7 Ways to make sure a wedding photographer is right for you

Choosing a wedding photographer can feel like one of the biggest decisions of your wedding planning journey. After all, they will be the ones capturing the moments you’ll look back on forever! But don’t panic, I’ve pulled together some steps to help make sure you are looking in the right place and talking to the right people.

In my opinion, a wedding photographer should make their couples feel comfortable before anything else. Casartelli Photography is built around making sure a couple is comfortable in front of me as their photographer, as this allows for entirely natural and authentic photographs.

1. Sort Your Budget First (Yep, Before You Fall in Love With Anyone’s Work)

I know, I know…money talk isn’t always the most exciting part of you wedding planning journey. Before you start scrolling through dreamy Instagram feeds, have a clear idea of what you can realistically spend on photography for you wedding.

On average, couples in the UK spend between £1,500 to £3,000 for a wedding photographer. Some offer packages with extras like albums or engagement shoots that will naturally increase the price. My packages do vary slightly in price, depending on the services outlined within the Wedding Photography Packages section of my website.

I am always more than happy to talk about options should my packages be slightly outside your price range but I always recommend a couple set those realistic boundaries…I get it, weddings can get VERY expensive.

2. Imagine the Photos You Want Hanging on Your Wall

Close your eyes and picture your dream wedding photos. Are they bright and cheerful? Moody and romantic? Packed with candid laughter or polished and posed?

Before you go hunting for a wedding photographer, spend some time figuring out the style of photography that YOU like the most. Browse through Pinterest, photographer portfolios, or even your friends’ wedding albums. Once you know the vibe you're after, it’ll be way easier to spot "The One."

There are many styles of wedding photography, all with their individual uniqueness:

  • Light & airy

  • Dark & moody

  • Colourful & creative

  • Elegant & classic

  • Candid & natural

I shoot with a very natural and candid style of wedding photography. From looking through my Portfolio, you will notice that I keep colours in my photographs very true to life, enhancing beautiful light and just capturing the real emotion that drew me to shooting that image.

As I’ve said, this is MY style and is the artistic style that i resonate with the most. If this is the complete opposite to what you are looking for, this is exactly why ‘shopping around’ for a photographer is so important.


3. Ask Around (Seriously, Word of Mouth Works Wonders)

Some of the best photographers don’t need to shout, their work speaks for itself. So ask friends and family who’ve recently got married. If you loved their photos, get the details of the photographer!

I have had many recommendations to me from previous wedding guests, friends, family members not just because of my technical work…but because they felt comfortable and confident around me…that is always my goal and i feel truly honoured that people have recommended me because of the relationship we established when working together.

Don’t be shy, feel free to ask for testimonials should you want open and honest reviews of your potential wedding photographer.

4. Dive Into Their Portfolio (And Not Just the Highlight Reel)

A few insane Instagram-worthy shots are great, but you need to see how your potential wedding photographer covers an entire wedding day. I would always be happy to share a full gallery, so that you can see how I structure a day in different lighting, during candid moments, and across the ceremony, speeches, and dancing.

If you are looking through a photographers portfolio, make sure to look out for:

  • Natural expressions

  • Good use of light (especially in tricky situations like indoor ceremonies)

  • Variety in angles and compositions

  • Details, not just portraits!

5. Meet Them (Yes, Like an Actual Chat)

A wedding photographer isn’t just someone with a camera. They’ll be with you for your entire wedding day, even longer than your guests! So it's REALLY important that you actually get on with them. You wedding day is a day for you to enjoy the results of all of your planning, time and let’s face it…money. The last thing you want to be faced with, is an awkward encounter with your wedding photographer at the beginning of the day, to then just be followed round by them for the next 10 or so hours.

Set up a meeting! I always encourage my couples to have an initial online video call with me or even a drink if you’re based close enough within the Essex area. These meetings aren’t to go through the technicalities of the day. I wont grill you on which suppliers you have nailed down yet, the structure of your day, how many guests you’re having…I want this to be an opportunity for you to know who I am and to see if our personal values align.

The technical stuff will always be discussed later down the line, I just want you to make sure you feel comfortable with the thought of having me as part of your wedding day.

6. Narrow Down Your Shortlist (It’s Decision Time!)

Once you’ve chatted with a few contenders, reviewed their portfolios, and compared prices, it’s time to make your shortlist. Think about what’s included in their packages and how well they matched your vibe.

Things to consider:

  • Are engagement shoots or albums included?

  • Do you want a second shooter?

  • How many hours of coverage will you get?

  • When will you get the photos?

Like I’ve eluded too many times throughout this post, the fundamental thing is that you feel truly comfortable and confident in them, as not only a wedding photographer but as someone you will be spending your entire wedding day with.

7. Try an Engagement Shoot (Optional, But really Worth It!)

If you’re camera shy, or just want to test the waters before the big day, an engagement shoot can be a brilliant idea.

It gives you time to bond with your photographer, see how they direct you, and get comfy in front of the camera. Plus, you’ll score a set of amazing pre-wedding pics, it’s win-win, right?!

I always offer my couples an engagement shoot as this is exactly where that relationship between myself and my couples blossoms. We always have so much fun and whilst the first 15 minutes can be a little awkward…(let’s face it, none of us are professional models are we?) you will be astonished at how comfortable you start to feel throughout the session. It just get’s all of that awkwardness out of the way, so that come the wedding day, you know you’ll be working the camera like a pro!

Final Thoughts: It’s More Than Just Pretty Pictures

Like I’ve said many times throughout, choosing your wedding photographer isn’t just about technical skills. It’s about trust, connection, and confidence. You want someone who feels like a friend, sees your vision, and can handle any curveballs with a smile.

Now you’ve got the know-how, it’s time to get browsing. Take a look at my Portfolio and Packages, and don’t forget to enjoy the process. This is one of the happiest times of your life, make sure you soak up every second!