HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER IS RIGHT FOR YOU
Planning your wedding is so exciting. You have chosen your wedding venue and date. Congratulations, these are the first steps in planning your wedding. Now it’s time to choose your wedding photographer.
Choosing the right photographer to document your day is so important. In this post, I will share some tips for choosing your wedding photographer. First, I have never heard of a successful outcome when an uncle or friend was the photographer on the day. There are too many sad stories and unsatisfactory outcomes when this is the case. Choosing a professional wedding photographer will ensure they have prior experience and you have wedding photos you will be proud to look back on.
Do You Love Their Style?
There are many styles of photography. Look at what features you are drawn to in wedding photography. Is it a light, airy and romantic feel, or a darker and moodier feel? Which style suits you and your partner’s personalities best?
Can you imagine yourself in the images of that particular photographer?
Either way, it’s a personal choice of what you love.
I love light and natural photography, which is timeless and isn’t going to go in and out of style. The natural look of film gives a bright and fine art look, which all my clients love and will forever
How Does the Photographer Document the Day?
Photographers have different approaches when documenting weddings. Traditional photography is mostly posed and has lots of formality. Everyone poses, looking and smiling at the camera. In contrast, photojournalist photography is candid, and they let the moments unfold naturally. Editorial photography is posed but natural with a high-end look. Fine art photography is an artistic method of photography from the artist’s perspective.
My documentation style is a bit of everything but mostly fine art and editorial. I use a traditional style for my family and group photos. I use a photojournalist style when I want the moment to unfold naturally and an editorial fine art storyline.
What’s Important to You on Your Wedding Day?
Look at how the photographer captured previous wedding days. Is this the way you would like your wedding to be captured? Have they captured the previous wedding as you would like yours to be captured? Many photographers use a reportage style, while others focus on the details of your day. Have a look at their portfolio on their websites.
I love having a storyline in my photos. If a couple has put all the hard work into choosing a destination or venue, styling their invitations, ceremony, and reception and choosing the dress of their dreams, it’s worth capturing those details and the moments of their day.
Do You Have a Connection with Your Wedding Photographer?
Your wedding photographer will be with you throughout the day. You will need to make sure you get on with them. If you feel awkward and there is no connection, or they make you feel uneasy, they may not be the right fit for you.
Arrange a video call or meet with them in person before you book their services. This ensures that you are on the same page in terms of personality and humour, as this will be needed on the day. Years ago, couples planning their wedding would pay for a wedding photographer, and they would just show up on the day. I think it’s so important to get to know my clients and give them guidance, tips and ideas so they can plan the best day ever.
Ask for Recommendations
Talk to recently married friends and ask them who their wedding photographer was, if they were happy with their photographs and how the day went. Nothing is better than recommendations and word of mouth. It is so important to read client testimonials. Most photographers will share their testimonials on their websites and social media.
I understand how stressful this can be, and I want you to be 100% confident in your chosen photographer. After all, this is a significant investment. After your wedding day, your photographs reconnect you to all those memories again.
If you’re happy with the photographer, the next step is to enquire about their services. If you think we have a good connection and would like to know more, please visit my contact page. I would love to learn more about you and your story.
