This weekend we celebrated our seventeenth wedding anniversary. Seventeen years. I can hardly believe it. As part of the celebrations we dug out our wedding album and flicked through it together. Almost two decades have passed but those pictures still make us smile and even laugh out loud. They bring back the nerves of getting ready, the look on our faces when we first saw each other, the sheer joy of being surrounded by family and friends. The moments of sadness as we raised a glass in memory of those no longer with us. It made me realise all over again how important it is to think about your wedding photos not just for the day itself but for all the years still to come. When you choose a photographer you are not only picking someone for one day, you are choosing the person who will give you something to look back on in five years, in twenty years, and even to show your grandchildren one day.
When it comes to planning a wedding, there are a handful of big decisions that feel weightier than others. The dress. The venue. The food. And of course, the photographer. Because once the confetti has been swept up and your bouquet has wilted ever so slightly, what you are left with are the memories and the photos. They are the bit that last forever, which is why finding the right person to capture them is such a big deal.
I have been to a fair few weddings over the years, both as a guest and behind the camera myself, and one thing I know is this. Your photographer makes all the difference. So if you are at the stage of pinning down the right person, here are my top tips to help.
Get to know their style
Every photographer has their own way of seeing the world. Some are all about light and airy while others prefer rich and moody tones. Some lean heavily on posed portraits while others blend into the background and capture those candid in between moments. Spend a bit of time browsing portfolios and ask yourself which style makes you feel something. Because if you do not connect with their pictures now, you probably will not later either.
Meet them before you book
It might sound obvious but it is easy to get swept away by a gorgeous Instagram feed. The truth is that you will be spending a huge chunk of your wedding day with your photographer right by your side. You want to make sure you actually like them as a person. Arrange a coffee or a video chat. Do they put you at ease. Can you imagine them laughing with your family, calming you down when the nerves hit, or quietly capturing the chaos without adding to it. Chemistry really matters here.
Ask about the practical stuff
It is not the most glamorous part but it is important. How many hours will they be with you. Do they work with a second shooter. What happens if they are ill on the day. How long will it take to get your images back. A good photographer will happily walk you through all of this and you will feel a lot more confident once you know the nuts and bolts are covered.
Look beyond the highlights reel
Websites and social feeds are often full of the best of the best images, and rightly so. But do not be afraid to ask to see a full gallery from a real wedding. That is where you will see how they handle tricky light, rainy weather, or an unpredictable schedule. It will also give you a sense of how many great shots they capture across the whole day, not just the big moments.
Trust your gut
There is only so much research you can do. At some point you have to go with your instincts. Does their work make you smile. Do you feel comfortable in their company. Can you picture them there on your day, blending in like part of the family. If the answer is yes then that is probably your photographer.
Think of it as an investment
Yes, wedding photography is a big chunk of the budget. But it is also the one thing, aside from your marriage itself of course, that lasts a lifetime. A good photographer captures moments you did not even notice at the time. Your dad wiping away a tear. Your best friend laughing in the corner. The children twirling on the dancefloor. Those images become priceless.
Find someone who really gets you
At the end of the day the best wedding photographer is someone who sees you as you are and tells your story authentically. If you are still looking, you might want to check out Emma Lowe Photography. Emma has that rare knack of being a wedding photographer who makes people feel comfortable in front of the camera. You would be amazed how many photographers don’t actually have that gift which then shows in the pics. Emma’s portfolio shows a beautiful mix of natural heartfelt shots alongside the kind of portraits you will treasure forever. She is based in the UK but travels too, so she is definitely worth a peek if you are planning your big day.
Choosing your wedding photographer does not need to feel overwhelming. Take your time, trust your instincts, and remember you are not just hiring someone with a fancy camera. You are inviting a person to step into one of the most personal and emotional days of your life and preserve it for you to look back on for decades to come. I know because I only have to open our wedding album to be taken right back to that day seventeen years ago. The nerves. The laughter. The love. Those photos still bring us joy now and I cannot imagine a better investment.