Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event. It’s a day filled with joy, love, and unforgettable moments. But how do you ensure these precious moments are captured in the right way and choose the perfect wedding photographer for you? The answer lies in the few tips below.

Choosing the right wedding photographer is crucial. They are the ones who will immortalize your special day, capturing moments that you’ll cherish forever. There are many photographers out there with variations in style, approach and quality, so how do you choose the best wedding photographer that aligns with your vision and expectations? It’s not as daunting as it might seem.

This guide will show you several actionable tips for selecting your wedding photographer. These tips will help you navigate the process with ease and confidence. Whether you’re just starting your wedding planning journey or you’re deep in the throes of decision-making, this guide is for you.

So, let’s dive in and start the journey towards finding the perfect photographer for your big day.

1. Define Your Style and Vision

Before you start your search for a wedding photographer, it’s important to define your style and vision. This is the first step in the wedding photographer selection process. Are you drawn to traditional wedding photos? Or do you prefer a more photojournalistic approach? Maybe you’re captivated by fine art wedding photography. It is also important to look at the photographers editing style, do you prefer, light and breezy, dark and moody or colourful and fresh?

Understanding different photography styles will help you narrow down your options. It will also ensure that the photographer you choose can deliver the aesthetic you’re looking for. Remember, your wedding photos will be a lasting reminder of your special day. Make sure they reflect your personal style and the unique essence of your wedding.

Kirsty Mattsson Photography is known for her very natural approach with a strong, photojournalistic style in combination with bold and colourful creative portraits. My aim is always to tell the story of your day without any intervention. I’m not interested in posing people and won’t ask for fake grins! My editing style is very natural with well lit photography, crisp colours and some beautiful emotive black and whites.

2. Research and Shortlist Candidates

Once you’ve defined your style, it’s time to start researching potential photographers. There are many ways to find wedding photographers. You can start by asking for recommendations from friends or family who have recently tied the knot and and had a great experience with their photographer.

Look for photographers in the area local to your wedding venue but you can also look on a wider scale as many photographers are very happy to travel around the county and abroad. As a Yorkshire Wedding Photographer I cover many weddings in Yorkshire, Derbyshire and Cumbria but I also enjoy travelling far and wide. If you are getting married abroad I’d love to hear from you.

Social media platforms like Instagram can also be a goldmine for finding talented photographers and a really good way to see a selection of the photographers best work.

Wedding venues often have a list of their favourite and recommended suppliers. You can find photographers here but just be aware that this will always be a limited selection and they may be chosen just because the venue enjoys working with that photographer and not necessarily because of the photographer’s experience and talent.

When researching photographers it is very important to , consider the following:

• Check out their portfolio; make sure you have a thorough look through their work. Check they can capture great images at every part of the wedding day and in all types of weather.
• Check their reviews; do they have a good number of glowing reviews on google or other platforms.
• Consider their experience and expertise in shooting weddings. Do they have a blog showing coverage of many previous wedding days.

Remember, the best photographers often get booked up quickly (even 1.5 years in advance). So, it’s a good idea to start your research early. This will give you the best chance of securing your top choice.

3. Review Portfolios and Meet Photographers

After you’ve shortlisted your candidates, it’s time to delve deeper into their work. Reviewing a photographer’s portfolio is a crucial step in the selection process. It gives you a glimpse into their style, creativity, and ability to capture moments.

• Look for consistency in their work. Do the photos look good across different weddings and venues? This can indicate a high level of skill and adaptability.
• Look for their ability to capture great wedding photos in all types of weather and lighting conditions. The ability to control light is one of the most important skills of experienced photographers.
• Make sure the photographer knows how to use additional lighting such as flash. This is an essential skill for capturing well lit images in dark venues and can also be used for creating stunning night time portraits.
• Pay attention to the emotions and expressions captured in the photos. A good wedding photographer can evoke the joy, love, and excitement of the day and really capture your guests personalities.
• Consider the photographer’s editing style. Do you like how they use color, light, and shadow? Remember, these are your memories. You want them captured in a way that resonates with you.

By thoroughly reviewing portfolios and past work, you can ensure you choose a photographer whose style aligns with your vision.

I have been shooting weddings for over 10 years and have an extensive, award winning portfolio covering weddings at a very wide range of wedding venues throughout Yorkshire and beyond. I’m know for my ability to capture great natural images no matter what the weather or lighting conditions and produce some beautiful, creative night time portraits. I also have a very strong focus on photographing the day very naturally capturing authentic expressions and emotions. No two weddings are the same. Every person, every couple and every event is unique and it is always my priority to capture the true character of your day in my images.

Have a chat with your photographer before booking.

It’s very important to have a chat with your favourite photographers before you book. This can be in person or is most often by phone or Zoom. I always love to talk to my potential couples as it really gives me the opportunity to hear what my couples are looking for and explain my style and approach in the day. Photographers vary a great deal and it’s not always easy to glean the photographers experience and approach just from looking at a website.

4. Consider the Personality and Professionalism

When choosing a wedding photographer, don’t overlook the importance of personality. Remember, this person will be with you throughout your special day. You want someone who can put you at ease, make you smile, and blend seamlessly into the background when necessary. Consider how they interact with you during your initial meetings. Are they attentive and enthusiastic? Do they listen to your ideas and contribute their own? A good photographer should be excited about your wedding and eager to capture it in a way that suits your style.

Professionalism is equally important. Look for signs of reliability, punctuality, and good communication. Check if they respond promptly to your inquiries. Do they present themselves in a professional manner? These traits will be crucial on your wedding day.

5. Check their Credentials

Wedding photography requires many specific skills in order to great a great set of images. These include technical understanding of camera and lighting equipment, the ability to handle groups of people on the day with charm and efficiency, ability to manage different lighting conditions and capture fleeting moments and emotions. Ensure you have an experienced photographer if you want great photos.

As an award winning wedding photographer, I’m qualified with the Guild of Professional photographers and I have won many awards with top photographic institutions like Fearless photographers and the Masters of wedding Photography. I’ve also had my work published in various high profile magazines, blogs and training publications. I absolutely love all my couples and many of them have been kind enough to write me lovely testimonials. I have over fifty 5* reviews on Google.

6. Understand Pricing and Packages

Understanding the pricing and packages offered by your potential wedding photographer is important. This will help you budget accordingly and avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line. Remember, the cheapest option is usually NOT the best. Remember that you’re investing in memories that will last a lifetime so if photography is important to you then do prioritise someone who has talent and experience.

When reviewing packages, consider what’s included. Some photographers may offer engagement shoots and /or second shooters. Some packages might include albums, while others provide digital files only. Some may offer slideshows. Make sure you’re clear on what you’re getting for your money.

• Check the number of hours covered in your package.
• A second shooter is helpful if you have a wedding with a large number of guests or want a long coverage of the groomsmen’s prep in the morning.
• A pre-wedding shoot is helpful if you feel very apprehensive about being photographed and would like to meet up with the photographer for a mini practice shoot prior to the day.
• Check if the package can be customisable to your specific needs and budget.
• If interested in an album check what type of albums your photographer offers and ask to see examples.
• Check how long it will take until you receive your edited images.

Finally, always read the contract thoroughly before signing. Make sure you understand the payment schedule and cancellation policy. This is also the time to check who owns the rights to the images and how they can be used.

7. Set Clear Expectations and Communicate

Communication is key when working with your wedding photographer. Whilst the photographer will know all the main parts of the day that you want captured, it’s good to discuss any specific key shots you would like, for example a first look or confetti on the dance floor. It’s also a good idea to highlight any relationships that are important to you that you want a focus on, for example the bride with her Grandma.

Remember, your photographer is there to capture your day, not control it. They should be flexible and willing to adapt to the flow of the day. However, they’ll also need time to get the shots they need. So, it’s a balance of sticking to the schedule and going with the flow.

Lastly, maintain open lines of communication with your photographer throughout the planning process. This will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on your wedding day. After all, you’re entrusting them with capturing one of the most important days of your life.

At Kirsty Mattsson Photography I prioritise communication with my couple’s right through the whole process from booking to the day itself and then receiving the digital files or wedding album. I really enjoy connecting with my couples and giving them a relaxed, fun and stress-free experience. I want you to be able to truly be yourselves in front of the camera and enjoy the photography on the day.

Conclusion

Choosing a wedding photographer is a significant decision. It requires careful consideration and research. But with these tips, you’re well on your way to finding the perfect photographer to capture your special day. Remember, it’s all about finding someone who aligns with your vision, style, and personality. Happy planning!

If you’d like to see more of my work please visit the Portfolios page. If you are planning your day I’d love to have a chat, please get I touch below or call 07564 953262.