How to Choose Your Wedding Photographer in France (Without the Stress)
If you’re planning a destination wedding in France and looking for the right photographer, it can be hard to know where to begin. Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make. And yes, it’s about the photos — but it’s also about trust, connection, and knowing that the person behind the camera gets you.
This guide is here to help you take a breath and find your way through the noise.
I’m Gavin — a British wedding photographer based in Bordeaux, working across southwest France. I photograph weddings for couples from all over the world, especially those looking for a relaxed, natural feel to their day. If that sounds like you, read on.
1. Start With Style — But Don’t Get Stuck There
You don’t need to know all the lingo, but it helps to have a rough idea of the photography style that resonates with you. Are you drawn to soft, romantic tones? Bold, editorial drama? Candid documentary moments?
Here’s a simple breakdown:
Documentary / Photojournalistic
Captures the day as it naturally unfolds. You’re not posed, just present.
Fine Art
Artistic and timeless. Beautiful compositions, soft light, and a calm, considered approach.
Editorial
Bold, styled, sometimes fashion-inspired. Think cinematic moments and creative angles.
Classic / Traditional
A more structured approach, including formal group shots and clear, polished edits.
Tonal styles
Light and airy? Warm and earthy? Dark and moody? Think about what feels right for your day.
The key isn’t just what looks good on Instagram — it’s what you want your wedding to feel like when you look back. Have a look at some of my work here.
2. Ask to See Full Galleries (This One’s Non-Negotiable)
A curated Instagram feed is lovely, but it’s just the highlight reel. What you really want is to see how a photographer handles an entire day — start to finish.
Look for:
Consistent quality in all types of light (harsh sun, dim rooms, fairy-lit dance floors)
Genuine, emotional moments — not just pretty portraits
How they photograph real people, not just styled shoots
A mix of details, group shots, and candid magic
📷 Want to see a full wedding gallery? Click here to get in touch and I’ll send you one that matches your wedding vibe.
3. Pick Someone You’ll Be Happy to Spend the Day With
Here’s the part most people don’t talk about enough: your photographer is with you for almost the entire day. More than the caterer. More than the florist. Sometimes more than your own family. The right photographer is someone you connect with easily — someone who feels trustworthy from the start, and who puts you at ease just by being around.
So beyond the work, ask yourself:
“How do I feel when I talk to this person?”
You want someone who:
Helps you feel at ease, not watched
Can gently guide without taking over
Blends in when needed but steps up when it matters
Feels steady, calming, and quietly supportive
At one recent wedding, the bride’s dress tore just before the ceremony. I helped stitch it back together while making sure no one missed the first-look moment. That’s the kind of presence I bring — calm, helpful, and fully tuned in to the day.
4. Know What You’re Getting — and When
Before you book, get clear on the details. This avoids surprises later and helps you feel confident in your decision.
Things to ask:
How many hours of coverage are included?
Is there a second shooter?
How many images will you receive? Are they high-resolution?
What’s the turnaround time for your full gallery?
Are albums, prints, or slideshows included or available?
How are your images backed up and stored?
🗂️ You can see my current wedding packages right here.
5. Choose Someone Whose Editing Style Already Feels Right
This is a big one. You might love a photographer’s compositions, but if the colours and tones aren’t quite you, don’t assume you can just “tweak the edits” later.
A photographer’s edit is part of their vision. It’s what gives their work a signature look. So if you love their portfolio as it is — great. If you find yourself thinking, “I’d love this… but brighter… or moodier…” — it’s probably not the best fit.
Instead, find someone whose finished galleries already match how you want your wedding to feel.
6. Don’t Just Follow Trends — Look for Real Skill
A trendy aesthetic might catch your eye, but what matters most is the substance underneath.
Ask yourself:
Are the important moments captured clearly and emotionally?
Are the group shots well-balanced and natural?
Do the images show personality, not just poses?
Can they handle tough lighting or unexpected changes?
It’s easy to be wowed by dramatic portraits — but the best photographers know how to deliver in every condition, not just during golden hour.
7. Trust Your Instinct — Then Double-Check the Contract
Once you’ve seen the galleries, spoken to the photographer, and the feeling is right — trust that.
Before you book:
Read the contract thoroughly
Confirm cancellation terms and delivery timelines
Make sure everything you discussed is clearly outlined
I always walk couples through this before anything’s signed — you should feel taken care of from the start.
Final Thought: Choose Someone You’d Be Happy to Have by Your Side
The best wedding photography doesn’t just come from great gear or clever editing. It comes from connection — from a photographer who knows how to be present, steady, and human. Someone who sees the story unfolding and quietly helps you enjoy it.
If you’re here reading this and thinking “This feels like someone I’d want around on the day” — I’d love to hear more about your plans.
💌 Contact me here or email me directly at gavinchapmanphotography@outlook.com
