Torn between photographers - help!

Have you narrowed it down to five or two?

Have you been able to see reviews or talk to brides that used them? I say that because people can be lovely but end up flakey/disappointing so reviews are important.

If all checks out, I'd book the one I'd feel comfortable with on the day.

Photography is very important too. We are paying £900 for a half day (up to 5 hours) digital only. Luckily my FMIL offered to pay for our photographer and didn't set a budget so I didn't have to compromise and got the photographer we wanted.

To me it was important that the pictures would be timeless, i.e. not following a photography "fashion" (e.g. I wouldn't go for someone who does vintage photography but it's a matter of taste and opinion so don't let that put you off). I went for a photographer who works with natural light.

I agree with you on the quality of photography, you cannot compare amateur or guest photography with a professional wedding photographer, and I would insist on having a professional one. But I don't think that everyone gets this and also that everyone cares as much about it. Maybe explain to them that the photographer will spend hours editing your pics after the wedding, they work a lot more than the actual day on one wedding.

The pictures are what you'll look back on for years to come so to me they are super important. When we booked everything, the photographer was one of my top priorities. I got in touch with her before we even picked a date (but had narrowed it down to three possible dates).

I was in a very similar position to you. My two favourite TOGs varied in price by about £1k and whilst the difference wasn't un-achievable for us budget i felt i had to seriously justify it.

I think I knew in my heart which one was my very favourite all along but the bargain hunter in me was wanting to prefer the cheaper of the two! In the end I dithered to make my decision and when i requested availability from them both again my heart was in my mouth with the most expensive and I realised i'd be gutted if I couldn't have her. That swung it for me and I was so relieved when she still had the date free. We've not gotten married yet but i've not regretted my decision so far. Some people (including my OH) have said i'm crazy but i'm 100% confident that we will end up with beautiful pictures that we love with zero doubts, that is enough for me! I wouldn't want to look back on one of the only lasting reminders of the day and feel regret....

That's me though. Only you know your budget and how much the additional cost will impact. I will have to go without somewhere else but it was a risk i was prepared to take.

Send us links to each one to have a look at!

Photography is VERY important to me too. After booking the venue it was the next thing I did (and pretty much straight away). It drove me insane as I knew how important it was to me to have some classic and beautiful photos. I'm extremely happy with our choice. We don't get married until November but I can't imagine I'll be disappointed.

If you like them all then you need to meet them all in person. Then pick the one you'll be most comfortable with on the day. This was a major thing for us as OH hates having pics taken and posing so it was really important for us to find someone who made him comfortable. You'll be with them all day so you need to know you're going to get on ok!

I suggest you ask each of the "finalists" for three online gallery passwords to weddings that are similar to yours, eg if yours is a winter wedding ask for winter wedding galleries.

I think you need to see real weddings delivered to previous brides - look beyond the portfolio. Also consider fashions change... vintage edits done today will look very dated in 10 years time.

It sounds like you have already decided but need assurance? honestly go with your heart.

I agree with the comments made about vintage styles, although I find the graininess and faded colours so pretty I don't feel it will date well. I do feel like every tog I look at I have my favourite in mind and am comparing them all to him! He offers the least for the money - digital only, no engagement shoot included etc I just have the right feeling :/ as a usually logical person this is a difficult decision to make. I was unsure whether to post names as didn't know if it was against board rules? As people having a peek would be helpful haha

Entirely up to you if you post names but you will probably get mixed opinions which will then confuse you even more, only you can decide? I don't mind having a peek just to check but it sounds like you have already done that.?

My favourite is Johnboy Wilson. First met him at a wedding show and he has been the front runner since.

Go with the one you trust, go with your gut, maximise your budget and get the best you can afford.

I think you have already decided :-)

If not then this article may help… https://wedissimo.com/choose-wedding-photographer/

I've just had a quick peek and I don't think you can go wrong.

My personal opinion is that one day (soon) the whole grainy vintage thing will go out of fashion and in favour of another 'thing'

I just don't think you can beat a nice clean image with great light and great composition.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. How would you feel if tomorrow you called up and he replied "Sorry I'm no longer available on your date". Would you be bothered or gutted? I suspect from what you've said it would be the latter.
2. If you chose someone else because of price, will you spend the next x months/years/rest of your life thinking "Should have booked Johnboy."

Hi, Photography is one of the most important parts of the wedding. So I wouldn't care about the expenses much if the results are according to my likings. You should choose best and follow your heart. It's once in a life time movement and photography must be perfect on this occasion.

Me and my OH booked Johnboy for our wedding next month. We booked him around 2 years ago and I we only have positive words to say about him. He's extremely professional and a joy to work with. He's quick to respond to emails and texts/calls.

we recently had our preshoot with him and he put us both as ease and clearly knew what he was doing.

Not sure if you are aware but his wife also has a gorgeous little bridal shop called 'The Curious Case of The Bride', or something very similar!

feel free to message me if you have any other questions!

Quick update, have contacted my favourite and going ahead with the booking Yayyy! Feeling very happy about it. He is the higher end of our budget and so have just book him from arrival at church up to first dance for now with the option to extend to cover bridal prep if we decide to down the line. Am really looking forward to it, I feel I have defs made the right decision, thanks everybody!

Great news! You always feel so much relief when you make a decision and get something booked don't you? Love that feeling!