Your wedding day goes by in a happy blur. After more than a decade of photographing weddings, I've learned a thing or two about catching the moments you'll want to keep. So here's my honest take on finding the right photographer, why your photos will matter more than you think, and what experience actually changes on the day.
Finding the right photographer
Experience. Look for someone who has handled a lot of weddings, tricky light and tight timings, and can show you full galleries, not just a highlights reel.
Someone you actually click with (pun intended). The right photographer wants to get to know you, understands what matters to you and is there for you through the planning, not just on the day.
A style you love. Everyone has their own look. Have a proper look through their work and see whether it makes your heart skip a beat.
Why your photos matter more than you think
One day you'll be flicking through your album with a cup of tea, and those photos will take you straight back: the laughter, the happy tears, the terrible dancing.
They become part of your family's story. I still have my grandparents' wedding photos, and a photo of my nana and grandad on their first date is the reason I do this job. One day someone you've never met might look at yours and feel exactly who you were.
It's the small moments that count. A stolen glance during the ceremony, your mates' dance-off, your nan in her best coat. Those are the photos you'll love most.
What experience changes on the day
Staying calm when things go sideways. Sudden downpours, a late car, a bouquet toss gone wrong. I've seen most of it, and I'll keep calm and keep shooting.
Knowing when to step in. Most of my day is about blending into the background, but experience means knowing when to take charge, like rounding up a rowdy group shot or finding the best light for your portraits, without making a fuss.
Telling your story. Good wedding photos aren't just pretty pictures. They're the story of your day and the people in it, told honestly.
Choosing an experienced photographer means having someone on your side who knows how to look after you as well as your photos. If you're planning a wedding in Hampshire and that sounds like what you're after, I'd love to hear about it.
