Photography is a hugely important part of your wedding – it’s the best way to capture all those cherished memories so you can look back on them in decades to come. That’s why it’s vital to choose the right photographer for the occasion. Luckily, we’ve rounded up 10 incredible photographers to give you their best tips on picking the perfect photographer. In no particular order, here are some of our favourite photographers we think you need at your wedding.

1. Paul’s Studio

Paul, current MPA Wedding Photographer of the Year 2015/16, became a photographer at 18 years old. Over 25 years later he’s one of the most well-established photographers in the UK with a high street studio open 7 days a week. When it comes to style, his aim is to always capture the moment as it happens in a natural way. He has a knack for capturing the romantic, intimate real emotions of couples – which makes him a firm favourite at The Fennes!

Style: Artistic, natural and spontaneous
Top tip: “Meet them in person spend time looking at their work and make sure you are comfortable with them. After all they are going to be with you all day on you most special day.”

Favourite Singer: “It was / is Prince!”

2. Scott Johnson, The Edge Photography

Starting out in professional photo labs printing photographers work, Scott convinced them to give him a camera to play with. And good job they did! That led to a year working as a photographer on a cruise ship and setting up The Edge Photography. Now he holds fellowships with both the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and British Institute of Professional Photography (BIPP). He generally covers the Essex area but sometimes ventures abroad to places like Italy.

Style: Timeless, classical and elegant (but he covers all styles!)

Top Tip: “Personality. It’s all well and good liking their images, but if you don’t get on, you’ll find it hard posing for them and you won’t get the results you’re hoping for.”

3. Scott Miller, Boutique Wedding Films

Self-confessed people-watcher, Scott aces the cool, quirky style with an extra kick for good measure. He covers various locations, including the South of France, but the majority of his work comes from the South East. Scott’s high standards means his retouching and editing skills are almost flawless but still retain an edgy feel. He places a lot of emphasis on capturing the personality of the bride and groom and the memories that they’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Style: Edgy, reportage – sometimes with a classic twist.

Top tip: “Firstly, make a short list of your favourites. Secondly, follow your heart. Budget may play a part but if you really loves someone’s style then it’s best to arrange a meeting to see more of their work and see if you like them. I pride myself on being able to relax clients that may be a tad nervous about having their photo taken, I can also dissolve into the background and let the day run naturally when needs be.”

Favourite Singer: I don’t really have favourite singer. I’m an old soul boy at heart so Luther Vandross was an old fave…

Originators of the Fennes stairs heart shot, this husband and wife team have photographed almost 2000 weddings. They are always seeking fresh ideas for their beautiful and creative pictures. They’re true pros at capturing the magic of a wedding day with a eclectic mixture of candid and posed shots. The couple also offer ‘Engagement Portraits’ which is a great opportunity to meet them in person and create a friendly relationship before the big day.

Style: A mix of modern, reportage/documentary, classic, creative and fun pictures.

Top tip: “Make sure you are comfortable with your photographers as people, as well as liking their pictures! Second top tip – when the confetti is swept away, the cake is eaten, the make-up washed off, the photographs are what’s left to keep your memories alive.”

5. Gavin Conlan

Gavin is no stranger to the Fennes – he has an entire portfolio full of ethereal imagery of both the happy couples and the venue itself. As a hands-on photographer, Gavin in inspired by the movies and creates beautiful natural expressions with a genuine emotional connection. He loves to showcase the romance between the couple while adding a slight fashionable edge.

Style: Entirely bespoke

Top Tip: “When I meet bride and grooms at wedding shows I always tell them you must meet photographers in person as it’s the only way you’ll know if the photographer is a perfect match for you. Choose your photographer on their style and how they make you feel – if either of those don’t tick your box then you need to keep searching.”

6. Storm Photography

Storm Photography are another amazing husband and wife team who bridge two styles between them to create something incredible. Mandy is the Wedding Photojournalist and has an amazing eye for catching the emotion of the day, whereas Tony shoots the feature images. He is a Fellow of the highly respected Royal Photographic Society – and there are only 700 Fellows worldwide. Mandy has a natural talent and passion for photography and and Tony is currently the Colchester Photographic Society’s New Members Secretary. He also trains newbie photographers and gives talks through The Light Academy.

Style: Creative, contemporary and photojournalistic.

Top Tip: “Keep matt powder handy (Clinique Almost Powder Makeup SPF15 is very natural) to stop shine later in the day.”

Favourite Singer: “David Bowie – one of the most original artists ever in music.”

7. Justin Bailey Photography

After being told to go professional as his work is so good, Justin Bailey has become one of the most artistic photographers in the area. Although based in Essex, Justin is prepared to travel further afield to document one of the happiest days of couples lives. He reveals that it’s a very rewarding job as he gets to be there when the bride and groom first see each other at the ceremony: “You then realise that you are taking photos which will have great meaning to people for the rest of their lives.”
Style: Documentary, artistic

Style: Documentary, artistic

Top Tip: “Go by first impressions of the photographers work. If it appeals straight away then you are possibly onto the right person.”

Favourite Singer: “I’m a big Stevie Wonder fan!”

8. Jess Soper Photography

Jess is unique in that she only works with couples who have relaxed, fun weddings – the more “you” the wedding is, the better! She mainly covers Essex, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Kent and London – but she’s prepared to travel further for the right sort of wedding. She really is an incredible storyteller but, rather than using words, she uses striking visuals. Jess says that being a wedding photographer is the greatest honour as she gets to be a part of people’s lives on such an emotional and special day.

Style: Documentary with elements of fine art

Top Tip: “Find someone whose style resonates with who you are as a person. Photos are such a personal thing that I think you need to find a photographer who makes you feel something when you look at their photos. If I was choosing a photographer I’d also want to see that they were passionate about photography generally, for me this is a lot more than just a job to pay the bills, I’d want to see that same passion in anyone I’d book.”

Favourite Singer: “At the moment it’s Haelos, I can’t get enough of their Full Circle album. I always have to have a good album to listen to in the car on the way to jobs, that one’s been on repeat a lot!”

9. Chris Deller Photography

Chris is a global wedding photographer with a portfolio of weddings in all sorts of lovely locations including UK, USA, Italy and the South of France. The latter of which he traveled by private jet! This well-travelled photographer loves to capture a couple’s story in a unique and unobtrusive way. As well as introducing his own creative suggestions, he welcomes all ideas from the bride and groom.

Style: Exquisite and unique – Reportage and Modern.

Top Tip: “It’s important to love their photos but just as importantly you’ll need to like/love the person behind the lens. I spend on average 11 hrs with all my clients. You need to be able to get along with them and share a vision of the pictures that photographer will create. Do not be money driven. Your photos are priceless.”

Favourite Singer: “Kings of Leon.”

Based in Essex but covering the UK, Greg is a calm and collected wedding photographer who just goes with the flow and lets the day unfold naturally. He says “I mingle with the guests so that they get comfortable and can be themselves. That’s when the magic happens as that is real, that is how your remember them. Not stiff and posed.” He is fascinated by the fact photographs can “freeze a moment” in time, making him one of the most passionate wedding photographers in the area.

Style: Documentary, with some fun thrown in

Top tip: “Find someone who is on your wavelength and who you can speak to open and freely. The best wedding photography is always a collaboration between the couple and the photographer. Oh, and make sure you leave time, just around an hour before sunset, for some time with just you and your photographer.”

Favourite Singer: “Now that is almost impossible. It all depends on my mood at the time. Anything from Band of Skulls, or the Lumineers to the Chemical brothers, with a little Red Hot Chilli Peppers and some James Brown thrown in…”

Now you know what to look for in a wedding photographer, why not make The Fennes your dream wedding venue today? Contact us to book now.