Not every photographer is right for every couple. Here's how to tell.

Here's what actually matters when you're choosing a wedding photographer. Grab a coffee, do this together, and work out what you actually want from your day.

Can't get enough of my excellent advice? Well, you've in luck. Once you've finished this, why not check out my FAQ: Best questions to ask a wedding photographer

What do you want to feel when you look back?

Documentary photography tells the story of your day as it actually unfolds. Less standing around, more living it.

The classic approach leans on posed portraits and formal group shots. If that's what you want, know that not every documentary photographer offers it, and not every formal photographer catches the candid stuff either.

I shoot documentary throughout the day. For portraits, I'll read what you need, fully hands off if that suits you, or a gentle steer if you want it. Either way, you won't get stiff group lines or forced smiles.

If you're picturing long, posed portrait sessions and traditional group shots, I'm probably not the right fit. If you want the day as it actually happened, with portraits that suit how you actually are, that's exactly how I work.

Find out more about my documentary style here.

Trust your gut when you meet photographers

Once you've narrowed it down, meet them in person. The right photographer gets you, and they're genuinely excited about your day and adds to it.

What moments do you not want to miss?

What parts of the day actually matter to you? That's what decides how long your photographer needs to be there.

My most popular package runs about 10 hours, covering everything from getting ready to the first dances.

Got a shorter day, or a festival wedding running over two days? Have a rough timeline ready when you meet photographers, it makes the conversation easier for both of you.

One pair of eyes can't catch everything

Most photographers offer a second shooter as an option.

It means a different angle throughout the day, and more of you and your guests covered while the main story still gets told.

It's especially useful if you want getting-ready shots from both of you at once, since one photographer can't be in two places.

Who and what is key to your day?

This one's a bit of a grey area if you're leaning fully documentary.

Still, it's worth knowing what's key to you both. Is your great uncle, who you haven't seen in years, going to be there? Is your grandad, who brought you up, walking you down the aisle? Wearing earrings you inherited? Ask your photographer how they'd handle things like this, some won't want a list at all.

I'll always take a short list of considered, essential shots, the things that matter to you beyond the obvious. A long list of demands gets in the way of how I work, but a handful of things that genuinely matter? Always worth telling me.

Everything else, I capture as it happens, without interfering.

What do you want to hold onto, once the day's over?

What extras do you actually want?

Photobooths are worth every penny if want something for guests to play with later in the night. I run mine through Flashbstrds, built around the idea that luxury and rebellion collide. It's digital, shot through a proper camera and lens with proper lighting, so the prints actually look good. If you want to go further, there's also film camera hire for guests who fancy something properly analogue. All starting from £545.

Albums are perfect for something physical to actually open, rather than a folder you never click into. All my couples receive 24/7 access to a secure online gallery to share from the comfort of their home, or anywhere. Large prints make sense if you've got wall space and want to see your day every day, not just on your phone.

Large prints are worth it, but often come at a cost. It's always asking what a photographer offers.

Trust what you've just worked out

You generally get what you pay for, and wedding photography is no exception.

Once you know what you actually want, you're most of the way to finding the right photographer for you.

If you've got questions, get in touch. I'd love to hear from you.