Choosing A Wedding Photographer
First let’s cover this all important question… Do I need a wedding photographer?
The short answer is yes! I’d hazard a guess at saying that you know this if you are on a wedding photographer’s website! You only need to pop this into Google to find hoards of couples who have regretted not having one. Although many people have DSLR cameras, or even modern smart phones that allow them to take good photos, wedding photography is more than just taking pictures… it is about immortalising memories, there is so much more to it than clicking a button.
A professional wedding photographer has the skills, knowledge and training to capture your memories in the best quality photographs possible. They are able to give you their undivided attention on the day, anticipate moments and capture every single detail of your day beautifully to present you with the story of your wedding.
Wedding photos are the memories of your special day and are the legacy of a new family. Your photos last a lifetime – you can re-live those moments over the years to come. They are one of the few things left after the day has been and gone. I know not everyone has the budget to pay much for their wedding photographer but I urge you to do your research first. Go into it knowing that the results of the cheapest option just won’t be the same as someone with vast experience of shooting weddings.
I’d like to be able to say that I’m the right photographer for you and you should hire me. But the truth is, I may not be. And that’s not a problem at all. I’m a strong believer that every couple has a certain photographer that is perfect for them. Not every photographer is suited to every couple, and vice versa. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life. You need to be 100% happy with the person you choose to document it.
So how do you choose your wedding photographer?
Well there are a few things to consider listed below which I hope you find helpful.
Style
Photography is an art form. And as with all artists, each one is different. Each one has their own style and way of working and each photographer will provide you with different types of images. You will not like every photographer you view.
Before you choose your photographer you should decide what type of images you are most attracted to. You are not going to fall in love with every photographer’s work, and they wouldn’t expect you to either. Pinterest is a really good place to start. Create a Pinterest inspiration board and Pin the images that speak to you the most. You can even share your inspiration board with your photographer after you’ve chosen them.
Light and airy? Traditional? Cinematic? Dramatic? These are just some of the styles available.
Once you have decided on the type of imagery you want to represent your wedding, now is the time to start looking at photographers. Spend time looking at their on-line galleries, blogs and their social media. Could you see your faces amongst their work? Does their work make you stop and look? Does it make you feel excited? It is worth remembering that many wedding photographers will do a blend of portraiture and documentary-style shots. But, if there’s a special style you love, make sure to focus on finding photographers who specialise in it.
This is important – make sure you view some of the photographer’s full galleries. Portfolios are great, and are a good overview of the photographer. But, they will only ever be what the photographer considers to be their best images. A portfolio will never give you an idea of what a full gallery looks like and what you will receive after the wedding. Ideally the photographers that you are looking at will already have some on display as they will understand the importance of that. But if not, reach out and ask. If they are hesitant, that could be a red flag. Unless of course they are new to the industry. Should they be new to the industry, make sure that they have had experience as a second shooter for weddings. In which case they should at least have some images that they can show you. I would never recommend hiring a photographer who has never attended a wedding behind the lens before. It is a totally different photography genre to any other, and being an excellent photographer in other areas does not equal a good wedding photographer.
Get to know your wedding photographer
If you are entrusting someone with your big day you need to be able to trust them. The best way to do that is to get to know them! You also need to make sure that you “click” with your photographer and that the chemistry is right. Otherwise it will never be a good relationship, you’ll never feel comfortable with them and that’s a recipe for disaster!
Your photographer will be present at some of your intimate moments and the last thing you need is to feel awkward. You are probably going to be spending more time with your photographer on your wedding day than anyone else. So it’s a good idea not to completely hate them! Give them a phone for an informal chat, or check out their “about me” page on their website. Most photographers will be more than happy to chat to you without obligation. It’s also a good chance for you to ask any questions that you have. Really get a feel for them and the way that they operate.
Budget
Paying for a professional photographer is possibly one of the biggest investments you will make for your wedding. There are so many photographers out there. Each one is operating within a different budget range, but this is not a time to scrimp! Remember, your wedding images are one of the things that you get to keep from your big day and are a collection of precious memories. The priority should be finding a photographer that you love rather than how much they cost. However, in the real world budget is an important factor for many people.
Try to budget for the photographer you want rather than hiring a photographer based on what they cost. But if it’s really not possible, keep my first 2 points at the front of your mind when considering your budget, you really do need to love your photographer. I can’t stress that enough! I promise that there will be a photographer that you love within your budget, but if your budget is on the lower side it may be harder to find them.
