Five minutes with... Chester-based wedding photographer Jaine Briscoe-Price

Credit: Jaine Briscoe-Price Photography

This issue, editor Kelly sat down with the lovely Jaine (https://jainebriscoe-price.co.uk) for a catch up and to quiz her on finding the perfect wedding photographer for your big day.

So Jaine, once engaged how would a couple go about finding the right photographer for them?
Everyone has an opinion on what to do next – talk about total information overload! At some point, you start thinking about photography and the myriad of descriptors… creative, relaxed, contemporary, story-teller, documentary, stylish, reportage. But these are just words that everyone might interpret differently and quite honestly, to fully capture a wedding, I feel that you need to encompass all those styles to suit the moment.

Remember, Instagram pages and websites will include the photographers' very best work but do they show a venue like yours or tones you love, or real couples? Find a few photographers whose work you like and have worked at your venue or, hopefully in your area, then speak to them. Honestly, booking someone without at least a zoom is just crazy and leaves both you and the photographer open to problems!

What should a couple ask during their first meeting?
There are five questions that you won't want to miss out. Find out whether they'll travel that day or stay over and whether that cost is your issue. You'll need to know if their coverage/hours cover their travel-time too. It's also well worth asking whether they offer a pre-wedding shoot, and where that'll be. Also, take note of everything included in the package you're being offered, so there aren't any surprises or disappointments. Finally, and crucially, if they’re ill, how will they cover your day?

Is a planning meeting really necessary?
Totally! You might think your photographer knows what you want but without a catch-up something might be missed – we're not mind readers! Equally, something they feel is needed, might not be overly important to you. I've recently heard of complaints where a key shot was missed (like an aunt over from Australia), so don't let that be you. If it's important, list it; but be careful to strike a balance. Don't list every single shot needed or your imagery will become static and forced.

What's your top tip for the big day?
Relax, enjoy and trust your photographer.

What's new with you?
2023 was an amazing year! After 25 years as a professional photographer, entering awards means the harder I try the better the imagery I can produce for you. The image shown here won image of the month with the Guild of Photographers and over the last year, they received 12,000 entries over five genres with the wedding category being highly sought after. In fact, this image is now one of 10 shortlisted for Wedding Image of The Year 2023, which makes me incredibly proud.