You’ve got the dress, suits, flowers, cake and the band ….but what’s the one thing that will be a lasting memory that will last the duration of your wedding? Your photos should provide a stunning and timeless record of the most significant day of your life and should allow each bride and groom remember the romance and excitement allover time.
Choosing a wedding photographer can be a difficult task but I hope my top five suggestions will help you take into consideration when making your decision.
1 – Image quality/style
The high-quality of the portfolio of a photographer is the primary element that draws your attention. A good photographer should be able offer clients many styles, and capture the personalities of the groom and bride and showcasing the happiness and excitement of the day. It is important to know the style you prefer and ensure that the photographer has this within their work portfolio.
If you are drawn to the work of a certain photographer, be sure you ask to view all of their work (not only the images they select for their websites!) to make sure the image quality is consistent across the board.
Be aware that photographers use different methods of editing. If an image has been heavily edited then chances are this will be a common feature in their portfolios and usually a way to try to cover up the poor quality of an image.
The style of the photos must convey something about you as couples. It doesn’t matter if you want casual and relaxed photography or you would like to go for a more adventurous and modern look, make sure to do your homework and look around.
2 – Personality
As a bride or groom, you place the most trust and confidence in your wedding photographer. To ensure that you get the best images and a full and authentic story of the most significant moment of your lives, it is crucial that you are comfortable and relaxed when they are around.
It is usually evident within the first 5 minutes after meeting someone, whether you feel a rapport or connection. First impressions matter and if you can instantly form the right chord, then you’re doing something right. If you are uncomfortable with your photographer for whatever reason, this is going to be evident in your wedding photos.
Think about your guests. Should your photographer be approachable and friendly, as well as easy to talk with Your guests will feel relaxed and allow the photographer to blend in and capture the day as it unfolds naturally instead of an overly posed and forced account.
Remember, a true smile is unattainable to fake so choose wisely and ensure that you have a meeting with your photographer several times prior to making a decision on your booking.
3 – Value for money/cost
This can often be an important factor for number of grooms and brides and even though it’s an important aspect, it should not be the sole basis for your decision. Prices that are high-end do not always promise the finest quality, however the same way, reasonable pricing does not necessarily mean low quality.
Photographers should be transparent about their pricing structure and in turn, you must be clear about your budget. Each of you doesn’t want to be wasting time, therefore a clear dialogue right from the beginning will solve this.
The photographer you choose should offer different packages to fit your needs. You should be flexible about pricing and what is included in each package. Your photographer is providing an experience and each couple will have different expectations and demands, so make sure your photographer can create a custom-made package that is tailored to your requirements.
Always remember to ask for any hidden fees. Certain wedding photographers charge an additional fee in editing or VAT preparing artwork for an album , or even travel and food expenses. It is essential to ensure that all costs are detailed in a written quote prior to signing in to any contractual agreement.
4 – Experience
The experience a photographer has will play a large part in the structure and organization to the events. Many photographers will admit that they have often played the roles of coordinator, photographer, master of ceremonies, and even children’s entertainer. The process of taking photos is only the beginning of the job of a wedding photographer . Without having the right experience and ability to work under pressure, important moments can be easily missed.
Make sure you choose an event photographer who has previously worked at the wedding location. It’s not a requirement, but your photographer must demonstrate an ability to attend the location regularly, examining the best locations for photos and opportunities as well as making time to go through the flow of the wedding day. It’s an excellent idea that the photographer meet with the wedding coordinator or venue owner to ensure everyone is aware of the plan from beginning to the end.
Ask them how many weddings they have covered since they started trading and also how long they’ve been operating for. It doesn’t mean they are any less capable if they have only be operating for a brief period of time, but it can give you a good idea of experience gained. In the same way, if a photographer has been in the business for many years and has knowledge with a lot of experience, you may consider examining whether their style has moved with the times and will meet the needs of a modern day wedding couple.
5 – Recommendations/Word of Mouth
The majority of my bookings have come through recommendations from previous clients as well as word of mouth. If your family and friends have been pleased with the quality of the service and work of a photographer, most likely, you’ll be, too. Again, this should not be the main reason for the choice, but it should be the final piece of the jigsaw.
Ask your friends about their experiences of their wedding photographer. You can also try to make use of suggestions and tips from people who have planned their own weddings. A good photographer will always be able to provide an honest review from past clients upon request or even offer contact details should you wish to hear from them directly.
In the end the top five tips should not be considered as being in any particular order of importance. Each one is as crucial as the other and when choosing the right wedding photographer for you A combination of all of these factors should be used as a basis for your decision. We wish you the luck you can get in your wedding planning , and an enjoyable and long-lasting future together.
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