Wedding photos should be a beautiful and timeless account of the most important day of your life and should help you and your partner relive the romance and excitement all over again.
To help you choose the photographer who is perfect for the job of capturing photos on your wedding day, here are some tips to consider when making your decision.
Start with image quality/style.
A good photographer can offer clients a variety of styles, capturing the personalities of the bride and groom and showcasing the happiness and fun of the day. Be clear on what style you’d like and make sure the photographer can provide this in their portfolio. If you’re drawn to a particular photographer, make sure you ask to view all of their images so you can check if the image quality is consistent throughout.
Make sure you feel comfortable and relaxed with the photographer.
You can usually tell within the first 5 minutes of meeting someone, whether you feel a rapport or connection with them. First impressions are the key and if you instantly strike a bond, then you’re on to a good thing. If you feel uncomfortable around your photographer for whatever reason, this will be obvious in your wedding photos.
If your wedding photographer is approachable, friendly and down to earth, your guests will be at ease allowing the photographer to blend in and capture the day as it naturally unfolds.
Check the value for money/cost.
High-end prices don’t always guarantee the highest quality but, in the same way, reasonable pricing doesn’t always depict low quality. Your photographer should offer a variety of packages to suit all and should always be flexible with pricing and what’s included in each package.
A photographer should be open about the pricing structures and, in turn, you should be clear on your budget. Neither one of you wants to waste any time so a clear dialogue right from the beginning will resolve this.
Always remember to ask about any hidden extras. Some photographers charge an additional fee for editing, VAT, creating artwork for an album or even travel and food expenses. You should always ensure all costs are detailed in a quote before entering into any contractual agreement.
Consider the photographer’s experience.
Make sure you ask how many weddings they’ve covered and how long they’ve been in the business. This doesn’t mean they’re any less capable if they have only been trading for a short period of time but will give you a good idea of experience gained. In the same way, if a photographer has been in the business for years and has abundant experience, you should check if their style has changed with the times and will meet the expectations of modern-day brides and grooms.
Ask for recommendations.
If your friends and family have been happy with the quality of the service and work of a particular photographer, chances are you’ll be, too.
Talk to your friends about their experiences with their wedding photographer and seek tips and advice from those who have organised their own weddings. A good photographer can give you a testimonial from previous clients upon request or even provide you with contact details in case you wish to hear from them directly.