How to Choose a Wedding Photographer Who Feels Right -(Not Just the One Who Looks Good on Paper)
By Discovery Photography — North East & North Yorkshire Wedding Photographer
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make when planning your day.
Not because of the “pretty pictures” (though those matter too)…
but because your photographer is the one person who is with you through your most emotional, vulnerable, joyful moments.
You’re trusting someone to tell the story of your day exactly as it feels — and that requires more than technical skill.
It requires connection, Comfort, Trust and someone who genuinely cares.
As a documentary wedding photographer covering the North East and North Yorkshire, I wanted to share what really goes on behind the scenes — not just so you know what I do, but so you can choose a photographer who truly feels right for you.
Before the Wedding: The Part No One Sees
Before I ever press the shutter, I’m already working for you.
✔ Checking in
I always reach out before the wedding to make sure everything is running smoothly — times, locations, changes, surprises.
Nothing is worse than a last-minute curveball no one told me about.
✔ Pre-wedding shoot
I genuinely believe the pre-wedding shoot is a huge part of the journey.
It’s where we build the connection that makes your wedding day more relaxed, natural and “you.”
It’s not a photoshoot… it’s a confidence-boost.
✔ Preparing your guest frame (if you’ve ordered one)
Mounts, frames, prints — triple checked and ready.
✔ Batteries, cards, backup systems
Not glamorous — but essential.
I never charge batteries the night before because temperature changes can kill them.
Every camera I use has dual memory card slots, which means every image is backed up instantly as I shoot.
Your day matters too much for risks.
North East Wedding photographer
On the Morning of Your Wedding
For you, it’s excitement.
For me, it’s excitement and logistics.
There’s:
Cameras to clean
Cards to format
Spare lenses and bodies to pack
Chargers, phone battery, ladders, sweets (for me)
Dog sitter… babysitter… life admin
And a deep breath before diving in
Then I arrive at your venue — whether it’s Danby Castle Barn, Rushpool Hall, Grinkle Park Hotel, or your family home — and find my quiet corner to set up “base camp.”
Somewhere safe.
Somewhere discreet.
Somewhere I can sneak a sweet without a 5-year-old asking for one too.
Capturing the Morning: The Real Start of the Story
Bridal prep is emotional — and it’s one of my favourite parts.
I look for:
Dress details
Shoes, flowers, handwritten cards
The nerves
The laughter
Your mum tearing up quietly in the corner
I never pose you.
I let things unfold naturally — just as they’re meant to.
The Ceremony: Where the Heart Lives
Ceremonies are emotional and unpredictable. They’re also full of rules — which photographers must respect.
Some officiants don’t always allow flash, Some limit movement, Some want photographers anchored to one spot.
So I adapt — always.
My goal is to capture:
Your expression
Your partner’s expression
The moment your eyes meet
The tears
The smiles
The breath you take just before saying “I do”
All without disturbing a thing.
Family Photos: The Controlled Chaos
Ah yes… the moment when everyone suddenly disappears:
Uncle to the bar
Bridesmaid to check in
Cousin to the toilet
Nan to find her handbag
My job?
Find them, gather them, photograph them quickly and kindly so the day stays on schedule.
Then comes my favourite part:
Couple Portraits: The Quiet Moment You Didn’t Know You Needed
This is where you get to breathe.
Just the two of you.
A small walk.
A few minutes of stillness.
I don’t pose you.
I don’t force anything.
Usually, love (or champagne) takes the lead — and I capture the natural moments between you.
Speeches, Laughter & Evening Magic
Speeches are where emotions explode:
Hilarious stories
Tears from unexpected places
Proud parents
Guests wiping their eyes while trying not to be seen
Then I slip away during the meal — because no one wants photos of themselves eating.
Afterwards, it’s pure storytelling:
Guests chatting, drinking, laughing, hugging.
The atmosphere becoming something magical.
And finally — the first dance.
Low light.
Warm glows.
Disco lights moving across faces.
A moment that’s both cinematic and intimate.
After the Wedding: The Part No One Talks About
You go home to celebrate.
I go home to back everything up — often until midnight.
Every wedding is stored in four separate places before I can sleep.
Then begins:
✔ Image culling
1084+ images? Easily.
Every single one reviewed by my eye.
✔ Editing in Lightroom
Colour, tone, emotion — handled carefully.
✔ Photoshop (only if needed)
Subtle, natural changes.
No overly airbrushed nonsense.
✔ Final gallery
Then your personalised USB box, finished and delivered with love.
This part takes weeks — because your memories deserve the time.
Why Finding the Right Photographer Matters
You’re not just booking someone with a camera.
You’re booking someone who:
Will be with you more than anyone else on your wedding day
Knows your story
Understands what matters to you
Helps you feel calm
Captures moments you didn’t see
Protects your memories with everything they’ve got
Choose someone whose work you love —
but also someone you trust.
Someone who feels right.
Someone who feels like a friend with a camera, not a stranger pointing one at you.
Want to Chat About Your Wedding?
If you’re planning a wedding in the North East, Teesside, or North Yorkshire, and you want natural, honest, storytelling images — I’d love to talk.
👉 See wedding prices: https://www.discoveryphotography.co.uk/north-yorkshire-wedding-photographer
👉 View real weddings: www.discoveryphotography.co.uk/wedding-blog-discovery-photography
👉 Get in touch: www.discoveryphotography.co.uk/contact
👉 Get in touch by phone: Call | Text | WhatsApp - 07739121743
Let’s tell your story — the way it truly feels.
Stuart
