So you’re just engaged? I am so excited for you! You’ve got the date set and your venue booked and now you’re slowly but surely working your way through a (huge) list of wedmin tasks.

It can be so daunting when you start googling wedding suppliers, there are so many options out there! When it comes to choosing a wedding photographer, it’s important to find someone who can capture the feel of your day and whose style resonates with you. If you’re not sure where to even begin, I’ve made a list of points below that will hopefully help you to make your choice!

How to choose Your wedding photographer

do you LOVE their style, and does it match with your aesthetic?

• It’s so important to think of your own personal style and the overall aesthetic you want for your wedding photos. Do you prefer a more traditional, classic look, or something more modern and edgy? Do you like the desaturated look, or do you prefer photos that are full of colour and vibrancy? (since you’re here I’m guessing that’s a hell yeah). Have a look at the photographer’s website and socials to get a good feel for their style and how they shoot!

what is their approach?

• Look at the portfolios of several photographers and pay attention to their unique styles and approaches. Do their photos capture the emotions and moments of the day in a way that resonates with you? Don’t be afraid to ask any photographer you’re considering to see an example of a full gallery – I love to send an example wedding out to prospective couples as it helps to give you the best idea of what to expect and to see how your own wedding photographs could look.

what is your budget?

• Consider your budget and decide how flexible that is. Weddings are expensive (I don’t need to tell you this!) but you don’t have to spend big on every supplier. Choose the elements that matter most to you and let that determine how your budget will look. While it might feel like a bit of a splurge, investing in high quality photography and videography is totally worth it if you want to preserve all the magical moments of your big day in a way that speaks to you. Think of it as a gift to your future selves – a chance to relive the fun and emotion of your wedding for years to come!

how experienced are they?

• It’s not always the case but in general, the more experienced the photographer is the better pictures you’ll receive. Don’t be put off if a photographer you’re considering hasn’t shot at your wedding venue before, as chances are they have worked in a similar venue. A good photographer will be able to shoot in all settings regardless of available space and light. A great way to find accredited photographers is to check out the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Ireland (PPANI) website. I’m so proud to be a member of this fab organisation!

are they dead on?!

• Consider the photographer’s personality and how well you get along with them. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them on your wedding day, so it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with!
• Not all my couples feel the need to chat before they book in with me and that’s ok, but a quick chat over the phone or video call can be helpful to figure out if they are the one for you!
• It’s an extra bonus if you find an empathetic photographer, it’s a great quality to have in this job! I find that while this quality gives me greater awareness and insight into how others are feeling and helps me to adapt my approach to suit different personalities. I feel this really gets the best out of not just you as a couple, but also your family and guests.

Considering your own preferences and the points I’ve listed above you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect photographer to capture your beautiful day! If you’re considering me as your wedding photographer and have some burning questions or would like advice on any other part of your planning journey, please get in touch!