Finding a photographer can be stressful but a neccesity that most people will have to hire at some point in their lives, yet find it difficult to find a photographer that fits their niche or needs. Not any more; let Faded Spring show you how to find a photographer and share photographic tips, niches plus a comprehensive list of photographers from every county in the UK.
Research
The key to finding a photographer that fits your aesthetic is through extensive research.
1. Google really is your best friend here. Think up a few different search terms and try them in both a web and image search to get a full set of results i.e. “Fashion and Lifestyle Photographer in London.
2.When doing the image search, look for images that appeal to you, and find out who shot them. (A professional blogger should always credit their photographer. Start by searching for other bloggers you admire! Find the top bloggers in your area, and then follow the photo credits to their respective photographers. This will give you an idea of what photographers you should be approaching.
3. As social media is expanding and defining each industry that we are part of, using social media can be an asset to finding a good photographer. Use Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to explore services and photographers that you find through your Google search and have an instant link to their photography portfolio.
A new photographer found through Instagram
Background Check
All photographers can create an impressive portfolio by putting together their best photos but remember photos are not always respective of personal experience. Check the photographers reviews and take the following into consideration:
Duration Vs Quality– Speaking from personal experience I had a photographer approach me to shoot for her portfolio which I accepted with minimal research as she had won me over with her stories about the photos she had shot all which tied into my signature aesthetic as an artist. The shoot was two hours-an hour per outfit- and I was not given a definite number of photos I would be given per shoot. The shoot was done in 1 hour and 45 minutes and she assured me that despite finishing early we had ‘perfect shots’. It took her three months to send me 12 photos, 7 of which were from the first shoot and all photos were either blurry, awkwardly shot or unedited despite telling me she had spent weeks editing. I did not get my money back and it is a lesson that I want you to take into account. It is better to take more time to get high quality shots than brief shoots that cannot capture the essence of the shoot.
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Ratings Vs. Budget
A good rating does not always equal a high pay out rate and vice versa but if you are on a low budget never settle for ‘poor photography’ just because you cannot afford a top photographer. Many photographers offer discounted services for first time clients so deals like this may seem promising but be sure to do your research first.
1. Always look at photography packages i.e. 100 photos for x amount of payment and compare services. I recommend Photographers UK which filters out the best photography deals for your budget that are both high quality and fairly inexpensive too.
2. If the photographer has little to no experience set them a theme or task to carry out so you can view the width and breadth of their photographic expertise and then evaluate whether you feel it would be the perfect fit for what you need.
Niche
Finding the right photographer can be difficult, especially if the shoot you are looking for is very niche. For those who crave alternative photography such as ‘ food’ ‘fashion’ or ‘weddings’ here are the reasons why a niche photograper is your best bet.
Why Should You Choose A Niche Photographer?
– The niche photographer is a specialist in their chosen field and dedicates their time to capturing the context of the shoot.
– You wouldn’t employ a wedding photographer for an equine shoot so why choose a general photographer? They might be good but ultimately a specialist photographer often has years of experience in your chosen field.
– A niche photographer understands the direction that they want to go in and have therefore honed their technique and photography style. This is especially important if you are looking to create a certain style or brand of photos i.e. on Instagram Rosie Clayton uses colourful photos to create a photographic niche.
Photographer Directory
UK Top Picks
Central London
Events Photographer Helen Maybanks
With some of the best portfolios in the field Helen Maybanks specializes in events photography for weddings, theatres and more. More notably Maybanks has photographed the likes of David Cameron and Amanda Holden and has been featured in The Guardian and ‘The Daily Mail’.
©Balletbestphotographs
©AllEdinburghtheatre
West London
Melanie Moss is a photographer based in West London and specializes in pregnancy and family portraits. Focusing on eyes, expression and laughter Melanies photoshoots use posiitve emotions to create stunning reflections of humanity.
East London
Alex James London is a fashion photographer based in East London and has over ten years of experience. Alex specializes in editorial fashion shoots with haute couture elements and is famed for his gritty exploration of movement, particularly through the medium of dance.
©AlexJamesLondon
North London
Charlotte Tolhurst is a food, lifestyle and portrait photographer who has shot for the likes of Alpro and Teapigs. Originally from Sydney Charlotte was inspired by the food and photography culture down under.
©CharlotteTolhurst
South London
Self titled ‘Jack of all trades’ Graham photographs a range of subjects, events and portraits. Most notably Graham has an impressive wedding portfolio and is part of the SWPP- Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers.
@GrahambakerPhotography
Avon
Specializing in pet photography, Dan Miller creates a natural environment for your pet to feel at home in, allowing Dan to capture the personality and character of your pet.
©Danmillerphotography
Bedfordshire
Lee Stanley is a commerical photographer that specializes in advertising, PR and advertising all within a reasonable budget that attempts to be as cost-effective as possible.
©LeeStanley
Berkshire
Charlwood began photographing his subjects since the age of 8 capturing the delicacy of human emotion in an amorous environment. Specializing in wedding ‘art’ photography David creates timeless, meaningful moments out of your special day.
©Charlwoodphotography
City of Bristol
Graham Morgan is often comissioned for his ‘product’ photography and captures people in their natural working evironment. Fascinated by the process behind design, Graham is a renowned commercial photographer.
©Grahammorganphotographer
Buckinghamshire
Multi-award winning photographer Sam is a wedding photographer who captures the timeless bond between bride and groom by processing images in black and white. Having been awarded top 10 international photographer two years in a row Sam reveals his father as his biggest inspiration and aims to capture the spirit and true essence of your wedding day.
©Samhaywardphotography
Cambridgeshire
Equine photographer Andy Fountain works closely with your horses to create high-fashion esque shoots that capture the art of the environment and combines it closely with the elegance of horsemanship.
©Andyfountainphotography
Cheshire
Capturing the wild beauty of our natural environment, John specializes in creating a sweeping cinematic perspective. Each image is layered with an untold story that defines the true nature of the home we live in.
©Johneastwoodartandmedia
Cleveland
Photographer and teacher Geoff has over 40 years of experience and captures the artistic qualities of nature in its purest form. Using uncoventional methods Geoff slogs through teriffying conditions to capture the perfect photo.
©Geoffperryphotography
©Geoffperryphotography
Cornwall
Aged 37 Ross has won numerous accolades for his role as a nature photography and specializes in macro photography and capturing the beauty of the environment. Ross has worked with Nikon as their primary ambassador and is the author of seven photography books.
©Rosshoddinottphotography
©Rosshoddinottphotography
Cumberland
Agricultural and events photographer Frederick has captured all aspects of Cumbrian life for over 30 years and has built up a rapport with the local community.
©Frederickcameronwilson
Derbyshire
A team of two dedicated specialists, Mackney Photography has won multiple award for their fine art, portraiture and attention to detail. Best described as digital wizards Wendy and Simon Mackney show high fashion photography in a different light.
©Mackneyphotography
©Mackneyphotography
Devon
Fine art photographer Kimberly has a flair for interior design and deep understanding of colour and space.
©Kimberly Rainford
Dorset
Specializing in child photography Millie captures children in their natural environment and aims to keep shoots as spontaneous as possible. Millie also specializes in school prospectus, advertising and website photography.
©Milliepilkington
Durham
Richardsons Photographers are a dedicated team who specialise in coorporate and wedding photography. Their wedding portraiture uses natural surroundings to create haute-couture shoots.
©Richphoto
East Suffolk
Wildlife photographer Jamie Hall has won multiple awards for his innovative, self-taught images that capture elusive animals in abstract environments.
©Jamiehallphotography
East Sussex
Glamour and portrait photography Marysia uses her own studio to capture the magnifience of the human body in its most sensual form and has over 10 years of experience.
©PPphotography
Essex
Covering Essex and Greater London, fashion and portrait photographer Peter narrates art through the medium of fashion photography.
©Peterwarwick
Gloucestershire
Wedding and portrait photographer Ian has a stunning outdoor studio to his disposal meaning his photographic style differs from the traditional ‘bleached white studio’ effect.
©IanBakerPhotography
Greater London
Underwater photographer Zena Holloway specializes in editorial high fashion shoots and has worked with GQ, Stylist and many more. To Zena water acts as a blank canvas making it the perfect location to shoot.
©Zenaholloway
©Zenaholloway
Greater Manchester
Jay Mawson Photography & Production
Commercial fashion photographer Jay Mawson is renowned for his editorial and commercial fashion shoots, although he also covers swimwear and street style.
©Jaymawsonphotography
©Jaymawsonphotography
Hampshire
Ginny Marsh
After graduating with a degree in commercial photography, Ginny developed a love for Hollywood glamour and pin-up photography a niche she felt was missing from modern fashion photography.
©Ginnymarsh
©Ginnymarsh
Hereford and Worcester
Although Jamie specializes in event photography, his exploration of a minute world is far more commendable. Through the eyes of the macro lens Jamie captures the essence of an insects natural habitat.
©Jamieorourkephotography
Herefordshire
A wedding photographer with a difference, Colin specializes in documentary style wedding photographs that capture the reality of your wedding day and exudes a timeless appeal.
©Colinnichollsphotography
©Colinnichollsphotography
Humberside
A former news presenter, Dave Mos has been capturing events for over 30 years. From simple p.r to royal visits Dave’s experience is vast.
©Davemossphotography
Huntingdon and Peterborough
Wedding and portrait photographer Tatjana has a preference for outdoor shots and captures the wild beauty of the outdoors to accentuate your photos.
This is so interesting as my husband and I have just started a photography business so it’s interesting to hear how others find them!