If you’re here, you’re probably starting to think seriously about who’s going to photograph one of the biggest days of your life. Whether you’re considering booking me (hi!) or another photographer entirely, I genuinely believe this:

Choosing the right photographer for you is more important than me getting the job.

Yes, I want to shoot your wedding, of course, but only if you feel like I’m the right fit. Your photos (and your day!) will be better for it.

So… how do you know who is the right fit?

Let’s talk about The 3 P’s (big thanks to Gina Fernandez who spoke with me on my podcast @DebriefthepodcastwithPV about these).

Not the 3 P’s I learned back when I was a police officer (those would get you fired — prisoners, prostitutes and property, in case you’re curious). These 3 P’s? They’re the ones that get photographers hired.

1. Personality
Your wedding photographer is with you all day long, during quiet, emotional moments and full-blown chaos. You have to feel comfortable with them. If our energies don’t click, it will show in your photos, no matter how good the lighting is.

This is why I always suggest a call or meeting before booking. I might be the perfect fit, or I might not, and that’s okay. You deserve someone who makes you feel totally at ease, not just someone who’s technically good at taking pictures.

2. Portfolio
Don’t just scroll Instagram for the ‘best bits’. Hero shots are great, but they don’t tell the whole story. Ask to see a full gallery (or five!). Look at prep, ceremony, candids, speeches, group shots, dancing.

Can you see yourself in their images?

Will you still love that editing style in 20 years, or is it giving trendy filter vibes that might not age well?

And here’s a little something about how I work:

I deliver, on average, around 2,000 images for a full-day wedding. Yes, two thousand. Because I believe you should get to choose your favourites, not me narrowing them down for the sake of artistry or a neatly curated gallery. It’s your day, your memories, your people, and I want you to have it all.

Whether it’s me or someone else, don’t settle for a vibe you sort of like. You’ll be looking at these photos forever.

3. Price
Let’s talk money because yes, weddings are expensive and the budget matters. But so does value.

Your photography is one of the only things that lasts after the day is over (aside from your outfits… and to be honest, mine’s still sat dirty at the bottom of my wardrobe since October. Oops).

Meanwhile, our album sits proudly on the coffee table, thick as an Argos catalogue, and I look through it all the time. I’m so glad we didn’t splurge on ice sculptures or party favours no one remembers. We put our money where the memories are: into photography and videography.

Even ChatGPT (yes, I asked) suggests spending 10–15% of your total wedding budget on your photographer. Your future self will thank you.

Final thought…

Whatever you decide, please, please choose a photographer who feels right to you. I see far too many posts in wedding groups like:

“I hate my wedding photos.”
“We only paid £500 and they didn’t show up.”
“Can anyone help with a reshoot?”

Don’t let that be you.

Read the reviews. Ask questions. Trust your gut. And most of all, invest in your memories. You only get one shot at capturing this day.

You’ve got this.

And if you think I might be your person, I’d love to hear from you. And if I dont hear from you? I hope you have THE best day ever!!!

All my love

Pippa xo

Bristol Wedding Photographer | Bath Wedding Photographer | Surrey Wedding Photographer | UK Wedding Photographer | Southwest Wedding Photographer