How to choose your photographer

Okay, first things first. If you’re reading this then it’s likely you’re recently engaged and you’re planning a wedding, so Congratulations!! So now you’re diving into the planning and thinking ‘where the hell do I start’ right? Well don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. If you’re checking out The Ferry House Inn as your venue of choice, you’re already making good decisions! But how do you choose who will be there snapping the photos of your big day? There is no doubt it’s a big decision and there are a whole heap of options out there for you, but hopefully this will help you narrow things down a bit.

The main thing is that you book the right ‘person’, right? Yeah, they’ve got to take an awesome photo and you’ve got to love the photos they make, that’s what you’re looking for after all. But (I think) it’s equally important that you choose someone you actually want to spend the day with! Someone you feel comfortable and confident with. Someone you know will nail the job of photographing your day and give you a set of photos you can treasure forever and be excited to show people. For me, the equation is a simple one: pick someone who shoots a kick-ass photo AND you actually want to spend your day with. If you feel comfortable with them, you’ll relax and concentrate on enjoying your day, rather than tensing up and feeling awkward whenever they’ve got the camera up. If you’re relaxed and having fun, the photos will be mega. Trust me!

So, here are a few hints and tips to help you find the right person for you:


1.   Ask around - we’ve all been to a wedding or two now haven’t we? Your friends and family will have seen someone at work and seen the resulting photos, so make sure you chat to them. Google is great, but recommendations will get you off to a great start, that’s for sure. 

2.   Talk to your venue - most venues will have a recommended supplier list, and the suppliers on there are there for a reason. Your venue will have a good idea of who you should talk to based on their own experience of photographers they’ve worked with before, so they’re always a great place to start. 

3.   Before you start shopping around, do a little research. There are SO MANY ‘categories’ of photographer these days; traditional, reportage, documentary, fine art, the list goes on. I think it all boils down to one main thing: do you want to concentrate on posed photos, or do you want someone to get in amongst it with you and your guests and document the day as it happens? That will help inform your search and your decision of who to talk to. 

4.   Check out their photos - Yeah, I know that sounds obvious, but have a good look through their photos. Check out their blog, look through a few weddings, not just their portfolio. Do you like what you see? Is there a consistency to their work, regardless of time of day, weather, time of year etc? If there is, you could be on to a winner. 

5.   What do their clients say about them? - Have they got some client testimonials on their website? If they do (and they should have), read them. Do they give you the feeling that you’d be in good hands? Does it sound like they’re easy to work with?

6.   Get in touch - Again, I know this sounds like a simple one, but take it further than just an email. Get on a Skype or FaceTime call with them. Get to know them a bit. Fire a load of questions at them. Did you have a laugh with them? Can you see them being a part of your day? Do they sound like they’ll work with you to make some amazing photos, while helping you have the day you want?

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So, there you have it. I reckon, if you put all those together and you’ve got the good vibes from someone, they’re the one for you. Talk it through together, and someone will stand out to you both. Now all you’ve got to do is get them booked!

​I hope that helped a bit. Happy planning folks, and I hope you have the most amazing day when it comes around! Who knows, maybe I’ll get to be a part of it!

Matt Ebbage

After nearly a decade of shooting weddings, I can’t imagine doing anything else! I’m hugely passionate about telling stories with my camera I love the fact that I get to document weddings. I’m so grateful that people choose me to provide the memories of their day and love the friendships that come from that.