Choosing a Contemporary Wedding Photographer

With all the different styles and approaches out there, choosing your wedding photographer can be terrifying. Where do you even begin?

Well, to save you a whole lot of time and hassle, here at GoHen, we decided to go out and speak to some leading photographers (who also happen to be some of our favourite camera-wielders on the planet), to get you all the info you need to know about finding your perfect wedding photographer.

This week, we spoke to the certified photo-snapping genius that is Steve Bridgwood to talk about all things contemporary wedding photography!

What exactly is contemporary wedding photography?

“There are so many different styles of photography out there, all with different labels, but, for me, contemporary photography is the perfect marriage between relaxed, natural and stylish imagery.

…when it’s my photography, there’s a bit of an edge to it, too!”

OK, so what’s hot and what’s not for 2020/2021?

“It’s been difficult to say for this year, of course, as so many couples have had to postpone or alter their wedding plans in light of the current situation.

“With the green light now being given for smaller ceremonies to take place, those that have decided to still get married on the date they’d originally planned are now focusing on how they can make a more intimate celebration just as special and memorable.

“The smaller details and who can actually be there with them on their big day has become so much more important.

“I really believe the knock-on impact for next year is that – whether it be couples that have had to reschedule their wedding date from this year or those that had always chosen 2021 to get married – the celebrations will be that much bigger and heartfelt.

“Not from couples doing things on a bigger scale, but that every part of their day will be that more meaningful. Let’s face it, we’ve all had to put our lives on hold the last few months, and it makes you realise and appreciate what the really important things in life are.”

What are the main things to consider when choosing a photographer?

“There’re a lot of choices out there and with so many different styles of photography, it really is worth couples doing their research to find the photographer that’s right for them.

“This needs to be not just based on price or package, but the photographer whose images resonate with them and make them feel some real emotion.

“All photographers will have their own style, colour palettes and energy, so they need to spend time finding photographers whose portfolio reflects what they love.”

What makes you know you’re right for your clients and they’re right for you?

“I’m really lucky that the couples that book me, seem to totally get my style and vibe and that’s the look that they want for their own wedding photos – they buy into my creative vision and trust me to do what I do!

“They know that I’ll capture the day as it happens, no set poses, no forced smiles. But I also get a lot of bookings from my portrait photos, which is definitely part of my signature look and I think helps to set my photography apart.

…in my photos is incredibly important to me and over the years I’ve developed my own colour palette, which you’ll see throughout my work. So many couples book me on my colour style alone.

“To be honest, the first time that I speak to a couple, I’ll know whether or not we’ll be right for each other.

“If they’ve looked through my portfolio and like what they see, it’s just about putting them at ease about how everything will work on the day.

“I’d like to think that I’m a pretty nice guy and I always have a laugh with the couples I work with, after all, it’s their wedding day and most of all it’s supposed to be fun!”

What are the classic mistakes people make when choosing a photographer?

“Definitely booking a photographer based on a few killer shots that they’ve seen, rather than seeing a wedding that has been photographed from beginning to end.

“Book the photographer that you love – don’t be swayed by other people’s opinions. While, of course, the input from family and friends is important, ultimately it’s the couple’s wedding day and it needs to be their decision.”

What’s the best wedding moment you’ve witnessed?

“Wow, that’s a big question! Honestly, every wedding that I photograph still puts a big smile on my face and there will always be moments that I don’t forget.

“Some standout ones, though, would have to be a wedding breakfast that actually was a breakfast – a full English one to be exact!

“Then there would have to be all of the bridesmaids smoking cigars after the ceremony, an Indian groom arriving on horseback and camels lining the route into the ceremony!”

What makes you stand out from the rest?

“Well I think the GoHen team put it so well I couldn’t put it better myself!

“A master of colour, an expert in lighting and an all-out camera-wielding legend, Steve Bridgwood adds a new level of vibrancy to the wedding photography game. If you’re looking for a bright, interesting and unique approach, you really need look no further. Steve is your man! Creative, innovative, and downright incredible!”

You’re making us blush!