An easy guide to choosing your Wedding Photographer
So perhaps you’re expecting that I start this blog post with “Please Pick Me?”. But I wont, because I believe every wedding couple should make that decision without pressure or a sales pitch. I want my couples to be comfortable, like my work and to have a connection with me that will ensure their wedding day is about them and my photography aims to illustrate their story.
So here are some suggestions on how to choose your wedding photographer. I've tried to keep it simple.
1. Start straight away.
Yay, you just got engaged. When you choose a date and a venue you should also choose your photographer. Lock it in!
I don’t mean to scare you but it’s worth looking for your preferred photographer straight away. You may need a few options before you secure one on your date. Some good Photographers book their weddings a year or two in advance.
2. Ask your married friends.
Who did they use and why? Would they use them again? What was the experience like? What did they pay and what did they get for their money? What went wrong?
3. What to look for in your photographers portfolio?
Imagine your photos after the wedding. Do you want posed images with family and friends or a total documentary style set of photos that tell a story? Somewhere in between the two?
Use the internet. Look at the photographers work. Do you like their style?
Light - Every photographer has a style and a preference when it comes to light. Some will carry around lighting gear with assistants in order to create some of the images you see on their websites, others (like me) will use whatever natural light is available to them and maybe an occasional flash as the evening moves on.
Think of your venue - Is it inside? Outside? What time of day is your wedding? Do you want the photographer there all day and into the night? Most wedding photographers will be able to handle low light situations, but always ask to see photos of a previous clients reception if you are unsure. Photographers don’t generally include these in their portfolio but they will give you an indication of their skill in a low light room.
Composition - Are the photos taken from interesting or different angles? Do they all look the same? Would you like a photo like that from your wedding?
4. TOOLS OF THE TRADE.
Film or Digital? Yes, there are still some photographers that shoot in film. It has a quality that can’t be reproduced, no matter how we may try. Film gives a certain look to your photos but is less flexible than digital (IMHO) photography. If you want film, go looking for a tog that shoots film.
What type of gear do they use? Do they have an assistant or 2nd photographer? You may not want an entire production crew at your wedding so check how much space and time they would need.
5. PRICE
Far too often, a wedding photographer is chosen based on Price.
This always has to be a consideration because everyone has a budget, but it is ill advised to choose your photographer based on price alone. There are many reasons for the various prices you’ll see in this industry but you don’t get a second chance to get wedding photos, so its really important that your photographer knows what they are doing and you may have to pay a little more to get someone who does. You can find my Wedding Collections here.
What products and services are they offering? Are they printing the images with the best possible quality suppliers or just at your local print lab?
This leads us to the next point........WHO are you paying for?
6. PROFESSIONALISM.
Wedding Photography is a profession, not just a hobby.
Is your photographer Insured?
Are they professional? Are they actually a photographer or just someone with a great camera and some skills?
How will they be dressed on the day?
Do they have a Wedding Photography Agreement for you to sign? If not, run the other way, really really fast. It’s all lovely now, but you and your photographer need to be completely sure of your rights and your position if anything goes wrong. e.g.. Cancelled weddings - who pays?, someone trips over a camera bag and gets hurt, turn around times for images and products….how long are you willing to wait?
Make sure you are aware of exactly what you will get before signing the contract. Ensure the photographer you meet with is the photographer who will show up on your wedding day and if you should expect a second person or assistant. Determine what parts of your wedding day will be covered and how many hours you have with your photographer.
It all comes down to the story of YOUR wedding.
ost importantly, choose a photographer that makes you feel comfortable that they have got this under control. You don’t need to worry on your day about whether they are getting it right. A wedding photographer's personality and ability to put everyone at ease is as important a skill as the actual photography.
I will will meet prospective couples for coffee or happily chat over the phone/email/FB and answer any questions you may have.
Katrina xx
P.S. I believe in equality and that love is love. LBGTQ couples have been among my favourite ceremonies. I encourage you to contact me, with no obligation, to discuss your ceremony and photography
