Booking Your Wedding Photographer: 5 Things to Consider
Finding the right wedding photographer can be tough.
A good photographer does more than just point and click a camera.
And choosing the right person for the job requires more thought and effort than just scrolling through images on a website.
Of course, there’s the usual pre-decision checklist to keep in mind:
- Someone whose work you really like
- Someone within your budget
- Someone available for your date
- Someone able to travel to your venue
- Someone with good reviews and recommendations
BUT
You'll also want a photographer that gets you. Now, that might sound a little new-age or millennial but it’s vital if you want more than just a record of your day.
Good photography isn't just record keeping. It's capturing the essence of the occasion in images that will invoke and colour your memory for many years after the 'I dos'.
You'll also want a photographer that gets you. Now, that might sound a little new-age or millennial but it’s vital if you want more than just a record of your day.
Good photography isn't just record keeping. It's capturing the essence of the occasion in images that will invoke and colour your memory for many years after the 'I dos'.
The only way that you'll get a 'feel' for a photographer is by meeting them and having a conversation with them.
It’s a matter of trust.
Same-sex couples have it a little harder here. The law protects from discrimination but it can't change attitudes entirely, and if a photographer is uncomfortable behind the camera then that's going to show up in the quality and composition of the final photographs.
Think about this, too: the photographer will be spending HOURS of time with you. Do you want to share your happiest day with someone who makes you feel awkward or uneasy?
If it's worrying you, then we'd recommend taking a look at some of the photographers in the Pink Wedding Days' directory. One of our real stars is Martin and Julia Webb from Spinning Your Dreams - fantastic photographers, and we think you'll agree.
1. Ask to see an entire wedding album rather than just a handful of highlights. You'll get a much better understanding of what the photographer is good at and see whether image quality is consistent throughout the day.
2. Work out the photographic style that you'd like for your wedding. Naturally, some photographers will be better at one than another and that's why it's important to see a wider body of their work than just a highlight reel on a website.
Some couples opt for the traditional route: staged photographs etc, but others prefer a more candid, photo journalistic style. Many photographers will be able to capture both, but it's worth deciding on what you want and then find a photographer from there.
3. Meeting a photographer face-to-face is always a good idea. Having a conversation early on is a great way for both parties to discuss and manage expectations, but it's also a good time to see if the photographer gels with you and your partner. Having a supportive and friendly professional taking your photographs will put you at ease on the big day and that will translate into the final images.
4. Photographers aren't cheap, and the good ones shouldn't be. They're professionals and you're not only paying for their expertise but also their experience, equipment and time. Not to mention the hours they'll spend tirelessly editing your images.
Maybe you'll be tempted to cut corners with (or cut out entirely) your wedding photographer but make sure you're doing that for the right reasons. You're only getting married the once (hopefully), and there are no re-dos. Could it be something you'll regret years later? If the photography is important to you, then don't compromise.
5. Did the venue recommend the photographer? A photographer who is familiar with the lighting of the venue, who knows the best places for the best photographs throughout the day, will have a head start over someone who's never been there before.
However, some photographers actually pay the venue to the be recommended. So what the venue actually likes is the colour of the photographer's money. It's definitely worth doing the research first. Never take the venue's word for it until you're sure that the photographer they're recommending is who you actually want.
A few extras...
Think about this, too: the photographer will be spending HOURS of time with you. Do you want to share your happiest day with someone who makes you feel awkward or uneasy?
If it's worrying you, then we'd recommend taking a look at some of the photographers in the Pink Wedding Days' directory. One of our real stars is Martin and Julia Webb from Spinning Your Dreams - fantastic photographers, and we think you'll agree.
1. Ask to see an entire wedding album rather than just a handful of highlights. You'll get a much better understanding of what the photographer is good at and see whether image quality is consistent throughout the day.
2. Work out the photographic style that you'd like for your wedding. Naturally, some photographers will be better at one than another and that's why it's important to see a wider body of their work than just a highlight reel on a website.
Some couples opt for the traditional route: staged photographs etc, but others prefer a more candid, photo journalistic style. Many photographers will be able to capture both, but it's worth deciding on what you want and then find a photographer from there.
3. Meeting a photographer face-to-face is always a good idea. Having a conversation early on is a great way for both parties to discuss and manage expectations, but it's also a good time to see if the photographer gels with you and your partner. Having a supportive and friendly professional taking your photographs will put you at ease on the big day and that will translate into the final images.
4. Photographers aren't cheap, and the good ones shouldn't be. They're professionals and you're not only paying for their expertise but also their experience, equipment and time. Not to mention the hours they'll spend tirelessly editing your images.
Maybe you'll be tempted to cut corners with (or cut out entirely) your wedding photographer but make sure you're doing that for the right reasons. You're only getting married the once (hopefully), and there are no re-dos. Could it be something you'll regret years later? If the photography is important to you, then don't compromise.
5. Did the venue recommend the photographer? A photographer who is familiar with the lighting of the venue, who knows the best places for the best photographs throughout the day, will have a head start over someone who's never been there before.
However, some photographers actually pay the venue to the be recommended. So what the venue actually likes is the colour of the photographer's money. It's definitely worth doing the research first. Never take the venue's word for it until you're sure that the photographer they're recommending is who you actually want.
A few extras...
- Ask if the photographer has insurance. Certain venues like National Trust properties, for example, require vendors and service providers to have adequate insurance against accidents and breakages. If they don't have it, then the onus could be on you to pay it.
- Ask what will happen if the photographer is unable to shoot the wedding on the day - do they have a back-up?
- If it's a studio, then be clear on who is shooting your wedding as albums you'll have viewed (and liked) might be by a photographer who won't be shooting your wedding.
- If your budget is tight, then search out student photographers or those at the start of their careers. They'll be looking for the experience, and they'll be more affordable. Look at their body of work before making a decision.
- Ask if the photographer will be using a second-shooter. An additional photographer can take photographs from other angles giving more coverage to your day.
How did you choose your wedding photographer or are you still looking? Don't forget to take a look at our directory page for photographers in your area.
