Wedding Photographer Interview: Emma Jane Lewis on Editorial Photography, Real Moments & Why Your Venue Choice Matters

I work alongside some brilliant photographers, and Emma Jane Lewis is one of them. She’s based in London, shoots worldwide, and has a style that sits somewhere between fashion editorial and documentary, which means the images are gorgeous but never stiff. If you’ve been wondering how to choose a wedding photographer, I sat down with her to ask the questions my couples ask me all the time.

Q1. Emma, how would you describe your wedding photography style to couples who don’t know much about photography?

I have a gentle blend of Editorial and Documentary. This means I aim to create artistic, fashion editorial-inspired images that are elegant, dynamic, and stylish. BUT this is blended seamlessly with the candid documentary aspects of the day. It doesn’t mean you’ll spend the day being posed to high heaven. The result? Images that feel like you, not a styled shoot. This is exactly the kind of style distinction worth understanding when you’re working out how to choose a wedding photographer.

Q2. Why is wedding photography such an important part of the day, and what do couples often underestimate about it?

Photos and video are the only reminders you will have of the day.  For years to come. Often, couples think about the outlay of the wedding day in terms of documenting it. But if you think a wedding dress can cost thousands and the ‘cost per wear’ on that is 1 day. 2 if you might do a vow renewal! Cost per ‘wear’ for wedding photography can be endless and worth it as the years pass by, with how many times you look at it or print. Often, with a wedding day, it can go past in a blur. Your dress hangs in a wardrobe. Your photos live on your walls, your phone, your coffee table — forever.

Photographer: Emma Jane Photography

Q3. What moments from a wedding day do couples usually value the most when they receive their photos?

From the vows to speeches to laughter. All the intimate moments, as well as those wow factor photos for the wall. But I find the morning of the wedding, which might include a first look with a parent, quite important.

I had a bride this year who is ever so close with her dad. The first look was so emotional and lovely. Including lovely hugs even during the speeches with him. I have kept in touch with her since the wedding, and I knew from speaking with her that he had been unwell leading up to Christmas, and she said the images were really a perfect reminder of the bond and the day. I also asked how he was doing a few weeks later, as I wanted to do a post focusing on their first look, but wanted to be sensitive to her current situation.

She said yes and that he was doing well, and he would be so pleased to see the moment online. So, it really goes to show that as we move on to current clients as suppliers, our past clients are still loving the memories that I captured. 

Photographer: Emma Jane Photography

Q4. How can couples decide which wedding photography style is right for them?

Start looking at Pinterest and Instagram, and get used to the lingo in the industry that we use. See if those images are called documentary, candid, styled, film, etc. This then can give you a base on which to search. As photographers will call themselves and their style certain things online. This can then start narrowing down your search. Get familiar with the terms photographers use. Otherwise, you could end up getting a different set of images than what you envisioned. Also think about your own personalities and how this can be reflected in imagery- do you like light, airy and colourful? Will your day be reflective of that? It will then often make sense to hire a photographer who shows colour in their portfolio rather than a muted tonal range. Your photos should feel like an extension of your wedding, not a departure from it

Q5. What to Expect from Your First call with a wedding photographer?

See their curated Instagram and website, but once you have a shortlist of 5 photographers, ask to see a full gallery.

Once you have seen them, jump on a call with your top 2 to see how you get on. As you will be with that photographer for the whole day, can you imagine them helping you at some of the more emotional moments? As well as taking charge during the more chaotic group photo portion of the day? The relationship is not just about the day. But communication in the lead-up and after, for delivery. If you are struggling to organise a call or emails are not replied to within a week, then it might be too stressful for you. You want someone who will communicate well. But that does not mean expecting a photographer to reply within the hour all the time.

How to Choose a Wedding Photographer: What to Look for Beyond the Portfolio

They have busy lives too, and other clients to keep happy- the initial consult and emails are just as much about them interviewing you, too, as a client! If you jump on a call, think about how it all flows. Is conversation easy? Are they asking questions about the day? But also show initiative yourself- ask the photographer questions and see their processes. There is nothing worse than a silent-filled call when it is only one person doing the talking! Often, the best calls should leave a client feeling that there was a good connection, everything the photographer said lined up with the vision and what you expected from the website. That you can see them slotting into your day but also adding value to it.

Q6. How far in advance should couples book their wedding photographer in the UK?

My couples book anywhere between 6 months and 2 years! So, this can all depend on peak dates, such as bank holidays or the time of year for certain venues. Such as if you want the wisteria out in full bloom. If you want certain dates, the earlier the better! But don’t hang around too long- a photographer’s diary can change daily. It’s one of the most common questions that comes up when couples are working out how to choose a wedding photographer.

Q7. What is your approach on the wedding day — will you guide couples or photograph things naturally as they happen?

I provide stylish, yet natural photos. Without feeling overly posed or your time being monopolised on the day. As a photographer who feels like an extended member of the bridal party, I am there as a professional but also a supporter. Helping make the day run smoothly. Most couples forget I’m there until I’m gently nudging them towards the golden hour light, leading where needed for groups and couple portraits.

Q8. How do you help couples feel relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera, especially if they don’t like having their photo taken?

By the time the wedding day arrives, we already know each other. From emails, calls and even communication on Instagram. Often, the couples know who you are before turning up, which helps. On the day, it is a very gentle but guiding approach. From providing directions where appropriate and space where needed. Reading a room and emotions is a huge part of the job. So, when it comes to then directing couple photos, for example or groups, then you have a laugh and keep things light. ‘Doing’ photos are great, such as walking, chatting and making the movements natural.

Q9. How much time should couples realistically allow for couple portraits on their wedding day?

As a general rule of thumb, it is nice to allow around 15-20 mins during the drinks reception so that you get your ‘safe shots’ when everyone is looking their best and nothing has slipped! As well as an even more relaxed 10 min set for golden hour or sunset later in the day. Such as veil off, jacket over shoulder etc. Or laying in a field together, drinking champagne as the sun goes down! Another great question to ask when you’re figuring out how to choose a wedding photographer.

Photographer: Emma Jane Photography

Q10. What happens if it rains or the weather doesn’t cooperate — will it affect the photos?

Yes and no. I am always honest and provide realistic expectations of how this might affect a couple’s original idea. If they wanted all groups, candid and drinks on the lawn and its forecast 100% rain all day. Then yes, this will have an impact on what can be done outside. But this leads to more cozy photos or guests on the sofa or chatting by the fire. Groups might need to be more creative and thought about in regard to the space. And couple photos can be a mix of safer indoor photos such as on the staircase or even the getting ready room.

And maybe braving the rain for a few quick umbrella photos. What is most important to help your photographer is to pick a venue that has a great wet weather plan for the UK. It is no good picking a venue will amazing outdoor spaces and crossing your fingers- but it has a terrible, small indoor space with no movement. This never helps the photographer! And leaves then on the backfoot before they have started. But if you have a good indoor space with rooms for drinks, rooms for the groups to separate and space to explore for couple photos- then the wet weather plan is just as good as the dry one.

Q11. When can couples expect to receive their wedding photos, and how are they usually delivered?

In peak season, this can be anywhere between 4-8 weeks. But this year, for example, the turnaround was 4-5 weeks for all galleries. So, it all depends on how weddings cluster together in the diary as well as travel days. Leading up to the day, I always inform couples what their expected turnaround time is as we get closer. Galleries are delivered with a private online link.

Q12. What is the biggest piece of advice you would give couples when planning their wedding photography?

Don’t scrimp but set a max budget. And be ok if you need to flex that for the right photographer- you only do this one. TRUST them- the best clients say they are easy and want you to be creative and mean it. This means you get the best of me and my ideas. I don’t hold back. And at any time, you can say ‘stop, this isn’t for me’. It means you get the very best of a photographer’s true style and portfolio.

And it’s a given but be nice people and hire nice people. It means there is a perfect little vacuum of energy for the day- they have your back, and you have theirs. For suppliers, this means it is a great team to work alongside. But also, for couples, you know that everyone who is there is truly lovely and there to make your day perfect. If you’re a dream client, you will reap that reward in how your suppliers treat you.

I couldn’t have said it better myself. If you’re still figuring out how to choose a wedding photographer who shoots with this kind of intention, Emma Jane is worth every conversation.