It happens at nearly every event I photograph. Someone spots me with my camera, sees the big lens, the confident swagger (!), the flash firing now and again, and decides right then that I must be the photographer for them.
You can almost hear the thought forming: “He’s got a fancy camera, he must be amazing.”
Let me stop you there. Please, for the love of good photography, don’t ever pick a photographer like that.
A nice camera doesn’t make someone a good photographer, just like owning a saucepan doesn’t make someone a chef. Yet people fall for the shiny gadget trick all the time.
They see a bloke strutting around with an expensive-looking camera and assume he must know what he’s doing. It’s an easy mistake to make, but it’s one that leads to disappointment more often than not.
The truth is, cameras don’t take great photos. People do. And not just any people, but those who know how to use light, timing, and connection to tell a story.
The camera is a tool, nothing more. Why would you hire someone based purely on how their gear looks?
Before you book anyone, go straight to their portfolio. Look at what they’ve actually created.
Do their photos make you feel something, or are they just technically neat? Do they capture people naturally, or does everyone look like they’ve just been told to smile through a cramp?
A portfolio tells you everything. You can see the photographer’s personality, their rhythm, and their way of seeing people and places. If you can’t picture yourself in those photos, move on.
Then check their reviews. Don’t skip this part.
A good photographer doesn’t just turn up, snap a few pictures, and disappear. They leave behind happy clients who can’t stop talking about how comfortable they felt, how smooth everything went, and how the final photos captured moments they didn’t even realise were happening.
That’s the difference between someone with a camera and someone who knows people.
Now, let’s talk about money, because it matters.
Photographers don’t all charge the same way. Some offer packages, some charge by the hour, some provide all the digital files, and others sell prints separately.
None of these ways are wrong, but they can be confusing if you don’t ask questions.
A lower price doesn’t always mean a bargain, and a higher price doesn’t automatically mean genius. It’s about what you value. You’re not just buying time with a camera; you’re buying experience, reliability, and the ability to make you look your best even when you feel awkward.
And please, if you’re thinking of asking your mate with a “really good camera” to shoot your wedding or your family portraits, stop right there.
I’ve lost count of the times I’ve heard people say, “We thought we’d save some money and let our friend do it.” The next sentence is always the same: “We regret it.”
The photos are out of focus, the lighting’s harsh, and somehow, the one moment that mattered most was missed because they were fiddling with settings.
A professional knows how to adapt when things go sideways. They don’t panic when the light changes or when the best man stands in the wrong spot. They just quietly fix it and carry on.
Choosing the right photographer isn’t about who looks impressive in the moment. It’s about who can create lasting images that feel true to you. It’s about trust, skill, and style.
When you find someone whose work you connect with, who makes you feel relaxed in front of the camera, and who understands what you actually want, that’s when the magic happens.
So, next time you see someone swaggering through an event with a giant camera, don’t rush over to ask for a booking. Instead, take a breath. Look at their work first. Read what others have said about them. Make sure their style suits you.
A confident pose and an expensive lens won’t guarantee photos you love, but the right person behind the camera will.
If you’re looking for a photographer in Cranleigh or the Surrey Hills who actually listens, notices the small moments, and captures the real you, get in touch.
I’d love to show you how photography can feel natural, easy, and genuinely fun.
