In a busy month, I’m happy to share some more fab news about my wedding photography. I’ve officially joined the Irish Professional Photographers and Videographers Association (IPPVA) and have successfully achieved my Licentiateship, earning the designation LIPPA.
For me, this is another important milestone in a career that began professional photography in 2010. While experience is invaluable, I believe it’s equally important to continue learning, refining your skills and maintaining high standards in an industry where the quality of work matters.
But what exactly is a licentiateship, and why should it matter to couples looking for their wedding photographer?
What is a Licentiateship in Wedding Photography? A Licentiateship is a professional distinction awarded by a professional body. It recognises that a photographer has demonstrated a solid foundation of technical competence, creative ability and an understanding of the principles of professional photography.
It is an important step in professional photographic recognition. Rather than simply claiming to be a professional, a photographer who achieves a qualification through an assessment process has demonstrated their abilities against an established set of standards.
In my case with the IPPVA, my assessment involved submitting a portfolio of work for evaluation by qualified judges. The aim was to assess the quality of my images, technical execution, composition, creativity and my understanding of wedding photography.
For me, earning my LIPPA is a welcome recognition of the work I have put into developing my photography skills over the years.
My Journey with Professional Photographic Qualifications
My LIPPA qualification builds on previous achievements with other professional photographic organisations.
I have previously achieved Licentiateships with the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers (SWPP) and the Professional Photographers Association of Northern Ireland (PPANI), both in portraiture.
These qualifications have helped reinforce my commitment to the technical and creative foundations of photography, from understanding light and composition to creating thoughtful, well-executed images.
In 2026, by joining the IPPVA and achieving my latest Licentiateship, I am continuing that commitment to professional development.
I believe that striving to become a better photographer ultimately benefits the couples who trust me to document one of the most important days of their lives.
Why Should You Book a Qualified and Reputable Wedding Photographer?
Choosing your wedding photographer is one of the most significant decisions you will make when planning your wedding.
We’ve heard it all before and sometimes it comes too late but long after the flowers have faded, the cake has been eaten and the celebrations have ended, your photographs will remain. They will help you revisit the moments you remember, discover the moments you missed and share your wedding story with future generations.
With so much resting on those images, it is worth looking beyond a photographer's social media following, camera equipment or advertised price.
Here are some of the things I believe couples should consider.
1. Experience matters when there are no second chances.
A wedding is not a styled photoshoot that can be repeated if something goes wrong. The ceremony happens once. The reactions, embraces, speeches and spontaneous moments cannot simply be recreated. An experienced wedding photographer understands how a wedding day unfolds. They anticipate important moments, work efficiently under pressure and adapt when timings change, the weather turns or the light becomes challenging.
2. Technical competence makes a difference
Wedding photography presents a unique set of challenges. A photographer might move from a dimly lit church to bright sunshine, from formal family photographs to a fast-moving dance floor, all within a few hours.
Understanding exposure, focus, shutter speed, lighting and composition is essential to producing consistently strong results in these different conditions.
Professional qualifications help demonstrate that a photographer has invested time in developing these foundational skills. They are one useful indicator of competence, particularly when considered alongside experience and a strong portfolio.
3. Creativity is about more than a pretty picture
A great wedding gallery needs to tell a story.
It should capture the atmosphere of the day, the relationships between people, the emotions, the details and the moments that make your wedding uniquely yours.
My approach combines authentic, timeless and cinematic storytelling with a balance of thoughtfully composed portraits and natural, candid photography.
4. Professionalism extends beyond taking photographs
Booking a wedding photographer is about more than what happens on the day itself. Communication, preparation, reliability, organisation, image backup and the careful handling of your photographs are all important parts of the service.
A reputable wedding photographer should be able to show you complete wedding galleries, explain what is included in their collections, provide clear booking terms and demonstrate a consistent standard of work.
The wedding gallery that you receive from your wedding photographer is also important. I deliver my digital images in two forms. A physical USB stick that you can use as your own backup alongside a beautifully presented professional gallery that works on your phone and computer. You will always have your wedding gallery with you and it works amazingly well. Compare this to getting your images sent over wetransfer, the gallery matters and a reputable professional wedding photographer will present their images in a fab gallery.
It is also worth looking for genuine client reviews, relevant professional memberships and evidence of ongoing development. These things can help you build a fuller picture of the person you are trusting with your memories.
5. Your wedding photographs are an investment in your memories
It can be tempting to treat wedding photography as just another item on a long list of wedding expenses. However, the photographs are among the few things from your wedding day that you will continue to enjoy for the rest of your days.
Choosing a wedding photographer on price can mean overlooking differences in experience, skill, approach, reliability and the finished product.
That does not mean the most expensive photographer is automatically the best, or that a professional qualification guarantees perfect results. It means understanding what you are paying for, looking carefully at the work and choosing someone whose style, experience and standards give you confidence.
Professional recognition is one piece of that picture. The quality of the wedding photographer’s portfolio, the complete wedding galleries, the reviews and the relationship you build with the photographer all matter too.
What Does This Mean for My Couples?
My approach to wedding photography has always been centred on creating photographs that you will want to return to for years to come.
I want you to enjoy your wedding day rather than feel as though you are spending it performing for my camera. I believe that important photographs deserve care and intention, whether that means creating a beautiful portrait of the two of you or anticipating a fleeting moment between family and friends.
My aim is to combine the experience gained from photographing weddings over many years with a continuing commitment to improving my craft.
Joining the IPPVA and achieving my LIPPA are further steps along that journey. They reflect the value I place on professional standards, technical ability and creative development.
When choosing your wedding photographer, I would always encourage you to ask questions, look through full galleries, read reviews and find someone whose work genuinely speaks to you.
Professional qualifications and memberships are worth considering, but they should sit alongside the evidence of what a photographer can actually deliver.
Ultimately, your wedding photographs should be more than a collection of attractive images. They should tell your story, preserve the people and moments that matter most, and bring you back to the feeling of the day every time you look at them.
Shea Deighan is a wedding photographer based in County Derry, Northern Ireland. Shea photographs weddings across Northern Ireland, Ireland and the UK. With a career dating back to 2010, Shea specialises in authentic, timeless and cinematic wedding photography, combining carefully crafted portraits with natural storytelling. Get in touch to enquire about your wedding date.
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