Everything You Need to Know About Wedding Photography
Planning a wedding is an exciting yet intricate journey, filled with choices about venues, flowers, and entertainment. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is whether to hire a professional photographer to document your wedding day.
While a videographer captures movement and sound, wedding photography freezes moments in time, creating cherished images you can display, share, and treasure forever. Not investing in quality wedding photography is a common regret for newlyweds. As passionate photographers, we believe it’s one of the most worthwhile parts of your wedding budget. Here’s everything you need to know to make the best decision for your wedding photography.
For more wedding photography inspiration, check out our blog post: Top 7 Tips for Stunning Wedding Photos.
Table of Contents
Include Wedding Photography in Your Budget
Wedding photography is a valuable investment, and costs can vary depending on the photographer’s expertise, the package you choose, and the duration of coverage. On average, you should expect to budget between £1,200 and £2,500 for professional wedding photography in the UK. When planning your budget, consider the number of hours you want covered, whether you’d like a second photographer, and any additional services like albums or prints.
To ensure transparency, always request a detailed quote outlining what’s included in your package. Explore our wedding photography packages to find the perfect fit for your budget and vision.
Unfortunately, we see so many stories of people being let down by photographers and videographers before their wedding day and most of the time it is when couples have booked really low priced suppliers, or couples are asked for full payment up front. Scary to think, but sometimes you get what you pay for. Think of photography of an invest and keep reading as to what to look into when booking a photographer.
When to Book a Photographer
Photographers are often booked up to a 12 months to 18 months in advance, especially for weddings during peak season (May to September). Once you’ve chosen your wedding date, secure your photographer to avoid disappointment. Booking early also gives you time to plan your engagement shoot, discuss your preferences, and ensure your photographer understands your vision.
For a timeline of when to book other suppliers, check out our helpful post: Wedding Planning Timeline Tips.
How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
Feeling nervous about being in front of the camera is completely natural! Our goal as photographers is to make you feel at ease, allowing us to capture authentic, natural moments. The best advice? Be yourselves and enjoy your day. Whether it’s a quiet glance or a belly laugh, we’ll be there to document every beautiful detail.
For more tips, check out our blog post: How to Relax in Front of the Camera on Your Wedding Day.
Types of Wedding Photography Styles
Wedding photography styles vary greatly, so it’s important to choose one that matches your personality and the overall theme of your wedding. Here are the most popular styles:
Traditional Photography: Classic, posed images of the couple, family, and bridal party.
Documentary Photography: Candid shots that tell the story of your day naturally.
Fine Art Photography: Artistic compositions with creative lighting and framing.
Editorial Style: Inspired by magazine shoots, focusing on stylish, polished images.
At Just James Weddings, our style blends timeless elegance with a natural documentary approach, ensuring we capture both the iconic and intimate moments of your day. See our portfolio for inspiration. Understanding the different types of wedding photography can help you decide what fits your wedding vision best. For a deeper dive into the styles of wedding photography, visit this blog post by Brides.com on The Complete Guide to Wedding Photography Styles.
Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Before booking, ensure you’re comfortable with your photographer and their process. Here are a few key questions to ask:
What’s included in your package?
Can we see examples of full wedding galleries?
How do you handle low-light or challenging conditions?
What is your approach to group photos and candid shots?
Choosing the right photographer ensures your wedding day is documented exactly as you envision.
Hiring a wedding photographer is one of the best decisions you’ll make for your big day. Through beautiful images, you’ll be able to relive the joy, love, and celebration for years to come. Contact us today to discuss your wedding photography needs - we’d love to capture your special day!
