Your Wedding Day really will go fast. Quality, well executed photographs can help preserve those precious memories. So how should you go about choosing your Wedding Photographer?
Why should you book a professional?
Your wedding is a very important day and you have spent time and effort in planning it. Your photographs will help you remember that day for years to come. By booking a professional wedding photographer you will get the benefit of their experience, both of photography and of weddings. Remember a good camera does not automatically make a good photographer.
If you are considering a friend or relative for your wedding photography, remember they will be effectively working throughout your day. Be honest with yourself, could you forgive them if the photos don’t turn out, or would the relationship be soured? Wouldn’t it be better if they were a guest at your wedding instead? I have spoken to a few keen amateurs who have found themselves in this position, and most say they would never do it again.
We all have to start somewhere, but do you want to risk your memories for someone to build their portfolio?
Assuming you do go down the professional route, how should you go about choosing?
Do you like their style?
It may seem obvious, but do you like their photographs? Each photographer develops their own individual style over time and it is unlikely that they would radically change it for your specifications. So, if you don’t like their photographs, start looking at other photographers.
View a full Wedding
On websites in particular, you will be presented with a photographer’s pick of their portfolio, those they consider to be their very best shots.
There is nothing wrong with that, but it will help you to judge the quality of their work, and give you confidence in them if you ask to see a complete set of wedding photographs, ideally in a wedding album if that is part of their package.
If you don’t like what you see, walk away.
Are they Insured?
A professional wedding photographer should at the minimum have public liability insurance, but most will now have professional indemnitiy insurance too. This covers them and you in the unlikely event that things don’t go to plan.
Are they offering what you want?
If the packages are not exactly what you are after there is probably some flexibility on the part of the photographer, but if you cannot get what you want… you guessed it, walk away and look at someone else.
If you or your partner are camera shy, it would be worth looking out for a photographer who offers an engagement/pre wedding shoot as part of the package. This will give you chance to work together with the camera before the wedding, and will mean you are more relaxed when it comes to having photos taken on the Day. There is also the bonus that you get some lovely photos which could be used on invitations, in the seating plans or on a signing board depending on the timing.
Do You Get On?
I asked a friend what she was looking for in her wedding photographer, and she said someone who wouldn’t get her guests’ backs up!
The day does go fast, but that doesn’t mean it is worth being stuck with someone you don’t get on with all day, who just happens to be a photographer – however wonderful their images. Depending on your package, the photographer could be with you all day or well into the evening, so choose carefully. Have a good chat with any prospective wedding photographer before booking. Do you get on with them? Do you think they will get on with your guests? Are they interested in your wedding, or will you just be one of many?
If there is a good raport between you, and they meet all the above criteria, get them booked!
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