extras like albums or prints.
Think about your vision for your photos. Do you prefer candid, photojournalistic shots or posed and polished portraits? Browse portfolios and see which style resonates most with you as a couple.
Start by researching photographers in your area and browsing their portfolios. Choose a few whose style you love, then compare pricing, packages, and reviews to find your top contenders.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a wedding photographer isn’t just about picking someone with a good camera. It’s about finding someone who understands your style, whose personality puts you at ease, and who treats your wedding as the meaningful celebration it is.
If you follow these steps, figure out your style, research, meet them, read reviews, check the package, and trust your instincts, you’ll be well on your way to getting wedding photos that don’t just look beautiful, but feel like you.