How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
I’m James, a Kent wedding photographer based in Thanet, and I’ve been photographing weddings for over a decade. Your wedding photographer will be with you for most of your wedding day — longer than almost any other supplier. They’re the person in the quiet moments before the ceremony, who follows the whole arc of the day, and whose work you’ll still be looking at in twenty years.
It’s worth getting the decision right. Here’s how I’d approach it.
Start With the Portfolio — But Look at It Properly
Most couples browse a photographer’s Instagram or the highlights on their homepage and stop there. That’s not enough.
Ask to see a full gallery from a recent wedding — ideally one from a similar venue type to yours. A full gallery shows how a photographer works across an entire day: the quiet moments during preparation, the ceremony light, the speeches, the evening. Anyone can curate a highlight reel. A full gallery tells you whether the quality is consistent.
Ask yourself: do the photos make you feel something? Not “are these technically impressive?” — but does looking at them bring you into the room? That emotional pull is what you’re looking for.
Understand the Styles
Wedding photography broadly falls into three approaches, though most photographers blend elements of each:
- Documentary (also called reportage or photojournalistic) — the photographer observes and captures without directing. The result is natural, candid, and often emotionally raw. This is my approach. The photos look like the day actually was, rather than a constructed version of it.
- Traditional — more posed and formally structured. Group portraits, arranged compositions, consistent and classic. Good for couples who want something timeless and formal.
- Fine art — heavily stylised editing, strong creative vision, often with a particular aesthetic that runs throughout. Can be beautiful, but make sure the style suits your taste before you book rather than after.
- Whatever style you’re drawn to, make sure the portfolio consistently delivers it. Some photographers describe themselves one way and shoot another.
Budget Honestly
Photography is consistently cited by couples as the thing they wish they’d spent more on. That’s not a sales pitch — it’s just the reality that the dress, the flowers, and the cake are all gone by the end of the night, and the photos are what remains.
That said, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get someone excellent. What you need to do is set a realistic figure and find the best photographer within it — rather than setting a figure that rules out anyone good and then being disappointed.
In the UK, experienced professional wedding photographers typically start from around £1,500–£4,000 for meaningful coverage. Whatever your budget, be thorough in checking full galleries and reviews before committing. Take a look at my wedding photography pricing if you’d like a clear idea of what’s included.
Think About Fit
This one gets underestimated. Your photographer is going to be with you all day. If they make you feel awkward or uncomfortable, that shows in the photos. If you feel at ease around them, that shows too.
A short call or meeting before booking is worth doing — not just to go through logistics, but to get a sense of whether you actually like them. Trust that instinct.
A good photographer should make the process feel straightforward, communicate clearly, and be someone you’d be happy to have standing next to you for eight hours.
FAQ: Choosing a Wedding Photographer
How far in advance should I book a wedding photographer?
For popular dates — summer Saturdays in particular — 12–18 months ahead is sensible. Good photographers fill up quickly. If your date is sooner, it’s still worth enquiring; availability opens up more than people expect.
Should I meet the photographer before booking?
Yes, even if it’s just a video call. How you get on with someone matters as much as their portfolio. You’ll spend the whole day with them.
What’s the difference between documentary and traditional wedding photography?
Documentary photography captures events as they happen — natural, unposed, and candid. Traditional photography is more directed, with formal portraits and group shots. Most photographers offer a mix, but will lean one way or the other. Check the portfolio rather than relying on how they describe themselves.
How many photographers do I need?
One experienced photographer can cover most weddings well. A second shooter is useful for larger weddings or where preparations are happening in separate locations — they capture angles and moments a single photographer can’t be in two places to get.
Is it worth paying more for a well-known photographer?
Not necessarily. Reputation and price don’t always correlate. A less well-known photographer with a strong, consistent portfolio and excellent reviews is a better bet than a high-profile name whose work doesn’t resonate with you.
What if I don’t like being in front of a camera?
Tell your photographer this before the day. A good photographer either directs with enough confidence to make it easy, or structures the day so that natural moments emerge without forcing anything. Camera-shyness shows much less in documentary-style photography because there’s less pressure to perform for the lens.
Looking for a Kent Wedding Photographer?
I’m James — documentary wedding photographer based in Thanet. If you like the sound of same-day prints and a one-month turnaround, get in touch here or take a look at my pricing.