Who is The Best Wedding Photographer in Devon
Is there just one ‘Best’ photographer?
After a recent conversation with a friend regarding who is the best wedding photographer in Devon, I decided to do some research to see if there was a single candidate for the title.
Now before we start, I would just like to say that I do not consider myself the best wedding photographer in Devon. Unless you ask my 7-year-old daughter or my Mum! If you ask either of my two teenage boys, they’re likely to say something along the lines of “he’s alright I guess” if you get that much out of them!!
So what would make someone stand out as the best? The number of awards won? Recognition from industry bodies?
I tried searching online for ‘The Best Wedding Photographer in Devon’ both with Google and Bing but neither gave any useful results. One result that looked promising was from Hitched.co.uk –
Unfortunately, clicking on the link just takes you to their directory of photographers in Devon, starting with those that have paid for a top listing and working down to the ones with a free listing.
Several of the other results are from directory sites, again most require some sort of subscription to get your name to the top of the list.
What about wedding photography trade bodies?
Well, the problem here is that there are multiple different ones and again you will need to be a member to be considered in their results.
How about Wedding Photography awards?
Again, a search for wedding photography awards gives lots of different results. Some are based on certain styles, like ThisIsReportage.com which focuses purely on documentary style or fearlessphotographers.com which is all about the ‘WOW’.
A lot of these awards are on a pay-to-play basis I.E. you have to pay to enter them so only attract a small number of photographers in each one. There are some awards which are based on nominations and votes, the problem with these is that they can become a bit more of a popularity contest rather than a photography contest.
So who is the best wedding photographer in Devon?
Short answer, I don’t know. In all my research, there wasn’t a single name that came up more than once. A lot of photographers advertise as award-winning and it is easy to see how & why with the number of different awards out there. Some photographers list their awards while others don’t. Some lists of top photographers do not give any criteria or explanation of their choices, simply saying “these are the best”
So what does this all mean?
I think in the end, a photographer can be thought of a bit like a football team in that everyone has their own favourite. A lot of them have won trophies in different years and tournaments. Trying to come up with one single best team is never going to happen!
How do you find the photographer that is right for you?
Well as part of my research, I asked ChatGPT the question ‘Who is the best photographer in Devon’ to get AI’s input. I think its answer is spot on!
Research potential photographers
As you search for the best wedding photographer in Devon, take the time to research potential photographers. Look closely at their portfolio, taking the time to review their recent work. Consider what type of style they’re best suited to, whether that’s documentary-style wedding photography, artistic reportage or something totally unique.
Examine portfolios
Once you have narrowed down the list of potential photographers, it’s important to examine sample portfolios from each one. Ask for images from previous events that they’ve worked at and a selection of portfolio shots. The quality of these images should be of a high standard – if their own portfolio doesn’t show this, their work during your wedding is unlikely to improve! Ensure that you pay attention to the detail within these images – can you see shadows or colours well? Do skin tones look natural? Analysing details such as these will help you determine which photographer to select.
Check reviews/testimonials
Don’t just take the words and images of a potential photographer at face value. Look for reviews and testimonials from previous clients to help inform your decision. If you don’t find any online, ask potential photographers for recommendations that you can contact directly. Not only will this help you make an informed decision about who to book but it also shows that they have provided great service, attention to detail and creativity in past projects.
Speak to each photographer
Speaking to each potential photographer is an important part of selecting your wedding photographer. Have a list of questions prepared so that you can get an understanding of their working style, the type of package they offer and what you will receive from them after the event. It’s also important to make sure that you feel comfortable with them – after all, the person will be with you for the majority of your day and it’s essential that you have a positive relationship with them.
I may not rate myself as the best photographer in Devon but I do believe I am more than good enough to make sure you receive the photos that you will be able to look back on in years to come and relive the memories of your special day. So please, have a look at my portfolio or read my reviews and then drop me a line and we can discuss what is important to you for your once-in-a-lifetime photos❤️
