Why Wedding Photography Should Be A Priority

When planning your wedding, there are many things to consider, plan for, and budget. The list might seem endless and overwhelming, but there are a few key elements that should be your starting point and priority.

Why Wedding Photography is SO Important

The most important part of a wedding is the couple, but when it comes to planning your big day, you’ll talk to many suppliers. Florists, bridal boutiques, caterers, and stationery designers will all claim that their service is crucial. When you’re a hammer, everything looks like a nail—whether it’s getting the right flowers, having the best food, or focusing on the perfect dress. It’s essential to work with passionate people, but you need to decide what the most important elements are for you and allocate your time and money accordingly.

I’ve heard from many couples who end up with a small budget for photography and struggle to find someone they like at short notice. This often happens because they haven’t prioritised photography. In this guide, we’ll make the case for why wedding photography should be a top priority.

Why is hiring a professional wedding photographer so important?

Is wedding photography the most important aspect of your wedding? Not necessarily, but it should be high on your priority list when planning your special day.

Wedding photography is crucial because it captures your day, your memories, and your story. It’s not just any story; it’s the deeply personal account of a day you will want to remember forever. It’s a story you can share with friends, family, your children, and even your grandchildren, showcasing the love you have for each other.

Your flowers will wilt, the cake will be eaten, your invites will be discarded, and your dress will only be worn once. Only your wedding photographs will endure, potentially for generations. So, when planning your wedding budget, it’s wise to prioritise wedding photography.

What are you paying for?

Wedding planning is about more than just one day; it’s about creating a lifetime of memories, beautifully captured. It’s about smiling at moments you didn’t even realise were happening, seeing the emotions on your family and friends’ faces, and having a story you can treasure forever.

Things to consider

Maximise your budget. Will the guests notice if you saved a little money on your flowers or food? Will they notice a missing tier from the cake? Save a little where you can and maximise your photography budget. It’s the only thing you’ll have left when the music stops. Read our article on the The Real Cost of Wedding Photography.

Find your style. There are hundreds of wedding photographers to choose from. Take time to decide on a style you like and find a photographer that reflects this. Make sure you look through all the galleries on their profile so you get a good idea of what they will capture.

Book quickly. The best wedding photographers get booked up to 2 years in advance, so once you know the date, find your wedding photographer and get them booked in.

How NOT to Choose your Wedding Photographer

We have many articles guiding you through how to search, find, and meet your wedding photographer, but how about the things NOT to do?

1. They are Cheap

When choosing your photographer, don’t just base your decision on price or the extras they offer. Avoid choosing a photographer solely because they include a free engagement shoot, printed album, online gallery, USB pen, photo frames, or printed t-shirts. These extras are secondary to the quality of the photos they will capture, so it’s crucial to find and hire a photographer whose work you truly love.

Their style should match your vision, and you need to trust them and feel relaxed around them. This will make for an easier day and result in more natural, authentic photos.

2. They ‘will do’

When planning your wedding, there are a million things to think about. The list can seem endless, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of settling for what will do. You might be looking at numerous photographers and struggling to find time for video calls. However, it’s important not to choose a photographer just because it’s taking too long or feels like an overwhelming task. Set aside time to ensure you not only love their work but also feel a connection with them.

When you find the right photographer, you should feel as if you’ve been speaking to a close friend. This rapport is crucial—it makes a real difference to how you feel and how you come across in front of the camera.

Wedding photographers are passionate about what they do and love capturing beautiful weddings. They understand that planning can be stressful and will often be able to relate. Trust your instincts when choosing; if you feel confident and have no doubts, go ahead and book them. But remember, don’t settle for just anyone—make sure you genuinely connect and feel excited about your choice.

3. They have ‘some’ stunning photos

Wedding photographers capture tens of thousands of pictures each year, so it’s no surprise they will have a few standout shots. However, it’s wise to choose a photographer with multiple galleries on their profile to assess their consistency in capturing weddings. Telling the story of a wedding day isn’t just about a few great shots; it’s about the ability to consistently capture the day’s unfolding moments beautifully.

4. They are recommended by the Venue

So you have picked your wedding venue and booked the date. Depending on the venue they may have a list of recommended suppliers, from catering, florists, planners and photographers. This is a great starting point however it is important to be open to other options. Check out the article the double edged sword of being a venue ‘preferred’ wedding photographer. You may prefer the style of other photographers or perhaps you have met a photographer from their list but not felt completely happy. Don’t limit your wedding photography options by only reviewing the ones recommended by the venue.

5. My Uncle has a new camera

Wedding photography is more than just having a camera. Just as an artist uses a brush, a carpenter uses a hammer, and a writer uses a pen—these are merely tools. It’s how the person wields these tools that creates remarkable results.

Imagine if someone had all the bricks, tools, and suppliers to build a house. Would you trust a part-time builder with little experience to construct your home? More likely, you’d choose someone with years of experience and a track record of satisfied customers who would recommend them.

Similarly, you want a photographer who knows how to use their camera effectively, has experience in various lighting conditions, and can compose and execute shots perfectly. The camera alone doesn’t achieve this; it’s the photographer who brings their skill and knowledge, honed through years of experience and countless hours of shooting. With a professional, you get consistency—not just a few stunning photos, but a full album’s worth.

Beyond capturing the images, a professional photographer also handles editing, cutting, and album creation—there’s much more to photography than just using a camera.

Just because a friend or family member has an expensive camera doesn’t mean they have the experience and knowledge needed to capture a wedding. They might enjoy taking landscape shots or pictures of the kids in the park, but a wedding is a dynamic event requiring a professional approach.

The camera is just a tool; skill, knowledge, and experience are the keys to great wedding photography. You only get one chance to capture your wedding day, so you want a photographer who will be in the right place at the right time. A professional photographer will have years of experience capturing weddings, knowing which shots to take and where to be at crucial moments. You can trust them to confidently capture the moments you want.

Finally, if a guest is taking photos, they are likely to miss large sections of the day. They won’t be focused on capturing every moment but will be interacting with other friends and relatives instead.