How to Choose the Perfect Wedding Photographer & Cinematographer
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8 Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Wedding Photographer & Cinematographer
Finding the right cinematographer and photographer wasn’t just about scrolling through Instagram or asking friends for recommendations. It was about finding someone who could capture the moments I would want to relive over and over, but also someone I could trust to work seamlessly with the flow of the day. Here’s what I learnt along the way.
1. Trust Your Gut
During the planning of my wedding, I trusted my instincts. I chose people whose work I admired, but more importantly, people I felt comfortable inviting into one of the most intimate days of my life. Choosing the right cinematographer and photographer is more than a transaction. It’s about finding storytellers who will preserve moments that can’t be recreated.
2. New vs Experience: Know the Difference
One thing I noticed during my search was how many new photographers and videographers seemed to pop up out of nowhere. They had flashy websites, beautifully edited sample reels, and often, shockingly low prices! It’s easy to get tempted by a bargain, but I realised that many of these newcomers had little hands-on experience with real weddings. A styled shoot in perfect lighting is one thing, managing the chaos of an actual wedding day is another. I’ve heard too many stories of couples who went with the cheapest option, only to end up with missed moments, poor editing, or footage that didn’t reflect the energy of their day. These newcomers often over-promise, giving clients grand assurances without truly understanding the complexity of capturing a wedding.
The scariest part? In the worst-case scenario, these bargain photographers and videographers take your money and disappear, leaving you with nothing. I’ve seen couples devastated because they waited months for photos or videos that never arrived. When I factored in the emotional cost of trusting someone who might not deliver, or might not deliver anything at all, it became clear that cutting corners wasn’t worth the risk. I decided it was worth paying more for someone who had proven they could handle the unpredictability of a live event and deliver on their promises.
3. Look Beyond the Portfolio
A stunning highlight reel or curated Instagram feed can be impressive, but I needed to see full wedding galleries and longer video edits. Those tell the real story. I wanted to see how they handled different lighting, unpredictable moments, and the emotional flow of the day. A great photographer captures details, but a skilled one also knows when to step back and let real moments unfold.
4. Prioritise Connection Over Style
Style matters, of course, but making your couple feel comfortable is just as important. a photographer or cinematographer, should make your presence feel natural, not intrusive.
From the very first call, pay attention to whether the team truly understands your vision and is excited to bring it to life. Do they show genuine interest in getting to know you, asking about what matters most, and learning your love story? Are they focused on capturing the moments you’ll cherish forever? During meetings, notice if they are approachable, reassuring, and make you feel comfortable sharing your ideas.
A great photographer doesn’t just take pictures they create an experience where couples feel comfortable, confident, and truly themselves. The more connected they feel with you, the more natural and authentic their wedding memories will be.
5. Check How They Handle Pressure
Weddings are unpredictable. Timelines shift, weather changes, and things don’t always go as planned. I asked potential photographers and cinematographers how they handled unexpected situations. Their answers told me a lot about how they’d manage stress and adapt on the fly, two qualities I didn’t want to overlook.
6. Understand Their Approach
Every artist approaches weddings differently. Some direct and pose every shot, while others prefer a more documentary style.
I made sure to ask how they liked to work and how much direction they’d give. I knew I wanted a balance, someone who could capture the raw, in-between moments but also step in to guide us when needed.
7. Ask About the Team Dynamic
For video especially, I have learnt that the team dynamic can make or break the experience. I asked whether they’d be bringing a second shooter or if they’d handle everything solo. A cohesive team ensures that nothing gets missed, and they work together to stay out of each other’s way, which is crucial when every second counts.
8. Know What to Expect
It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and overlook important details. I made sure to ask about the turnaround time for photos and videos, as well as what was included in the package. Setting clear expectations upfront helped me avoid any post-wedding surprises.
Author Zak Hussain (Graphic Designer & Photographer)
Over a dozen years of capturing weddings, experience, learning and mastering the wedding trade.