Luisa Starling Photography
Wedding Photographers
Greater London, North London, East London + 10 more
Choosing your wedding photographer is about more than loving their Instagram feed. We asked six of our expert wedding photographers to share the questions couples should be asking before booking, and their answers might surprise you.
The first question I ask couples usually catches them off guard. Not “What package do you want?” Not “How many hours do you need?” Not even “Tell me about the venue.” I ask: What are you actually looking for from your wedding photography? Because before cameras, timelines, or confetti cannons, I want to know the vibe. What do you want your day to feel like? What absolutely has to happen? And equally important... what absolutely does not?
I always encourage couples to look beyond Instagram highlights and imagine what it would feel like to spend ten or twelve hours with that person. Do they make you feel comfortable? Do you trust them? Can they help you feel at ease when you're nervous?
My approach is to provide gentle direction rather than rigid posing, allowing couples to interact naturally while I capture genuine moments and authentic emotions. The most timeless photographs come from people who are relaxed enough to forget the camera is there.
I think couples should ask how the photographer approaches a wedding day when things don’t go to plan. A good wedding photographer should be able to adapt calmly without adding stress or turning the photography into the centre of the day.
I often get asked what would happen if I was ill - but not what would happen if my gear failed me! You need a photographer who takes their job seriously - nothing on your wedding day will be repeated again and you need to be assured that your photographer will be there getting every moment.
Rather than focusing on constant posing, let's prioritise experience and emotion. To be fully present... laughing, crying, dancing, and celebrating with your favourite people. 10+ years from now you will be looking at the photos that makes you feel something.
The best images come from trust. From collaboration. From a photographer understanding you well enough to create something original around your relationship, your people, your energy, your beautifully weird little moments. Find a photographer whose vision makes you feel something. Find someone whose work feels honest and human. Then give them the freedom to create. And once you find that person? Book them fast before another couple beats you to it like it’s Glastonbury tickets.
