When it comes to documenting their major life milestones, HNWs can rely on the talents of the best photographers in the UK, who are well practised in providing their discerning clients with snapshots to treasure for years to come.
The professionals highlighted in this year’s index include photographers who have worked with royals, celebrities and millionaires. Some specialise in candid event snapshots, while others are veterans of the world’s biggest and most luxurious weddings. The list also features studio photographers who bring a meticulous eye to ensure every subject is presented at their absolute best.
As Dafydd Jones tells Spear’s during the compilation of the 2025 index, the work of photographers ‘has changed quite a lot’. With magazines and newspapers not commissioning much photography work any more, most of the top photographers in the country have had to adapt, and are now focusing on printing books and shooting private events such as weddings and christenings.
For the wedding photographers in our index, building a strong and deep relationship with the couple is an essential part of the job, as they know the images they create will be cherished for many years, and are likely to sit on shelves in homes for generations. ‘I want to interpret my clients’ day as they expect it,’ says Benjamin Wheeler, a new addition to this year’s index, ‘so I make sure their ethos aligns with mine before agreeing to photograph their wedding.’
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Creating an atmosphere that puts subjects at ease is also essential, not only to make clients comfortable but also to ensure the photos show the subject in their true and ‘most beautiful’ form, explains Lara Arnott, who has captured the likes of Queen Elizabeth and Sir Elton John. This can mean staying engaged with what’s happening and reacting naturally to create images that feel effortless and authentic.
In the same way, Millie Pilkington, whose portfolio includes portraits of the Prince and Princess of Wales on their wedding day, explains that establishing a connection with her subject is what enables her to capture ‘the spirit of the moment’.
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- Methodology
- The best photographers and creative service providers: some names to know
- The best photographers and creative service providers: the complete list
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Methodology
Each year, the Spear’s Research Unit reassesses and refreshes its rankings of the leading providers in each sector by gathering data from and about the advisers and firms themselves, assessing submission forms, collating nominations, carrying out peer reviews, reviewing data from third-party sources, gathering references and recommendations, canvassing experts and conducting hundreds of interviews.
Advisers are evaluated using a proprietary scoring system that assigns different weightings to certain attributes. These scores feed directly into each new set of rankings in the Spear’s Indices. Each of these indices are published first online (according to the research calendar) and then in print. Print publication takes the form of the annual Spear’s 500 directory, which includes the top advisers in every index.
[See also: A guide to the Spear’s 500: Everything you need to know]
Each featured adviser is profiled on spears500.com. The site allows users to search the Spear’s database of more than 4,000 entities to find one (or more) to meet their specific requirements by filtering for specific attributes such as an adviser’s location, their specialist expertise and information about their client base.
The best photographers and creative service providers: some names to know
Benjamin Wheeler
- Focus: Fine art and wedding photography
- Position: Founder
Benjamin Wheeler founded his eponymous photography studio over a decade ago. With experience in fashion and editorial photography, he tells Spear’s he is especially skilled in shooting ‘fashion-conscious couples’, and those with whom he can build a deeper relationship.
Past work includes shooting Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi’s wedding in 2020, as well as that of the Duke of Westminster and Olivia Henson in 2024. Wheeler explains that he receives a number of enquiries but chooses his clients very selectively, often finding a good match with people who work in the creative industries.
Read Benjamin Wheeler’s full profile on Spears500.com
Lara Arnott
- Focus: Wedding photography
- Position: Founder
Photographer Lara Arnott has captured society and celebrity nuptials in spots ranging from Lake Como to Villa Rothschild in France; occasions including Sir Elton John’s Christmas party and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s 70th; and high-profile personalities such as the late Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace.
In addition to weddings and events, Arnott also does portrait work for individuals and families.
Read Lara Arnott’s full profile on Spears500.com
Dafydd Jones
- Focus: Party photography
- Position: Founder
People, eccentricity, the art world, fashion and parties are Dafydd Jones’ patch. Particularly parties. Once a favourite of media doyenne Tina Brown, Jones did time photographing hunt balls and debutante dances, and has been a contracted photographer for the world’s best and glossiest mags.
It’s hard not to be swept away by the quiet charm and gentle humour of this Welshman born in Doncaster. A whizz at darkroom printing (he used to get through 1,200 rolls of film a year), he now loves experimenting with digital images, and tells Spear’s his work has changed ‘quite a lot’.
Read Dafydd Jones’s full profile on Spears500.com
Richard Young
- Focus: Celebrities and private client weddings
- Position: Founder
Celebrity photographer Richard Young has captured the likes of Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger and Princess Diana, to name just a few of his expansive clientele, which has also included heads of state such as Nelson Mandela and Fidel Castro. He owns his own gallery in Kensington – co-founded in 2008 with his wife, Susan Young – and which is one of the most well-regarded fine art photography establishments in the UK.
Young, who has over 50 years’ experience, also offers a personalised art consultancy service.
Read Richard Young’s full profile on Spears500.com
The best photographers and creative service providers: the complete list
Click on the individual names to be directed to more detailed profiles of each adviser on the Spear’s 500 website. The table is ordered by ranking and then alphabetically by surname.
Contact us
- Click here to order a print copy of The Spear’s 500.
- To apply for inclusion in The Spear’s 500, complete our submission form.
- For further information about rankings, please email research@spearswms.com; we aim to respond to all queries within two working days.
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- To keep up to date with the Spear’s 500, subscribe to our magazine, newsletter and follow Spear’s on Linkedin and Instagram.
- If you have missed calendar deadlines for our research cycles in 2025, you can still register your interest for updates about upcoming research and rankings.
