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About
On Hitched.co.uk since 2022
Last update: June 2026
My goal is to authentically capture your wedding day to ensure you remember exactly how your day felt, not just how it looked.
While mostly I capture in a documentary style, I blend in classical techniques using flash for those timeless portraits and am currently beginning to incorporate film photography into my work. I'm based in Lincoln but operate all over the country.
Named as a Regional Finalist in The Wedding Industry Awards 2026 for East Midlands & Winner of the Hitched Wedding Awards 2026.
What I Offer
My flexible pricing lets you build a package that fits your wedding perfectly. A £250 reservation fee secures your date and includes meetings and planning advice. You then add your chosen coverage option and albums later as your wedding day comes together, building your own bespoke package with just the things you want.
My Style
I work quietly in the background, capturing candid moments as they unfold. With two cameras in hand, I’m always ready for whatever the day brings—no posed interruptions, just real, meaningful memories.
I believe that your wedding day belongs to you, not your photographer. So you won't be spending hours away from your guests which is where the celebration is!
Your Photos
You’ll receive all edited images via an online gallery to share with family and friends. They can download digital copies, order prints, or browse keepsakes delivered directly to their door. For added peace of mind, a USB box can be added to your package to safely store your photos offline.
Frequently asked questions
What services do you offer?
Photography
Pre wedding
Albums
Mini albums
Digital album
High resolution photos
What does the wedding package include?
You choose what you would like in your package. Each wedding is different so you choose your coverage time, albums and extras that you would like and tailor your package to your budget and needs
How far in advance should I contact you?
As soon as you've booked your venue is a great time as I can help you find other suppliers. Don't worry if it's short notice though I may be still available!
Do you cover more than one wedding a day?
No
Can you travel?
Yes, uK Nationwide. Overseas can be negotiated as well. Please mention this in your enquiry
What is the charge for travelling?
Free within 20 miles of Lincoln.
45p/mile beyond that
What style of photos do you take?
Artistic
Photo journalism
What kind of technology do you use?
Digital
Analogue
Do you use a specific technique or innovative approach?
I blend into the background and photograph in a candid way. Looking out for the right opportunities and capturing the best moments. My other photography work helps me bring other skills to the industr
What kind of equipment do you use?
Professional Nikon cameras and lenses and portable flash units for evening photos. I carry spare cameras, memory cards and batteries so if anything fails I have a spare
Do you offer any tool to display the photos online?
Yes, i use an online gallery which has an online store. See the galleries over at https://galleries.stevemcsmailesphotography.co.uk/portfolio
What's the delivery time for a photographic report?
1 month
Do you send all the photos taken?
No
Do you work alone or do you have a team of professionals?
Alone
In case of unforeseen circumstances, do you have a replacement photographer?
Yes
Do you have the rights to publish the wedding photos?
Yes
Do you charge per hour or per event?
Per hour
If needed, would you be able to work extra hours?
Yes
How do you charge extra time?
You choose your coverage option after paying your reservation fee but if you want extra time there is a charge per hour extra should you want to extend
What are the forms of payment?
Your booking is managed on my online booking system. You can view how much you owe and due dates for payments on your portal. You can pay by bank transfer
How do you work?
I have a documentary style, watching what's going on and candidly capturing things as they happen rather than staging everything. Always being ready to capture the perfect moment as it happens
Served in
Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire
Do you have any questions?
Reviews for Steve McSmailes Photography
Kate Sent on 12/03/2026
5 out of 5 rating
The best photographer we could've asked for!
Steve was absolutely amazing for our wedding. He was super friendly and relaxed, he fit into the vibe of our wedding so well, he really listened to the kinds of pictures we were after and did such a great job at seamlessly blending in. The pictures are outstanding, the vibrancy, the relaxed nature of them, words can't do it justice how happy we are. 10/10 I strongly recommend booking Steve for your wedding.
Eve Sent on 09/12/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Fantastic photographer
It was an absolute joy to have Steve as our wedding photographer. He was professional and organised, while also having a relaxed and calm attitude which meant that everything ran smoothly without us feeling any stress or pressure. We initially had a few video calls with Steve to discuss our wedding before meeting with him in person for a pre-wedding photoshoot in the Peak District. This in itself was a wonderful opportunity as we were able to get to know Steve and get used to being in front of the camera which was a massive help on the wedding day as there was no awkwardness. The pictures from the pre-wedding photoshoot came out beautifully and it's also lovely to have some professional photos of us as a couple that aren't only from our wedding.
Our wedding took place in Derbyshire and Steve had no issues with travelling to our venue and on the day he was reliable and brilliant at capturing formal and informal photos of us and all of our guests. Steve also has a great eye for locations and suggested that we get photos in different areas of our venue that we probably would have missed. We have already seen a handful of photos and they are stunning so we can't wait to see the rest!
We would highly recommend Steve!
Our wedding took place in Derbyshire and Steve had no issues with travelling to our venue and on the day he was reliable and brilliant at capturing formal and informal photos of us and all of our guests. Steve also has a great eye for locations and suggested that we get photos in different areas of our venue that we probably would have missed. We have already seen a handful of photos and they are stunning so we can't wait to see the rest!
We would highly recommend Steve!
Cat Sent on 16/10/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Fantastic expreience!
Steve was a pleasure to work with and really understood what we wanted. From the first meeting in a coffee shop to the big day itself, Steve really got to know us and how we worked as a couple. We loved having a pre wedding photo shoot as this gave us the chance to be comfortable in the front of the camera, and made even more special by being able to choose where we went. Steve was great on the wedding day itself, and he knew the best shots to really capture the moment. The quality of the photographs are excellent and really bring back the memories of such a special day. We couldn't recommend Steve enough!
Joseph Sent on 22/08/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Easy, relaxed and professional photographer for our countryside wedding!
Steve captured our wedding beautifully in a very relaxed manner. We met him a couple of months before the big day for a pre-wedding shoot which helped us get to know him and feel comfortable on camera.
We also asked for a second shooter which Steve organised for us, who was also brilliant on the day capturing other shots for us on the day.
We’ve received our first selection of photos back already which look fantastic, showing the love and fun we felt throughout the day.
We loved Steve’s style of photos too, staying true to the colours of the day and really bringing out the best moments from the day!
Steve was a fab choice for the day!
We also asked for a second shooter which Steve organised for us, who was also brilliant on the day capturing other shots for us on the day.
We’ve received our first selection of photos back already which look fantastic, showing the love and fun we felt throughout the day.
We loved Steve’s style of photos too, staying true to the colours of the day and really bringing out the best moments from the day!
Steve was a fab choice for the day!
Jess Sent on 13/07/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Absolutely amazing
100% recommend Steve. He is very friendly and approachable. Above and beyond clicking away through the day. He answered all our questions before the wedding and had everything covered. All our guests commented how polite he is. We have received a preview of some of our photos and they are amazing (I cried!) If you wamt professionalism then Steve is your man! Worth every penny!
Elizabeth Sent on 30/06/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Best day ever!
Stop browsing and book Steve! Honestly, he is a god send! Andy and I had the most amazing day with Steve skillfully snapping away virtually undetected but capturing every special moment for us.
Steve is such a genuinely nice guy that make you feel so relaxed on what is a very emotional day. His calm demeanor certainly helped both of us to stay relaxed and very much 'in the moment' too.
Right from the very first video call we knew we had found the man for the job! Our pre-wedding shoot was a proper giggle too, but helped us all find what would work for our big day.
The day of the wedding itself, Steve arrived on time, looking really smart, and despite the baking, wall to wall sunshine, he stayed on top form throughout the day. He interacted with all our guests young and old. They all agreed with us, he is amazing!
The day goes by so fast and in such a blur, but Steve kept us on time and well informed. He kept us relaxed at all times and made sure we enjoyed it all.
Top tip for all couples, look after your photographer and he will absolutely look after you!
So after all those words, there is only one thing to say, hit the book now button and get yourself an amazing photographer who will make your day!
Steve is such a genuinely nice guy that make you feel so relaxed on what is a very emotional day. His calm demeanor certainly helped both of us to stay relaxed and very much 'in the moment' too.
Right from the very first video call we knew we had found the man for the job! Our pre-wedding shoot was a proper giggle too, but helped us all find what would work for our big day.
The day of the wedding itself, Steve arrived on time, looking really smart, and despite the baking, wall to wall sunshine, he stayed on top form throughout the day. He interacted with all our guests young and old. They all agreed with us, he is amazing!
The day goes by so fast and in such a blur, but Steve kept us on time and well informed. He kept us relaxed at all times and made sure we enjoyed it all.
Top tip for all couples, look after your photographer and he will absolutely look after you!
So after all those words, there is only one thing to say, hit the book now button and get yourself an amazing photographer who will make your day!
Natalie Sent on 26/04/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Wedding Photography
Steve very kindly photographed our wedding in April. From our initial chat to receiving the first of our photos we have been blown away by Steve's professionalism and kindness. Super laid-back to work with, as neither me or my husband are photo people, Steve's way of capturing our day had us feeling really relaxed in front of the camera. Our guests commented too on how amazing he was. We've only had our sneak peek so far and we're truly amazed at the images. We cannot wait to see more. I would highly, highly recommend booking Steve for photography!
Jacob Sent on 30/03/2025
5 out of 5 rating
Fantastic Photographer
Steve was absolutely fantastic for our wedding. Nothing but professional and perfect for our big day. Was happy to organise photos and try to get the best pictures possible. He was available throughout the day and easy to speak to and able to translate our vision into pictures. Would recommend for anyone who has a wedding coming up! Perfect!
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Badges
Did the reviews win you over?
Steve McSmailes Photography Real Weddings
Luke & James
21 photos · 16/11/2024
Sammy & Tim
16 photos · 06/07/2024
Kirsty & Charlotte
18 photos · 30/03/2024
Poppy & Scott
14 photos · 02/04/2022
James & Matthew
12 photos · 23/10/2021
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