Let's Talk Wedding Photography (And Why You Shouldn't Go Cheap... Or Stupid Expensive)
Having spent years in the film industry before transitioning to weddings, I've seen both worlds—the glossy perfection of cinema and the raw, beautiful reality of wedding days. After filming countless weddings and working alongside every type of photographer imaginable (from the "just bought my first camera" newbie to the "I've shot for celebrities" type), I've learned a thing or two about what actually matters when capturing your day.
Look, I'm going to be honest with you. Wedding photography is a bit like dating—you absolutely shouldn't settle for the first cheap option that comes along, but you also don't need the one with the fanciest Instagram bio who name-drops celebrities between breaths.
The Bargain Bin Disaster
We've all been tempted by a bargain. That photographer offering to shoot your ENTIRE WEDDING for £500? Oh honey, no. Just... no.
Here's the thing—when Uncle Bob suggests his "mate who's got a nice camera," what you're actually signing up for is:
Someone who might miss your first kiss because they're fiddling with settings
Photos that make you look like you got married in a cave (even though it was noon)
The special kind of anxiety that comes from wondering if your photos even exist
I've literally had couples come to me in tears because their budget photographer delivered 200 blurry images three months late. THREE MONTHS. By then you've already told the story of your wedding day so many times you're sick of it, and now you don't even have decent photos to shut everyone up.
The "As Featured In Vogue" Fantasy
On the flip side, there's the photographer whose website has more magazine logos than actual photos. You know the type.
Let me share a little industry secret: those "featured in" badges often mean they:
Paid for advertising
Submitted to a blog that has a loose partnership with the magazine
Once had a photo appear in the corner of page 94
And suddenly they're charging you £5000 because they're "published." All while giving you the distinct impression that you're lucky they even agreed to shoot your wedding.
The Personality Factor (This Is HUGE)
Here's something that doesn't get talked about enough: Your photographer is with you MORE THAN YOUR PARTNER on your wedding day.
No, seriously—they're by your side from the excitement of getting ready, through your heartfelt vows, right up to when you're living your best life on the dance floor as the last stragglers are calling it a night.
You need someone who makes you feel like the most gorgeous human alive, not someone who treats you like an inconvenience between portfolio shots. Someone who'll say "Your neck looks amazing from this angle" rather than just barking "Turn left!"
I had a bride tell me recently, "I felt like I had another friend with me all day who just happened to be taking incredible photos." THAT'S the sweet spot.
How to Find "The One"
Skip the extremes and look for someone who:
Has a consistent portfolio (not just 3-4 amazing shots among hundreds of mediocre ones)
Makes you feel comfortable within minutes of meeting them
Communicates clearly without making you feel stupid about questions
Has backup systems and proper contracts (boring but essential, like flossing)
Charges enough to be professional but isn't taking the absolute piss
Your photographer shapes how you FEEL on your wedding day, not just how you look in photos afterward. Choose someone whose personality clicks with yours, who makes you laugh, who'll tell you when you've got lipstick on your teeth.
Because when you're 80 and looking back at these photos, you won't remember what they cost—you'll remember how they made you feel.
And that, darling, is worth every penny of the "just right" price.
