How To Choose The Right Wedding Photographer
Wedding photographs are a lifetime investment, capturing those irreplaceable moments you’ll cherish forever. As you plan your big day, choosing the right wedding photographer is crucial to ensure you get the photo album you’ve been dreaming of.
For many couples, it’s a balance between quality and budget. Navigating through wedding photographers' prices can be tricky, so here are my top tips to help you along the way.
Understand Your Wedding Photography Style
Finding a photographer who shoots in the style you love is your first task. Not sure which style you prefer? Jump on Pinterest and look at the different types of wedding photos. You’ll notice traditional, documentary style, quirky, or a combination of all styles.
Here’s a quick rundown of the different styles:
Traditional vs. Documentary: Traditional photography often involves posed, formal shots and a lot of instructions from the photographer. Whereas, documentary style focuses on candid, unposed moments, capturing the day naturally. This style is less intrusive and works well for couples who are a little less confident in front of the camera.
Creative and Artistic Approaches: Some photographers offer a highly stylised approach, using dramatic lighting and creative compositions. This might include the use of off-camera flash or unique props to enhance the mood and aesthetics of the photos. If you want a more unusual wedding photo album, you’ll need to look for photographers who specialise in this style.
Editing Styles
Another thing to look at is the different editing styles – do the photos look dark, bright, or timeless? The editing style will have a huge impact on the final look of your wedding album so it’s essential to find one you like.
Setting Your Budget
When setting your wedding photography budget, it’s important to understand how the cost correlates with the quality of work. In short, you get what you pay for. More expensive photographers will have the right equipment and years of experience allowing them to hone their skills for the perfect photograph. Remember, wedding photography is an investment in preserving your memories.
Pricing Guides: Reach out to potential photographers to request a detailed pricing guide. This should outline their services, what the package includes, and the timeline for delivery. This will help you understand what you’re paying for and allow you to compare costs between photographers.
Experience and Style: The cost of wedding photography can vary significantly based on the photographer's experience and stylistic approach.
What’s included? Determine what’s included in a standard package. Some photographers may offer extensive coverage and additional sessions like engagement shoots, while others might provide minimal services that cover just the ceremony.
Where are they based? Location is important and in high-demand areas, prices may be higher due to increased competition and operational costs.
Research and Shortlist Potential Wedding Photographers
Start with a Broad Search: Begin your search for a wedding photographer by searching on popular platforms like Google, Hitched, or Joy. This broad search helps you discover a variety of photographers whose styles might align with your vision.
Dive Deep into Portfolios: Once you find photographers that catch your eye, check out their portfolio. Check their recent weddings, blog posts, and social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook for a good look at their style and consistency.
Read Verified Reviews: Look for genuine, verified reviews on platforms like Google and Hitched. These reviews will show the experiences of other couples, highlighting both positives and negatives.
Asking Your Wedding Photographer The Right Questions
Once you’ve made your shortlist, it's time to get in touch with the photographers and ask for more information. Here’s what you need to ask:
Availability and Experience: Confirm if the photographer is available on your wedding date and gauge their industry experience by asking how many weddings they’ve covered.
Photography and Working Style: Discuss their photography style and whether they prefer to blend into the background or take charge during the event. Understand if they shoot digitally, with film, or use both techniques.
Package Details: Review the standard package and explore what add-ons are available in more expensive packages. Check if there is flexibility to customise a package to suit your needs.
Costs and Extras: Ask about the costs associated with engagement photos, pre-wedding events, and additional hours. Can you order prints or albums directly from them too?
Contract and Deliverables: Clarify the type of album offered, including the number of pages or prints and the expected turnaround time. Discuss when you will receive the images, how they will be delivered, and whether you will own the rights to the images.
Policies and Preparations: Understand the deposit requirements, payment options, and the photographer’s cancellation or refund policies. Ask about their backup equipment and what their plan is in case of an emergency.
Is Your Wedding Photographer a Good Personality Fit?
Personal Interaction: Arrange a meeting to discuss your wedding plans and to gauge if their personality is a good fit with you and your guests. Meeting in person or via video chat can help establish a relationship with your wedding photographer and provide a better understanding of their professionalism and style.
Preparation and Expectations: Request a list of specific shots you would like and discuss any particular expectations or styles you envision for your wedding photography. How responsive they are to your inquiries and how well they communicate their processes and terms is a good indication of the relationship you’ll have with them.
Booking A Wedding Photographer
If you think you’ve found the perfect photographer for your wedding, book them as soon as possible! Dates fill up fast, especially if you need a weekend date or a day during peak wedding season.
As a wedding photographer, I’ve helped many happy couples capture their wedding day and preserve treasured memories. If you’d like to chat about your wedding photography or videography please use my contact form or DM me on Instagram to get in touch!