CHOOSING YOUR PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
A Little Guide.
There are many important decisions to make before your wedding day none more so than choosing the right photographer. Your photographs should remind you of your perfect day and reflect your personalities. So It's not just about making sure your photographer can take a good photograph. Your photographer needs to understand you, what you want from your photos and most importantly you need to feel comfortable with them around.
Here are my top ten tips for choosing the right wedding photographer for you.
1. Decide on the style of photography you like best.
Traditional, Reportage/documentary, contemporary high fashion, modern stylised, vintage, or a mixture? What would be perfect for you? Don’t choose a photographer for another reason (price perhaps) and then ask them to take a different style of photograph than those you have seen in their portfolio. They will be a specialist in this style and may not be as good at something else. Some will be able to do a mixture but go by what you have seen of their work.
Think about how the style may have an impact on your day.
Documentary/reportage will mean you spend more time with your guests and are unaware that photographs are being taken for most of the day. Great for couples who are camera shy and want a true record of the emotion and atmosphere of their day without it feeling like a photoshoot. You always need to feel comfortable with your photographer but especially If you want highly posed photos. They will be asking you stop and pose at various points. High art or fashion contemporary portraits may mean being away from your party for some time and involve setting up lights and having several people working with you. A large list of group photos will also mean less time talking to guests during your drinks reception. It all depends on how you would like your day to flow and the type of photographs you would like.
2. Meet with at least three photographers. Not only to view their work but to see if you get on with them. It is very important that you feel comfortable with your photographer, especially when getting ready in the morning. If you are seeing a large studio with more than one photographer make sure you meet with the photographer who will be taking the photos on your wedding day.
3. Ask them lost of questions. Is photography their full time job? What experience/qualifications/training do they have.
4. What equipment do they use? Is it professional kit? Do they have a range of lenses? How do they cope with low light and different weather conditions? Do they have spares, backups and how and when do they backup your pictures and store them for the future?
5. Ask for details of full pricing, can you choose a USB/download option now and add albums later? Is there any flexibility on hours they will cover on the day? Do they offer bespoke packages? Are there any hidden extras, travel costs for example. Check the small print. Are the photos on the USB/download in High Resolution with no watermark? How many images do you get and what are the reproduction rights? Photographers hold the copyright but they can give you rights to copy and share for personal use.
6. Do they supply albums, coffee table books, images on USB stick or download? If the photographer offers albums only and provides a proof book with photographs for you to choose from, check how many photos you get within the price and whether there is an extra charge for extra prints or images on USB/download.
7. Make sure you see examples of complete weddings not just cherry picked pictures from different weddings.
8. What does the photographer do before your wedding day to prepare. Do they visit the venue with you to discuss your plans for the day? Is a pre- wedding photo shoot included so that you can get used to the camera and the photographer. How do they find out what is important to you? Do they attend any rehearsals you may be having?
9. Do they have Public Liability and Professional Indemnity Insurance? The venue also requires that the photographer has insurance.
10. What happens if the photographer can't make it on the day? Is there a backup system in place?
I hope this has been of some help and you find the perfect photographer for you.
For a complete A-Z Wedding of Wedding Photography information when planning, get in touch.
