Stuart Hornby Photography: Two secret steps to finding an awesome wedding photographer

Monday, January 13th, 2025

When it comes to finding the perfect wedding photographer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the choices out there. With so many talented professionals offering different styles, packages, and approaches, how do you know which one is right for you? Well, after years of shooting weddings and getting to know countless couples, I’ve boiled it down to two simple things that make a great wedding photographer: 

One: A photographer whose style you absolutely love

Two: A photographer who quickly feels like a mate and totally makes you feel relaxed and comfortable

A Photographer whose style you love

Your wedding photos will be with you forever, so it’s crucial to find a photographer whose style you absolutely love. Wedding photography isn’t just about documenting the day – it’s about capturing the emotions, moments, and the overall feel of the day. Each photographer has their unique approach, whether it’s candid, documentary-style, or more posed and artistic.

Take the time to scroll through portfolios, and don’t be afraid to ask for examples of full galleries from real weddings. A photographer’s portfolio should give you a clear sense of how they capture the essence of a wedding day. Whether you love the timeless elegance of a fine art style, the fun and energy of a more documentary approach, or a mix of the two, make sure their style aligns with how you want your day to be remembered.

When you find a photographer whose work gives you ‘wow’ you’re on the right track. Their ability to capture both the big moments and the little details is key to getting the kind of photos that really tell your story.

A photographer you feel totally relaxed with

Your wedding day is one of the most important, emotional, and fun days of your life. You’ll be surrounded by family and friends, and there’s a lot going on. The last thing you want is a photographer who makes you feel uncomfortable, awkward, or stressed. The best wedding photographers don’t just show up to take photos – they become a part of the day, helping you feel at ease and, ideally, making you laugh.

Having a photographer, you can genuinely connect with is everything. You need someone who can blend into the background, capturing candid moments without drawing attention, but also someone who can step in when necessary to direct a group photo or make you feel at ease for a couple’s portrait. The right photographer can make all the difference.

It’s important that you feel comfortable around your photographer, because those moments when you feel relaxed and natural are when the best photos happen. The goal is to make you forget the camera is there, to feel like you’re just hanging out with a mate who happens to have a camera. That’s when the magic happens.

At the end of the day, your wedding photos should make you feel something. Whether it’s laughter, tears, or joy, the best images are the ones that capture the real you. So, choose a photographer whose style speaks to you and who you feel at ease with. After all, your wedding day is all about you – and the memories should be just as incredible as the day itself!

Stuart Hornby Photography:

https://www.instagram.com/stuarthornbyphotography/?hl=en

 www.stuarthornbyphotography.co.uk