You have the dress, the suits as well as the cake, flowers and the band ….but what is the one thing that is going to be a lasting memory on your special day? The photos you take should be a beautiful and timeless record of the most important wedding day of your life. It will allow every bride and groom to re-live the excitement and romance over once more.
The process of choosing a photographer for your wedding can be a stressful process, however hopefully my five top tips will give you something to consider when making your decision.
1 – Image quality/style
The quality of a photographer’s portfolio is the primary thing that grabs your attention. A good photographer should be able to offer clients a variety of styles, capturing the personalities of the couple as well as showcasing the joy and joy of the wedding day. It is important to know the style you want and make sure that the photographer is able to provide it on their website.
If you’re interested in the work of a certain photographer, be sure to request all of their images (not just the favourites they choose for their sites!) to ensure that the quality of their images across all of their images.
It is important to be aware that photographers employ various editing methods. If an image is heavily edited , then this is a typical motif in their portfolios of photography and usually a way to disguise poor quality.
The style of the images should say something about you two as an individual. Whether you are looking for informal and casual photography, or you would like to opt for a more adventurous and contemporary style, be sure to do your research and look around.
2. Personality
As a bride and wedding couple, you put a lot of trust and trust on the wedding photographer. To ensure you receive the best photos and a true account of the most significant day of your life, it’s essential that you feel comfortable and relaxed around them.
You will usually know in the first five minutes of meeting someone how you feel about them, or connection. First impressions matter and if you immediately form the right chord, then you’re getting somewhere. If you’re uncomfortable around the photographer, for whatever reason, this is going to be evident in your wedding photos.
Consider your guests. When your photographer for the wedding is accessible and friendly, as well as easy to talk with the guests will feel at ease allowing the photographer to be part of the scene and document the day as it unfolds naturally instead of unintentionally posed and fake.
Always remember that a genuine smile is impossible to fake, so select your photographer wisely and make sure you meet your photographer a couple of times before confirming your booking.
3 – Value for money/cost
This is often an important factor for lot of brides and grooms and even though it’s an important aspect however, it shouldn’t be the primary factor in your decision. Prices that are high-end do not always promise the finest quality, however likewise, reasonable pricing does not always depict low quality.
Photographers should be transparent regarding their pricing plans and in turn, you should be clear on the budget you have set. Each of you doesn’t want to waste time, so an open and honest dialogue at the beginning can resolve this.
The photographer you choose should offer different packages to fit your needs. You will always be flexible when it comes to the pricing and what’s included in every package. The photographer you choose to work with is offering the service, and every couple will have their own expectations and expectations, so make sure that your photographer can tailor make a package to suit your needs.
Always ask questions about any hidden extras. Some photographers charge an additional charge for editing, VAT, creating artwork for an album or even for food and travel expenses. Make sure that all expenses are included in a quotation prior to entering into any contract.
4. Experience
The expertise of a photographer will play an important role in the organisation and structure to the events. I am sure many photographers will agree that they’ve performed the roles of coordinator, photographer master of ceremonies and children’s entertainer. The process of taking photos is only one aspect of being a wedding photographer and without having the right experience and ability to function under constant pressure , crucial moments could be missed.
It is best to pick an event photographer who has previously worked at the wedding venue. Although this isn’t required, the photographer should show an ability to attend the venue regularly, exploring the best locations for photos and opportunities as well as making time to go through the plan of the day. It is also a good idea for the photographer to sit down with the proprietor of the venue or wedding coordinator to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the agenda for the day from beginning to end.
Be sure to inquire about how many weddings they’ve attended since they began trading and the length of time they’ve been in business. It doesn’t mean they’re any less skilled if they have only be operating for a brief period of time, but it will give you an idea of their experience. In the same way, if an artist has been in the business for a long time, and has experience with a lot of experience, you may consider examining whether their style has changed with the times and can meet the requirements of a modern wedding couple.
5 Recommendations/Word of Mouth
Most of my bookings have been based on recommendations from former clients and word of mouth. If your family and friends have been happy with the the services and work of a certain photographer, chances are, you will be too. It is important to remember that this should not be the main reason for your decision, but it should be the final piece of the jigsaw.
Talk to your friends about their experiences with wedding photographers and try to incorporate the tips and suggestions of those who have organized their own weddings. A good photographer will always be able to give you feedback from clients who have been with them for a while upon request or even give you contact information in case you want to talk to them directly.
In conclusion these five top tips are not meant by any order of importance. Each one is as crucial as the others and when deciding on the best wedding photographer for you it is advisable to consider a mix of all of these factors can be used as a basis for your decision. I wish you the best of luck in your wedding planning and an enjoyable and long-lasting future together.