So, you’re searching for your perfect wedding photographer. You’ve probably realised by now that there are hundreds, if not thousands of us. It’s a miracle you’ve even found my small corner of the internet! The market is simply overflowing with wonderful creative people. So – how do you choose a wedding photographer? What makes one stand out above the rest? Below I have listed some top reasons for why we should work together, in the hope that it’ll become clearer whether I’m the right photographer for you.
#1: You like my approach.
I’ll capture your day as it unfolds in a candid, documentary style. I don’t like the posed or set-up shots, and will do as little of this as possible – namely just the family and bridal party photos and a little direction during couple portraits. I blend in with the background and a lot of the time you won’t even notice I’m there!
#2: You want a Professional.
I come fully insured through Aaduki, including Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance – and of course my equipment is also insured. Some venues might ask for PL Certificates – I can supply this if required.
I never shoot a wedding without at least two camera bodies. I also have a vast range of lenses so that if anything was to malfunction, I’d still be able to carry on as normal. In fact, I’m so paranoid about backups that even as I take a picture, my camera immediately stores two copies on two separate cards – without me having to do anything!
#3: You want an experienced and reliable photographer.
When asking “how do you choose a wedding photographer”, experience is key. I’ve been doing this wedding lark for several years now, and can honestly say no two have been the same! I’ve shot Church ceremonies and outdoor ceremonies; same-sex weddings, rustic barn weddings, plus a wedding reception at the top of the Gherkin in London! I have even been lucky enough to be able to photograph destination weddings in the South of France, Italy, Greece and the Channel Islands!
I’ve shot over 130 weddings. To this date (touch wood!) I have never had to cancel or pull-out of a wedding or any type of shoot for that matter. But if the worst was to ever happen, I have a wide network of photographers I could call upon to take my place.
#4: You want someone who has great reviews from previous clients.
Here are just a couple!
“I’d really recommend Shelby as a natural wedding photographer, she captured the small details that could easily be missed on our big day. She wasn’t intrusive at all, extremely friendly and professional. Her photos were beautiful, delicate and creative. She got the most out of our day and we couldn’t have asked for more!” – Hayley & Chris
“We cannot thank Shelby enough for the wonderful photos of our special day. Shelby is just the right balance of friendly, professional and subtle. She captured the fun and relaxed atmosphere of our wedding perfectly. When doing the couple and group shots Shelby put everyone utterly at ease, managing to work work her magic despite the grey and wet February weather. Thank you so much!” – Richard & Becci
(To see the rest, head on over to my Reviews page!)
#5: You want someone who will feel just like one of the Bridesmaids, providing an extra pair of hands where desperately needed.
It’s safe to say that almost zero weddings will go exactly according to plan with no hiccups whatsoever. So it’s nice to feel you’ve got an extra pair of hands – particularly in the midst of bridal prep when you’re running late for the church and don’t have your dress on yet! (Yes, I have had to get brides in their dresses before whilst the bridesmaids were dealing with another last-minute emergency!) So whatever it is, don’t be afraid to ask me for a hand.
#6: You want a photographer who has been featured on top wedding blogs.
I’m featured on supplier directories of Rock My Wedding’s ‘The List’, as well as Love My Dress’ directory ‘Little Book’. I have also been featured on Junebug Weddings, The English Wedding Blog and Your Perfect Wedding Photographer.
Beware! It’s easy to get swayed by price when there are so many budget photographers out there. However, there are just as many distraught couples who have gone this route and deeply regretted the outcome. You only have one wedding day (hopefully!) so don’t end up wishing you’d paid a bit more for a professional.
If you think I’m the photographer for you, get in touch!
