Choosing a wedding photographer – one of the countless important decisions on your checklist for the big day. Fear not, I’m here to guide you through this exciting journey.
I have compiled a list of seven great tips to help you in your choice.
Contents
1. Word of Mouth
Often the best way to get any recommendation. Start by tapping into your social circle. Do you have a friend who recently tied the knot and can’t stop raving about their photographer? Did you love their gallery? Did you like the way they worked on the day? Pay attention to those glowing recommendations! After all, real experiences from people you trust are worth their weight in gold.
2. Referrals from the Pro's
Referrals from other photographers themselves can also be gold. They are like the gatekeepers of quality, and if they’re vouching for someone, you can bet they’re worth considering. Photographers are often a part of a small local network of photographers that work in similar ways and help each other out when needed, so they often know who is good and worth considering, even if they are not on the top page of google.
3. Location, Location, Location
Is your dream photographer local to your wedding venue? Have they worked there before, and do they know some of the best spots? Can they recommend other local suppliers nearby that they have worked with and trust? It’s all about that hometown advantage and ensuring they’re well-versed in the local scene, and the logistics are often a lot easier.
Or do you want to bring the photographer of your choice in form outside the area, and will there be travel or extra accommodation costs for them? This may be the best option for a destination wedding.
4. Photography Style
Have a good look through your prospective photographer’s portfolio. Do their images speak to your soul? Are you vibing with their colour palette, their composition, their overall aesthetic and tones, the mix of colour with black and white images? Remember, this is your story we’re talking about – make sure their style aligns with your vision. Do they seem to be focused on real or posed images?
Most photographers will produce images that are consistent with their portfolio, so don’t choose a dark and moody photographer if the images you like best are all light and airy.
What term do they use to describe their work – are they documentary photographers all about the candid moments, or do they prefer the more curated scripted approach of fine art photography or editorial work? What do these all mean? See my blog article on understanding the various photography styles and where my style lies in all of that.
5. Personality Match
You’re surrounded by your nearest and dearest, champagne in hand, dancing the night away. Do you want a photographer who seamlessly blends into the festivities like an old friend, or someone who stands out like a sore thumb, barking orders left and right? Choose wisely – compatibility is key!
Also pick someone who cares enough to work hard for you on the day to capture as much of whats going on as they can, and not miss those subtle moments that mean a lot.
6. Budget
In the UK, wedding photographers can cost as little as £400 and as much as £5000. The average spend is about £2000 not including albums, prints etc. What you decide to spend depends on your budget and how much you value having those wedding photos to enjoy and relive the memories and to share well into the future. For £400 you may get someone that is starting out who could make mistakes and may not be as reliable as an experienced wedding photographer, possibly not always being in the right place at the right time, anticipating moments before they happen. You definitely want someone who has back up equipment, stores up all of the images safely, has a professional website and a clear booking and invoicing system with a contract. If a photographer is branded as a ‘luxury wedding photographer’ they may well charge more, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you get a better service or a better photographer.
7. Trust your instincts
When it comes down to it, trust your gut. You want a photographer who gets you, who gets your vibe, who gets what makes your love story uniquely yours. So, listen to that little voice inside – it knows what’s up!
In conclusion
So there you have it – a crash course in choosing the wedding photographer of your dreams. Remember, this journey should be as fun and exciting, so, take your time, trust the process, and above all, savour every moment – because this is your love story, after all!
PS. FROM THE AUTHOR
As a wedding photographer myself, with over 10 years experience, I live for those authentic, unscripted moments that make your love story come to life. I’m all about capturing the beauty of reality, often much more special that anything that can be recreated, so if that sounds like your cup of tea, let’s chat! After all, your wedding day is your time to shine, and I’ll be there to ensure every moment is photographed as magically as you imagined.
Now, who’s ready to create some epic memories?
Cara x
