The Top 10 Wedding Photographers In The UK

Presented by Randolph Quan

Wedding photography is changing. In a trade where return business can hardly be depended upon, photographers have traditionally looked to word-of-mouth for the lion’s share of their work. However, with the growth of the internet has arrived a new, and fertile arena for photographers to promote their portfolios; where reputation once stood, web-wise self-promotion now reigns.

But, is a camera and a website really enough to join the ranks of the UK’s wedding photography elite? When the stakes are high – and with fees running well into the thousands, they certainly are – who can you trust to deliver the most professional service on your wedding day? For this list of the UK’s top ten wedding photographers, Randolph Quan – himself cutting a respected figure in the business – offers a industry-insider look at some of the biggest names from the trade today. 

1st - Jeff Ascough

“An industry heavyweight with credentials to make any photographer’s eyes water, Jeff is a practically a household name in the world of wedding photography. He’s no stranger to admitting his admiration for the late, great Cartier-Bresson, but when Jeff turned the photojournalist’s lens on weddings he inspired a whole new generation of wedding photographers. If you hire someone to shoot your wedding, ask them what they think of Jeff Ascough – if they give you a blank look, take it as a cue to remind them not to leave the lens cap on later. Numero uno, for sure.” 

2nd - Christian Keenan Photography

“Fantastic reportage photography from this Jersey-based photographer. Again, some truly beautiful photojournalism here – it isn’t easy to get warmth and feeling from black and white, but Christian makes it seem effortless. The whole site design is superb, and his blog has some great non-wedding photos, too.”

3rd - David Pullum Photography

“A wedding photographer’s portfolio can be impeccable. The technique, the timing, the lighting; all faultless. But then there’s that extra quality you just can’t quite put your finger on – a natural flair no amount of training can issue you with. David’s non-intrusive attitude towards wedding photography is pretty bog standard for the reportage style he shoots, but there is that certain something about his collection that makes him a real personal favourite.” 

4th - Anil Tohani Photography

“The weird thing about wedding photography is that, generally, people would pay a lot of money to avoid the idea of a total stranger shooting their most intimate moments – turn that situation on its head, and you’re suddenly looking for a cast-iron guarantee the photographer won’t miss a thing. Anil specialises in Asian weddings, and it’s easy to see a real sensitivity to the vibrancy and colour of the occasion in his work. It’s a real testament to the calibre of his photos when you have to remind yourself these were each single fragments in time, unique and un-staged. As for the Detail section under his portfolio – outstanding.” 

5th - Julia Boggio

"It was sheer joy to see a portfolio of work that doesn’t feel the same, going through website after website tends to hurt your eyes, so when you see something that catches your attention you really notice it.  At first I had to look deeper into her website just to make sure she was a wedding photographer, that’s how different her work is. Definite high marks for her outstanding portraiture and outstanding website design. Brilliant!"

6th - Murray Photography

“David Murray has an outstanding body of work, the emotion and energy of each moment he captures really shines through on so many of his images.  The first image of his portfolio literally makes you take notice and that this photographer is seriously good.” 

7th - Gillian & Tim Foster

“OK. I’ll admit it. I prefer reportage wedding photography. Every ceremony is unique – so why feel obliged to re-enact the same poses people have done a million times before? But, for all that, sometimes a photographer will come along and prove there is still plenty of life in the traditional style – like Tim and Gillian. Traditional, without looking like something you might find in an attic, Gillian and Tim do – dare I say it – classic with a twist. Stylish and individual, a no-brainer for number seven.

8th - Steve Shipman Photography

“A fantastic traditional photographer – one of the best, in fact. I must confess there’s nothing quite like formal photography to show off the grandeur of an stately venue, and it only takes five minutes to see Steve knows it. Like Tim and Gillian, you can forget about the ‘smile and say cheese’ of old – it’s dynamic, inventive stuff.” 

9th - Simon Atkins

“Simon’s a professional photographer, not a web designer – and it shows. Still, it’s always good to see a photographer cut his teeth on the news circuit before working weddings – nothing makes for good preparation quite like the real world. The subject of some impressive media coverage himself, I’d say the portfolio – beautiful, imaginative and varied – speaks more for Simon than anything else.” 
 

10th - Margaret McAtier Photography

“You would have come across one, at one point or another – a wedding photograph so cheesy you could fill sandwiches with it. Based in Scotland, Margaret shoots a more formal flavour of wedding photography, but like Steve Shipman, Tim and Gillian Foster, never once does it feel like she’s on well-trodden ground. Browsing her portfolio doesn’t feel like just looking at a wedding, in kilts, either – the Highlands tradition really shines through. Great traditional photography from Margaret, I can’t think of anyone more deserving for number ten.”

Honourable Mentions

© Randolph Quan 2008

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