Choosing a Wedding Photographer

 

As soon as you have fixed a definite date for your wedding one of your first priorities is to choose a photographer.

Good wedding photographers are often hard to find as their services are booked many months in advance so it is imperative that you seek a photographer and book him or her as soon as you possibly can.

 

So how do you choose the perfect wedding photographer?

A good place to start your search would be in the photographers category here on this site, in the products and services section. You can also ask friends and family for recommendations or post a message on our wedding forum.

 Do your research and find out what each photographer has to offer.

It is important you choose a photographer who specialises in wedding portraits. Do not book a wedding photographer over the phone, or just by choosing a random name from the phone book.

In the first instance meet with the photographer to discuss ideas. Ask whether the person you are meeting is the person who will be with you on the day, and check that you feel comfortable with him or her – remember this person will be spending one of the most important days of your life with you so it is vital you actually like the person!

Cost is also an issue, but remember that expensive doesn’t necessarily mean good. A good idea of gauging price is to speak to other people who have used wedding photographers recently.

Check the wedding photographer’s qualifications – have they trained especially in wedding photography? Ask them how much experience they have in wedding photography.

 Take a look at their work – a good professional wedding photographer will be more than happy to show you previous wedding photographs, including a complete album from one wedding. Is their work current and up to date? Professional wedding photographers should update their portfolio regularly.

 

So what do you look for in a good wedding photograph?

Have they captured a specific moment or emotion in the photograph?

Do the set of pictures tell the story of the day?

Does the photographer make the ordinary seem extraordinary?

Do the subjects in the photographs appear happy and relaxed?

Can you see detail such as the design on the dress or decoration on the cake?

How do the photographs differ in different light or weather conditions?

Are group photographs as clear and precise as single person shots?

Are the photographs taken in different settings?

 Do you feel the photographer understands your needs?

Will he/she capture your day exactly how to want it?  

 

Pricing

 

As you gather quotes from different wedding photographers ensure they are quoting you for the same work, otherwise you will not be able to compare quotes accurately.

In general photographers quote a price based on their individual skill, overheads, time, and the yearly income they need to earn.

Do you want a set package of photographs or bespoke?

A set package is structured by the photographer, and is an all inclusive price comprising of the set of photographs and the photographer’s fee.

Bespoke photographs are much more individual. You can choose whatever photographs you like, in whatever colour option you would like, and you basically pay for whatever you choose, on top of the photographer’s fee.

Do not be afraid to ask your photographer for a price breakdown – a genuine photographer will be happy to do this.

 

 

 

Once you have chosen and booked your wedding photographer

 

Ensure you discuss everything you want from your photographs. If you have examples of the kind of photographs you would like show them to your photographer. The more you can tell your wedding photographer about the type of photographs you would like, the better. (We will discuss different photography styles a bit later)

Is the photographer aware of where he/she need to be and at what time?

A good wedding photographer will keep his or herself updated with your plans in the lead up to your big day, but make sure you inform him/her of any changes that you make.

Ask your wedding photographer how much time he/she will spend taking the photographs before, during and after the ceremony. There is no set amount of time; this is to be arranged between yourself and the photographer.

What happens if the weather is inclement? Will the photographer have a backup plan?

Should something go wrong and the photographs need to be retaken does the photographer have the applicable indemnity insurance?

N.B. It may be an idea to take out a wedding insurance policy to cover all eventualities.

 

Choosing your style of photographs

 

You need to be clear about the style of photographs you want for your big day.

Do you want modern or classic photographs?

 

Would you prefer the photographs to be formal, or would you like some relaxed photographs that will capture the whole day?

Would you like individual photographs of specific people taken before the ceremony? (This ensures a “perfect looking” shot)

Would you like photographs taken with people other than family members – or maybe even a pet?

What about photographs that capture the “confetti in the air”, and do you mind if this is a staged shot if the photographer is unable to capture the photograph naturally?

Do you want all colour photographs, or some in black and white, or maybe some with other effects such as sepia toning?

What about copyright or re-use issues?

 Can you make copies of your photographs using other companies?

Will you be able to digitally enhance your photographs or perhaps have them enlarged at a later date?

Could your photographs be made available to you on a cd so you can make your own album?

 

All these ideas and others can be discussed with your chosen wedding photographer.