How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Photographer in Cardiff
- Shawn Eastman
- May 19
- 6 min read
Choosing an engagement photographer in Cardiff is more than just hiring someone with a camera. It’s about finding a professional who can capture your story, your connection, and your quirks in a way that feels authentic, beautiful, and unmistakably you.
If you're planning to have your engagement photos taken in Cardiff or a nearby location within South Wales (lucky you - this area is full of absolutely stunning locations with various environments), this guide is here to walk you through everything you need to consider to make the right choice.
Table of Contents
Why Your Engagement Photographer Matters
Your engagement shoot is your chance to freeze a magical moment in time before the whirlwind of wedding prep takes over. It’s also an incredible opportunity to build a relationship with your photographer ahead of the big day. You want someone who puts you at ease, understands your vision, and can make the whole experience fun, relaxed, and meaningful.
The right engagement photographer won’t just give you beautiful images. They’ll give you an experience - one that reflects your personality, tells your story, and makes you feel a little bit like a movie star (without the awkward posing!).
Start with Style: What Kind of Photos Speak to You?
Photography is an art form, and just like art, every photographer has a different style. Some lean into moody, cinematic edits. Others focus on bright, airy images with lots of natural light. Some love quirky candids, while others lean towards editorial elegance.
Take the time to:
Scroll through Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration. What colours, moods, or compositions catch your eye?
Look at the photographer’s full galleries, not just their highlights. A consistent style across a full set shows skill and reliability.
Ask yourself: Do you want something timeless? Bold? Playful? Romantic?
Once you know the kind of vibe you’re after, it becomes so much easier to find a photographer in Cardiff who aligns with your vision.
Dive into Portfolios (and Not Just the Pretty Bits)
Any photographer can pull together a handful of show-stopping images for their homepage, but what really matters is how they tell a full story across a shoot.
When reviewing a portfolio:
Look at complete galleries, not just the highlights.
Check how they handle different lighting situations (sunny days, cloudy afternoons, golden hour, or even indoors).
See if their photos feel natural and relaxed, or overly posed and forced.
Take note of how couples look - are they smiling comfortably, interacting naturally, or looking like they’re mid-GCSE drama exam?
And remember, you’re not just buying photos - you’re buying into a person, their process, and their way of making you feel at ease.
Read the Testimonials - and Go Deeper
Good reviews and testimonials can be a great starting point, but don’t just skim the five stars. Read what people actually say.
Look for reviews that mention:
How comfortable they felt during the shoot
How the photographer handled nerves, awkwardness, or bad weather
Whether the photographer was punctual, professional, and clear with communication
If the final images were delivered on time and lived up to expectations
Top tip: Don’t be afraid to ask the photographer if you can speak to a past couple. Genuine professionals should have no issue connecting you with happy clients who are willing to share their real-life engagement shoot experience.
Meet Before You Commit (In Person or Virtually)
A quick chat over coffee or Zoom can tell you so much more than a website ever could.
Use this meeting to:
Gauge their personality - do they make you laugh? Do they listen to you? Do they seem genuinely interested in you?
Ask about how they run an engagement shoot
Talk about what you’re nervous or excited about
Discuss any ideas you already have (locations, outfits, vibes)
You should leave feeling heard, understood, and excited. If you don’t feel that connection, keep looking. The right engagement photographer is out there!
Ask the Right Questions
Here are a few practical questions to have in your back pocket:
How long is the engagement shoot?
How many edited photos will we receive?
How long until we get our gallery?
Do you offer outfit or location advice?
What happens if the weather is awful?
Are travel costs included?
The answers will help you compare photographers fairly and avoid unexpected surprises later.
Match the Budget to the Value (Not Just the Price Tag)
Sure, everyone has a budget. But remember, photography is an investment. Years down the line, your engagement photos will be some of your most treasured keepsakes.
Rather than going for the cheapest option, ask:
What do we get for the price?
Is there a personal connection?
Does their work speak to us emotionally?
An engagement photographer who makes you feel seen and heard, delivers beautiful photos, and leaves you with happy memories is worth their weight in gold.
Choose a Photographer Who Knows Cardiff Like the Back of Their Lens
The city of Cardiff is bursting with brilliant engagement shoot spots - from the leafy romance of Bute Park to the bold urban vibes of the city centre, the dramatic cliffs or iconic pier at Penarth, and the architectural beauty of Cardiff Bay.
Working with someone who already knows the area means:
They can recommend perfect spots to match your vision
They know how to time the light just right
They’ll have backup options in case a location is too busy or weather-dependent
Want a unique Cardiff location with fewer crowds? A local expert can make that happen.
Top Tip: Browse though the Visit Cardiff website for some ideas on local locations and attractions that could be suitable for the type of engagement shoot you'd like.
Check the Turnaround Time
Ask how long it typically takes to receive your full gallery. Some photographers offer sneak peeks within a few days, while others might take 3-4 weeks to deliver the final set.
If you're hoping to use the photos for save-the-dates, a wedding website, or announcements, make sure your timeline aligns with theirs.
Look for Flexibility and Personalisation
Some photographers offer packages with extra touches - like help with outfit planning, access to a private client guide, or a pre-shoot questionnaire to understand your love story better. These are all signs of a photographer who goes the extra mile.
Make sure they’re open to your ideas and willing to tailor the shoot to suit you.
Trust Your Gut
In the end, your decision should come down to more than just facts and figures. It’s a gut feeling.
Do you trust this person with your story? Do you feel like they "get" you? Will you enjoy spending an hour or two with them laughing, cuddling, and being yourselves?
If the answer’s yes, you’ve probably found your match.
My Final Thoughts
Choosing the perfect engagement photographer in Cardiff isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about finding someone whose style you love, whose personality fits with yours, and who makes you feel comfortable enough to be totally yourselves in front of the camera.
Do your research, ask questions, trust your instincts, and most importantly, have fun with it. Because at the end of the day, your engagement shoot should be a joyful celebration of your love – and the right photographer will capture that beautifully.
