A Real Guide to Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

Let's Be Honest About Wedding Planning: Choosing the Right Photographer

Planning a wedding is exciting, but let's be real - it can also feel completely overwhelming. You've probably got a never-ending list of things to figure out: the venue, the caterers, the flowers, the dress... and somewhere in there, you need to find a photographer too.

Here's the thing though - choosing your wedding photographer is actually one of the biggest decisions you'll make. I know that might sound dramatic, but think about it: when your wedding day is over, when you've eaten the last piece of cake and danced the last dance, your photos are what you'll have left. They're the only thing from your wedding that actually gets more meaningful over time.

I'm a wedding photographer based in Nottingham, and I've worked with couples all over the UK. I've seen firsthand how much this decision matters, and I know how confusing it can feel when you're trying to figure out where to even start. That's why I wanted to write this guide - not as some sales pitch, but as genuine advice from someone who's been there for hundreds of weddings and knows what really makes the difference.

Why Your Wedding Photos Actually Matter More Than You Think

I get it - when you're planning a wedding, photography can feel like just another thing on the to-do list. You've got bigger things to worry about, right? The venue, the catering, making sure Great Aunt Margaret has somewhere to sit...

But here's something I've learned after photographing weddings for years: your photos are literally the only part of your wedding that becomes more valuable as time goes on. Everything else is temporary. Those gorgeous flowers? They'll be wilted by Monday. The amazing cake? Gone (hopefully it was delicious). The decorations you spent hours choosing? Packed away in boxes.

Your photos, though? They're forever. They're not just pictures - they're time machines. They'll take you right back to how you felt when your partner was walking down the aisle, or when your dad gave his speech and made everyone cry, or when your friends were all singing along to your first dance song.

I'll never forget this one wedding I shot where the bride's grandfather attended even though he wasn't well. He passed away just a few weeks later, and those photos of him smiling and holding her hand became absolutely priceless to the family. That's when you realize it's not just about having pretty pictures - it's about preserving moments that you can never get back.

And here's another thing - when you hire a professional photographer, you're not just paying for photos. You're paying for peace of mind. You're getting someone who has backup equipment, who knows how to handle tricky lighting, who can keep things running smoothly, and who won't panic when something unexpected happens (because trust me, something always happens at weddings).

The Stuff Everyone Worries About (And Why It's Going to Be Fine)

Almost every couple I talk to has the same concerns about wedding photography. The good news? These worries are totally normal, and with the right photographer, they're completely manageable.

"We're going to look so awkward in photos"

Oh my god, I hear this constantly. "We're not photogenic," "We hate having our picture taken," "We don't know how to pose." Here's the secret: hardly anyone is naturally comfortable in front of a camera, and that's completely fine!

The key is finding a photographer who gets this and knows how to work with real people, not Instagram models. My approach is pretty simple - I give you just enough direction to look your best, but most of the time I'm just capturing you being yourselves. Think less "stiff wedding poses" and more "hanging out while someone happens to be taking photos."

Most couples are surprised by how much fun they have during their photo sessions. That's exactly how it should be.

"What if they miss something important?"

This is a big one. Weddings move fast, and there are so many little moments happening at once. Your first look, the vows, your grandmother's reaction, that hilarious thing your best man said during his speech - you can't recreate any of it.

This is honestly where experience makes all the difference. I always sit down with couples beforehand to go through the day and understand what matters most to them. I arrive early, I know the timeline inside and out, and I've developed an eye for catching those spontaneous moments too.

"Are there going to be hidden costs?"

Ugh, nobody likes surprise charges. Some photographers aren't upfront about what's included, and suddenly you're getting hit with extra fees for things like digital downloads or extended coverage.

I'm a big believer in being completely transparent from the start. When I give you a quote, that's what you'll pay - no surprises, no hidden extras, no stress later on.

"What if we don't click with our photographer?"

Your photographer is going to be with you for most of your wedding day, so if the vibe isn't right, it can make everything feel awkward.

That's why I always make sure to get to know couples before their wedding. We'll have video calls, exchange plenty of messages, maybe even do an engagement shoot. By the time your wedding day arrives, it should feel like having a friend there with a camera, not a stranger following you around.

"How long until we see our photos?"

Nobody wants to wait months to see their wedding pictures. The anticipation is torture!

I always send out a few sneak peek photos within 48 hours so you can relive your favorite moments right away and share them with everyone who's asking "How was it?!" The full gallery follows within the timeframe we agree on - no endless waiting.

"What if something goes wrong?"

Equipment fails, files get corrupted, life happens. It's natural to worry about the "what ifs."

Any professional photographer should have backup plans for everything. I carry extra cameras, multiple memory cards, and your photos get backed up in several places. I'm also insured, which protects everyone involved.

How to Actually Choose a Wedding Photographer (The Real Version)

Look at full weddings, not just the highlight reel

Anyone can make one or two photos look amazing, but can they deliver consistently throughout an entire day? Ask to see complete wedding galleries, not just the Instagram-worthy shots. You want to see how they handle different lighting, various moments, and the less glamorous parts of the day too.

Read reviews, but read between the lines

Reviews are helpful, but look for specific details. Did the photographer make couples feel comfortable? Were they reliable? Did they deliver on time? Generic "amazing photos!" reviews don't tell you much, but "Jordan made us feel so relaxed, and we barely noticed he was there" tells you a lot about the experience.

Consider your venue

Has your photographer worked at your venue before? They don't have to have, but it helps if they're familiar with the layout, the lighting, and any restrictions. If they haven't shot there before, do they seem excited to scout it out and plan accordingly?

Think about personality fit

This is huge. You can have the most talented photographer in the world, but if their personality clashes with yours, your photos probably won't feel authentic. Do you want someone energetic and outgoing, or calm and unobtrusive? Do you prefer detailed planning or a more go-with-the-flow approach?

Ask about their backup plans

What happens if they get sick? Do they have associate photographers? What if their equipment fails? A professional should have clear answers to these questions.

Understand what's included

How many edited photos will you receive? Do you get digital downloads? Are prints included? Is there a limit on how long you can access your online gallery? Make sure you understand exactly what you're getting.

Trust your gut

At the end of the day, this is about more than technical skills or pricing. Do you feel excited about working with this person? Do they seem to understand your vision? Do they make you feel confident and relaxed? Your instincts matter.

Questions You Should Actually Ask

When you're talking to potential photographers, here are the questions that really matter:

About availability and logistics:

• Are you available on our date?

• What's included in your packages?

• How many edited photos will we receive?

• What's your turnaround time?

• Do you have backup equipment and a backup photographer?

  
  

About their approach:

• Can we see a full wedding gallery?

• How would you describe your photography style?

• How do you handle family photos and group shots?

• What happens if it rains?

• Do you have experience with our venue?

  
  

About the business side:

• What's your payment schedule?

• What happens if you're ill on our wedding day?

• Can we get references from recent couples?

• Do you offer engagement sessions?

• How do you deliver our photos?

  
  

What Makes Some Photographers Different (Like Me)

I've been doing this long enough to know what really matters to couples, and it's shaped how I approach weddings:

I focus on real moments, not posed perfection

Sure, we'll get those classic shots your parents will want to frame, but what I'm really looking for are the genuine emotions and interactions. The way you look at each other during the vows, your friends laughing during the speeches, your grandparents dancing together. That's the good stuff.

I'm there to support you, not stress you out

Your wedding day can feel overwhelming, and I see part of my job as making it easier, not harder. I'll help with timelines, wrangle family members for photos, and generally just be an extra pair of hands when you need it.

No surprises, ever

My pricing is straightforward, my contracts are clear, and I communicate regularly. You'll never wonder what's happening or when you'll hear from me.

You get sneak peeks fast

Because I know you're dying to see some photos! I'll get a few favorites to you within a day or two so you can start reliving the magic right away.

What Working Together Actually Looks Like

First contact

You reach out (probably after looking at way too many photographer websites), and I get back to you quickly with some initial information.

Getting to know each other

We'll hop on a video call to chat about your plans, your vision, and whether we're a good fit. This isn't a sales call - it's just a conversation to see if we click.

Making it official

If we decide to work together, you'll sign a contract and pay a deposit. Then you can check "find photographer" off your list and move on to the next thing!

Planning together

As your wedding gets closer, we'll go over all the details. Timeline, family photo lists, special requests, backup plans - whatever you need to feel prepared.

The big day

I'll be there early, stay as long as needed, and handle everything photography-related so you can just enjoy being married.

Reliving it all

Sneak peeks within 48 hours, full gallery within a few weeks. Then you get to experience your wedding all over again through the photos.

The Bottom Line

Your wedding day is going to be amazing, chaotic, emotional, and over way too fast. You won't remember every single detail, but your photos will help you hold onto the feeling forever.

Choosing a photographer isn't really about finding the person with the fanciest camera or the biggest Instagram following. It's about finding someone you trust to tell your story honestly and beautifully. Someone who gets what matters to you and knows how to capture it without making you feel awkward or rushed.

If you've read this far and you're thinking "Yeah, this sounds like what we want," then let's chat. I'd love to hear about your plans and see if we're meant to work together.

📩 Drop me a line to check if I'm available for your date, or find me on Instagram @jordanwadephotography

Because at the end of the day, your love story deserves to be told by someone who actually cares about getting it right.