Yana Skakun
Planning Guide
How to Choose the Right Photographer
An honest, practical guide to finding the perfect photographer — the questions to ask, the things to look for, and the red flags to avoid.
Get in TouchPlanning Guide
How to Choose the Right Photographer
Choosing a photographer is one of the most important decisions you'll make for your wedding or portrait session — yet most people have never done it before. The market is crowded, prices vary enormously, and one Instagram feed looks much like another.
This guide is written to genuinely help you make the right decision — whether that photographer is me or someone else. I'd rather you find the right person for your vision than book someone who isn't the right fit.
There are a few key questions that separate good photographers from truly great ones, and a few red flags that are easy to miss when you're excited about stunning gallery images.
Look Beyond the Highlights
Any photographer can publish a beautiful portfolio of their 20 best images. Ask to see a full wedding gallery — 400+ images from a single day. That's where consistency, storytelling and true skill show.
Assess Their Editing Style
Editing styles are like handwriting — very personal and difficult to change. Ask yourself: does this look timeless? Will I still love these colours and tones in 20 years? Avoid heavy presets that may not age well.
Meet Before Booking
You'll spend 8–10 hours with this person on one of the most important days of your life. A video call or coffee before booking is not optional. If the chemistry isn't there, even technically brilliant photos will feel hollow.
Ask About Backup Equipment
Professional photographers shoot with at least two cameras and multiple lenses. Ask directly: 'What happens if your camera fails during our ceremony?' The answer should be immediate and specific.
Read the Contract
Make sure your contract clearly states: delivery timeline, number of edited images, copyright/usage rights, what happens if the photographer is ill, cancellation terms and payment schedule.
Compare Packages Fairly
A £800 photographer and a £2,500 photographer are rarely offering the same thing. Compare total coverage hours, number of images, editing quality, turnaround time, and what's included in prints and albums.
Portfolio
Gallery
Get in Touch
See if We're a Good Fit
If you'd like to discuss your photography needs and whether I'm the right photographer for you, I'd love to chat.