Tips from a wedding photographer you probably haven’t thought of

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I don’t know about you, but I felt huge pressure to find the perfect wedding photographer when I was planning my wedding in Italy. After all, your photographer and videographer are the only suppliers who play a role far beyond the last dance. I found hundreds of talented photographers on Instagram all showcasing their best shots… but there’s more to think about than just booking someone with a great Instagram feed.

Award winning, documentary-style wedding photographer Phil Salisbury has been capturing real, raw, and joyful love stories across Italy for six years. We sat down with Phil to get his view on what to look for in a photographer and what makes wedding photos truly unforgettable.

You can’t manufacture magic

“My heart beats for the documentary approach to wedding photography,” Phil says. “It means I’m there to capture the real, raw, authentic moments. The tear that escapes during the vows, the uncontrollable laughter during a best man’s dodgy speech, the way your grandmother’s eyes crinkle when she sees you for the first time in your dress. These aren’t posed, they’re not rehearsed, and they are absolutely, unequivocally, never to be repeated.

“Forget the idea of a perfectly curated, stiff portrait gallery. While we’ll certainly get some stunning shots of you looking fabulous, my real passion lies in the in-between moments. The stolen glances, the impromptu dance-offs, the chaotic joy of family hugs. It’s in these “imperfections” that the true beauty of your day shines through, creating a far richer, more meaningful tapestry of memories. Laughter, love, and even a few happy tears… these are the brushstrokes that paint a truly unique picture; a story told through my eyes, just for you.”

Your photographer’s personality matters

You wouldn’t invite a stranger to your wedding, so why would you choose a photographer who doesn’t feel like a friend?

“This is something incredibly important that often gets overlooked in the flurry of wedding planning,” Phil insists. “And that’s the connection with your photographer.

“You might be thinking, but shouldn’t I just pick someone whose photos I love? And yes, of course, you need to be drawn to their work. But here’s the secret sauce, the little known truth: your personal connection with your photographer is going to be key to unforgettable images.

“Think about it: this person is going to be with you for your entire wedding day. They’ll be there from the nervous anticipation of getting ready, to the emotional “I do’s,” right through to the crazy dance moves at the reception. This is one of the most significant days of your life, and you’re inviting them into your most intimate moments, granting them access to capture the unique, unrehearsed magic.

“If you connect with your photographer, if you feel comfortable, at ease, and can truly relate to them, you’ll naturally allow them to become an almost invisible “guest” rather than just a vendor.”

Trust is everything

So how do you get those goosebump-inducing images that perfectly capture the feeling of the day? According to Phil, it all comes down to trust.

“Trust is paramount,” he explained. “It gives me, as your photographer, the freedom to truly immerse myself in your day, to anticipate those fleeting, powerful moments, and to capture them authentically. When you’re completely at ease, your true selves shine through, and that’s when the magic really happens, and I’ve seen firsthand how this connection transforms the final gallery.

“Allow your photographer to be completely creative in the moment. Give them 100% access, and trust their artistic eye. I guarantee you’ll receive a gallery that is so true to life, so authentic, and so beautifully imperfect, that it will be even more cherished than you initially hoped for.” 

Think of your photos as your legacy… not your digital footprint

We often think of wedding photos as keepsakes for ourselves (and for Instagram), but Phil encourages the couples he photographs to think bigger. 

“What I capture isn’t just a record of your wedding day; it’s a window into your story for future generations, or even your future selves,” he says. “Imagine your children, or even your grandchildren, looking through these albums. They won’t just see a picture; they’ll feel the atmosphere, the love, the joy, the personality of their parents or grandparents on that incredible day. These images are a legacy, a visual narrative of your beginnings, showcasing the raw, beautiful truth of who you are as a couple.”

A final word from Phil...

“So, when you’re researching photographers, yes, be drawn to their work, but also ask yourself: do I feel a genuine connection with this person? Can I envision them seamlessly blending into my day? Are they someone I can trust completely to capture the genuine essence of me, my partner, and our families? 

“Get rid of any preconceptions of what your wedding photos “should” look like. Your eyes aren’t my eyes, and my job is to capture the story through a lens that is unique to me, but ultimately, true to you. It will be your story, unfiltered, unposed, and absolutely unforgettable.”

And in Italy, where weddings are sun-soaked, joy-filled and often family-focused, that connection is even more essential.

Phil Salisbury is an award-winning, documentary-style wedding photographer. Based in Manchester, he also specialises in destination wedding photography, helping couples to tell their story worldwide.

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