Finding the Best Wedding Photographer for Your Big Day
Hello, I’m Simon John, and I’m passionate about wedding photography. As a three-time UK Wedding Photographer of the Year, I’ve had the privilege of helping countless couples preserve the special moments of their wedding day. A wedding day is one of the most important days in a person’s life, filled with memories that will be cherished forever. My goal is to create beautiful, authentic images that reflect your unique love story and the joy of your celebration.
How Do You Choose the Right Wedding Photographer?
Selecting the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your wedding day. With so many talented photographers in the world, it can feel overwhelming. But beyond technical skill, it’s essential to find someone who understands your vision and makes you feel comfortable in front of the camera—even if you’re camera shy. Gentle direction from your photographer can help you relax and look natural, ensuring your true personality shines through. Choosing a photographer who feels like a friend can make the experience even more relaxed and enjoyable, helping to capture genuine, candid moments.
I limit my bookings to just 20 weddings a year, so every couple receives my full attention and care. This personal approach allows me to get to know you, understand what’s important to you, and tailor my style to your personality and preferences. Whether you’re planning a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, I want your experience to be as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
What Makes Great Wedding Photography?
Great wedding photos are lasting memories that transport you back to the emotions, laughter, and love you felt on your big day. Great wedding photography tells the stories of your day, capturing authentic and meaningful moments as they unfold. My photography style is a blend of artistry and relaxed storytelling, allowing me to capture both the grand gestures and the tiny, heartfelt details that make your wedding unique.
When I look through my lens, I see not just a couple, but a story unfolding—an adventure, a promise, and a future together. Each photograph I take is about creating timeless memories that you will cherish for years to come. That’s why I focus on capturing real emotions: the nervous excitement as you get ready, the tears of joy during your vows, and the laughter shared with friends and family. These are the moments that truly matter - and they make great photos!
My Approach: Documentary and Artistic
My photography style is inspired by documentary photography and fine art photography. With a documentary photography approach, I use an unobtrusive approach while shooting, capturing candid, unscripted moments as they happen. This allows you and your guests to relax and enjoy the day, knowing I’m quietly preserving the real emotions and interactions that make your wedding unique.
At the same time, I love creating artistic portraits that you’ll treasure for years to come. Whether it’s a romantic sunset shot, a playful group photo, or organising large groups for formal portraits, I have experience ensuring everyone is included and the process is smooth and efficient. I combine natural light, creative composition, and a keen eye for detail to craft images that are both beautiful and meaningful.
My Experience and Expertise
My passion for photography began in my early teens, when I first picked up a camera and discovered the joy of capturing moments. This early fascination quickly grew into a lifelong pursuit, eventually leading me into the wedding industry, where I found my true calling documenting love stories.
With over 40 years in the industry, I’ve had the honour of working with some of the finest photographers in the world. This experience has shaped my approach and given me the confidence to adapt to any situation—whether it’s a rainy day, a last-minute change of plans, or a lively dance floor.
My passion for shooting weddings has never faded. In fact, it’s only grown stronger with time. There’s something magical about being part of a couple’s journey and helping them create memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime. My goal is always to capture not just what happened, but how it felt. Over the years, my dedication has been recognised with several wedding industry awards, further establishing my reputation and credibility within the wedding industry.
Destination Weddings and UK Coverage
While I’m based in Hampshire, I love traveling to new places and experiencing different cultures. Whether you’re planning a destination wedding or a local celebration, I bring the same level of care, creativity, and professionalism to every job. I’ve photographed weddings in stunning locations across the UK and beyond, and I’m always excited to explore new venues and settings. My experience includes working at a wide variety of wedding venues, from romantic countryside estates to elegant city spaces.
For couples looking for wedding photographers in the UK, I offer a personal, reliable service that’s tailored to your needs. I’m familiar with the best venues, the most beautiful landscapes, and the unique traditions that make UK weddings so special. If you’re considering the North East, it’s a fantastic and more affordable region for wedding photography, with many beautiful venues to choose from. My day package and full day package options provide comprehensive coverage, including up to 10 hours of photography, and you can choose to have two photographers for larger weddings to ensure every moment is captured. And if you’re dreaming of a destination wedding, I’m ready to pack my bags and join you wherever your adventure takes you.
The Importance of Special Moments
Your special day is a collection of special moments—some planned, many spontaneous. From the first look to the last dance, every moment is worth preserving. Capturing life's most meaningful moments and milestones is at the heart of what I do. That’s why I pay attention to the little things: the way you hold hands, the smiles exchanged with loved ones, the quiet moments of reflection. These are the details that make your story unique.
What I think makes great wedding photography:
My job is to make sure you have a beautiful, authentic record of your big day, so you can relive those memories whenever you want.
Preserving Your Memories
Preserving your memories is at the heart of what makes wedding photography so meaningful. Your wedding day is filled with fleeting moments—glances, laughter, tears, and joyful celebrations—that deserve to be captured and cherished for a lifetime. The right wedding photographer will not only document these special moments but will also create timeless wedding photography that tells the unique story of your big day.
When searching for the best wedding photographers, it’s important to consider the photography style that resonates with you as a couple. Whether you’re drawn to candid photography that captures natural moments, a documentary style that unfolds your story as it happens, or an editorial background that brings a touch of fine art to your images, your choice should reflect your vision for your wedding day. Some couples love the spontaneity of real moments, while others appreciate the elegance of posed shots—finding a talented photographer who understands your preferences is key to creating beautiful images you’ll treasure forever.
A pre-wedding photoshoot or engagement shoot is a wonderful way to connect with your photographer before the big day. These pre-wedding shoots help you feel at ease in front of the camera, allowing your photographer to gently guide you and capture your genuine emotions. It’s also a great opportunity to see if you’ve found the perfect wedding photographer who can bring out the best in you and your partner.
Across the UK, from South West London to West Yorkshire and beyond, there are award-winning wedding photographers with over a decade of experience, each offering their own signature style and approach. Many offer flexible wedding packages, including full day coverage and digital cameras to ensure every detail is captured. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, you can find a wedding photography company that matches your needs and budget.
Choosing an award-winning, experienced photographer means entrusting your memories to someone who knows how to capture the magic, beauty, and joy of your wedding day. From the first dance to the quiet moments shared with loved ones, your photographer will create lasting memories that reflect the true spirit of your celebration. With the right photographer by your side, you can relive the story of your wedding day through timeless photographs—images that will bring you back to the love and happiness you felt, year after year.
In the end, preserving your memories is about more than just taking pictures—it’s about capturing the essence of your love story. By choosing a photographer who understands your vision and has a passion for capturing weddings, you ensure that your wedding photos will be as unforgettable as the day itself.
Why Choose Simon John Photography?
Choosing a wedding photographer is a big decision, and I want you to feel confident in your choice. With my experience, awards, and commitment to excellence, I strive to make the photography process as enjoyable as the rest of your wedding day. I’m here to listen, to guide, and to create images that truly reflect who you are as a couple.
As part of my services, I also offer engagement shoots to help capture the excitement leading up to your big day. My work has been featured in prestigious publications such as Vanity Fair, reflecting my dedication to quality and industry recognition.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who combines artistry, experience, and a personal touch, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s work together to make your big day as unforgettable as your love story.
Ready to discuss your wedding photography needs?
Visit www.simonjohnphotographer.com and let’s start planning your perfect wedding photos!
