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How to choose a wedding photographer that matches your style

Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your day. Long after the cake has been eaten and the flowers have faded, your photographs are what you’ll return to again and again. The key is finding a wedding photographer whose style truly reflects you.

Start by understanding wedding photography styles

Before reaching out to any wedding photographers, spend some time looking at different wedding photography styles. Some photographers focus heavily on traditional, posed images, while others lean towards a more documentary approach, capturing moments as they naturally unfold. There are also wedding photographers who blend the two, combining relaxed, candid storytelling with a handful of beautifully styled portraits.

Ask yourself: do you want lots of direction, or would you rather forget the camera is even there? Do you love natural light and genuine emotion, or dramatic, editorial-style images? Knowing what you’re drawn to makes the decision much easier.

Look beyond the highlight reel

Instagram is great for inspiration, but it doesn’t tell the full story. When choosing a wedding photographer, always look at their full wedding galleries. This shows how they handle different lighting conditions, venues, and moments throughout the day- from quiet morning nerves to the chaos of the dance floor!

Consistency is key. A wedding photographer whose work feels natural, emotive, and well-balanced across an entire wedding is far more likely to deliver a gallery you’ll love from start to finish.


Think about how you want to feel on the day

Your wedding photographer will be with you for most of your day, so personality matters just as much as technical skill. The right wedding photographer should make you feel relaxed, comfortable and completely yourselves.

Many couples prefer a wedding photographer who blends into the background, gently guiding when needed but never interrupting moments as they happen. This approach allows genuine reactions, laughter, and emotion to shine through, often resulting in the most meaningful images.


Trust your instincts

Once you’ve narrowed down your options, trust your gut. If you connect with a wedding photographer’s work and feel comfortable chatting with them, that’s usually a strong sign you’ve found the right match.

Wedding photography that balances natural moments and beautiful portraits

As a wedding photographer, my style focuses on natural, documentary storytelling (capturing real moments as they unfold), while also creating relaxed, creative portraits that never feel stiff or overly posed. My wedding photography style is ideal for couples who want authentic images that still feel special and thoughtfully composed.



Wedding photographer in Cheshire and North Wales

If you’re looking for a wedding photographer in Cheshire, Chester, or North Wales and love natural, emotion-filled images with a relaxed approach, I would love to hear from you. Get in touch to chat about your plans and see if I’m the perfect fit for your day!

How to include your pets in wedding photos

For many couples, pets are family, so it’s no surprise that more and more people want to include their pet in their wedding day. Whether it’s a beloved dog walking down the aisle or a relaxed cuddle during couple portraits, involving your pet can add personality, emotion, and a touch of fun to your wedding photography.

As a Cheshire wedding photographer, I’ve seen first-hand how beautifully pets can be woven into a wedding day with a little planning. Here are some practical tips and ideas to help ensure your furry friends are included stress-free and captured perfectly on camera…

Decide how involved your pet will be

Before the big day, think about what role your pet will play. Do you want them there for the ceremony, just for portraits, or popping in during the morning prep? Some couples have their dog as a ring bearer, while others prefer a quieter moment during couple photos. There’s no right or wrong- it’s about what suits you and your pet’s personality. Chat to your wedding photographer about your thoughts so they can help you put together a plan.

Appoint a pet handler

This is one of the most important tips. Assign a trusted friend, family member, or professional pet sitter to look after your pet throughout the day. This allows you to enjoy every moment while knowing your pet is safe, calm, and cared for. A handler can also help bring your pet in and out smoothly for photos, which makes a huge difference from a wedding photography point of view.

Choose the right timing for photos

During my time as a wedding photographer, I’ve noticed that pets often do best earlier in the day when they’re less tired and overstimulated. Many couples opt to include pets during pre-ceremony portraits or shortly after the ceremony, before the celebrations ramp up. I always help plan timings so we capture beautiful images without overwhelming your pet.

Keep it natural (and pet-friendly)

Simple accessories like a floral collar, bow tie, or bandana can look lovely, but comfort comes first. Avoid anything restrictive or unfamiliar that might make your pet uneasy. Natural, relaxed moments- cuddles, wagging tails, playful looks- often make the most meaningful photos.


Check venue rules in advance

Not all wedding venues are pet-friendly, so it’s essential to confirm this early on. Many of the venues I work at in Cheshire, North Wales, and Chester are happy to accommodate pets for parts of the day, especially outdoors. Knowing the rules in advance helps avoid last-minute stress.


Trust your wedding photographer

Including pets can be unpredictable, but that’s part of the magic! An experienced wedding photographer will work calmly, patiently, and flexibly to capture genuine moments as they unfold.

If you’re planning your wedding in Cheshire or North Wales and would love to include your pet in your photos, I’d be happy to help you plan. I’m an experienced wedding photographer in Cheshire, North Wales, and Chester, and have worked at numerous weddings where pets have been one of the stars of the day! Get in touch for a chat.

How to pose naturally for wedding photos

So many couples tell me the same thing before their wedding day: “We hate having our photo taken!”

And that’s completely normal. Unless you model for a living, posing can feel a bit awkward at first. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a natural performer to look relaxed, happy and effortlessly photogenic in your wedding photos.

As a wedding photographer who has photographed hundreds of couples across Cheshire, North Wales and beyond, I’ve learned the little tricks and techniques that make all the difference. With a few simple tips (and a wedding photographer who puts you at ease), you can look beautifully natural in every shot.

Here’s how…

1. Keep moving- movement looks effortless

Still poses often feel stiff, so I love giving couples small actions to help them loosen up:

  • Walk together hand in hand
  • Whisper something funny
  • Play with your dress or jacket
  • Spin your partner (if you’re feeling brave!)

Movement creates natural smiles, genuine connection and fluid poses that feel unposed, even though they’re guided by your wedding photographer.

 

2. Focus on each other, not the camera

One of the easiest ways to look relaxed is to shift your attention away from the lens.
Look at your partner. Hold them close. Laugh at something they said, the nerves, the moment.

When you interact naturally with each other, your expressions soften, your posture relaxes and the photos instantly feel real.


 

3. Breathe (you’d be surprised how many people forget!)

Tension shows most in the shoulders and jaw. In between shots:

  • Take a slow breath
  • Drop your shoulders
  • Loosen your arms
  • Let your expression reset

A tiny moment of calm creates a dramatic difference in how natural you look.



4. Avoid “stacking” your body- create shape instead

A little shape adds life to a pose. Try:

  • Creating gentle angles with your arms
  • Shifting your weight onto one leg
  • Softening your hands
  • Turning your body slightly instead of straight-on

You don’t need to think about this one too much- a good wedding photographer will guide you. But understanding the basics helps you feel more confident.



5. Laugh! The best wedding photos are the ‘imperfect’ ones

Some of the most beautiful wedding photography happens when something unplanned happens:

  • A gust of wind
  • A crooked veil
  • A burst of laughter
  • A missed kiss that becomes a better moment

Don’t worry about perfection. Let the day unfold, and your wedding photographer will capture the magic in between.

6. Trust your wedding photographer

A good wedding photographer knows how to make you feel comfortable, how to direct lightly without over-posing, and how to bring out the best in both of you.

My approach is always relaxed, friendly and unobtrusive. I guide when needed, but most of the time, I’m quietly capturing genuine moments as they happen.

 


Ready for photos you’ll treasure forever?

If you want wedding photography that feels natural, relaxed and full of emotion, I’d love to chat.
I”m a professional wedding photographer in Cheshire, North Wales, and Chester. Together, we’ll create images that tell your story, beautifully and authentically.

Get in touch today to check availability and have a friendly chat about your day.