I'm incredibly proud to have been awarded a Bronze Bar by the Guild of Photographers for two of my images! The Guild sets an exceptionally high standard, so receiving this recognition means so much to me.
Photography is all about capturing moments that tell a story, and this award is a reminder of the passion and dedication that goes into every single shot. Will I enter more images to be critiqued by the harshest of judges? In all honesty, I don't really know. The reality is that I am here to work for my couples only, and that is, and always will be my main priority. It's very hard to score well in the wedding category in these competitions, the judges are not there to try and work out whether you had to deal with harsh lighting in a church or your movements were restricted so you weren't able to get the right angle. They are there to judge all images equally whether they were taken in a controlled studio environment or amongst the chaos of a wedding.
Which brings me to ask, should we let competitions define us as wedding photographers? Should couple's only consider those whose work has been judged by the highest of the highest? here's some points to consider
Photography Is Subjective
Art is deeply personal, and photography is no exception. What resonates with one judge might not connect with another. Wedding photography is especially unique in that it’s not about creating a technically perfect image, it’s about capturing emotion, personality, and real moments. A competition may reward technical prowess, but it cannot measure the connection between a photographer and their clients.
Client Satisfaction Matters More Than Awards
Couples choose a wedding photographer based on their ability to tell a story, capture real emotions, and make them feel at ease. Most clients aren’t concerned with how many awards a photographer has won, they care about whether their wedding day will be beautifully documented in a way that feels authentic to them. A glowing testimonial or heartfelt review is far more valuable than any trophy.
Competitions Often prefer a Specific Style
Many photography competitions have a particular aesthetic they lean towards dramatic lighting, moody tones, or fine art compositions. But wedding photography is diverse. Some couples prefer documentary-style images that are natural and candid, while others might love vibrant and playful captures. Just because a photographer’s work doesn’t fit the mold of competition winning images doesn’t mean it’s any less valuable.
The Pressure to Win Can Stifle Creativity
When photographers focus too much on competitions, they may start shooting for judges rather than for their clients. This pressure can stifle creativity and authenticity, leading to images that feel staged rather than natural. Wedding photography should be about capturing a couple’s love story, not about impressing a panel.
Longevity in the Industry Comes From Connection, Not Awards
A successful wedding photography business is built on relationships, referrals, and trust. Longevity in the industry comes from creating a great experience for clients, not from a list of accolades. Many of the best wedding photographers have thriving businesses without ever entering a competition.
The Best Recognition Comes from happy couples
A couple’s wedding day is one of the most important moments of their lives. If they love their photos and feel an emotional connection to them, that’s the highest form of recognition a photographer can receive. Word-of-mouth recommendations and heartfelt client testimonials are far more impactful than any award.
Competitions can be fun, inspiring, and a way to push creative boundaries. However, they are not the ultimate measure of success in wedding photography. A great wedding photographer is one who captures genuine moments, tells a compelling story, and makes their clients feel seen and valued. At the end of the day, the true reward is knowing that your work brings joy to couples for a lifetime.
In the meantime, if you'e looking for an award winning Leeds wedding photographer (wink wink) then please click here so see all the packages I have to offer.