top of page

TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE RIGHT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

 

***DIFFERENT STYLES***

It’s so important that you’re happy with your wedding photos. It can be one of the biggest wedding regrets for couples that their Photographer either didn’t capture all the moments they wanted, or worst still, they ended up not liking the pictures. So here are a few tips to help you achieve your dream Wedding Album. Think about the style(s) of Photography you like.

Firstly, there are 3 Main Styles of Wedding Photography:
 
***Traditional Photography***
Traditional wedding photography is the classic, formal, posed look you see of group shots of the couple and the wedding party. 
This popular style involves a lot of direction from the photographer. Although not conveying the emotion of the day, they do provide the conventional lasting images of family and friends that we all expect to see in the Wedding album.

***Documentary Photography***
Documentary photography is also known as reportage photography. This style of photography is all about taking candid and spontaneous shots of you and your guests. Capturing reactions and emotions tells the real story of your day. This is an authentic and artistic form of photography as there’s no posing. A good reportage photographer will aim to be mainly unobtrusive, paying close attention to potential situations that could provide a good candid photo opportunity. Sometimes quirky, sometimes humorous, sometimes embarrassing, this style of photography captures situations and life as it really is.

***Contemporary Photography***
Contemporary photography is invariably creative but cannot be defined specifically, as it encompasses many styles. Contemporary photos usually convey a themed look, perhaps fashion or editorial in style, maybe nature focused or with a

street-style edge. Usually these photos create an emotion through the creative vision of the Photographer. Whether 'natural and unedited' or 'post-processed' many beautiful contemporary, artistic, wedding photographs grace many a Wedding Album.
 

***SOME BASIC STEPS***

 

After the Dress, and the Ring(s), choosing the right Photographer is probably the next most important decision to be made! 

 

SET YOUR BUDGET
Your Photographer should be honest and up-front with you about ALL costs! There should be NO HIDDEN or unexpected costs!

WHAT STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY DO YOU WANT
Do you have any particular mood you want your photos to convey! Traditional, Artistic etc
Show your prospective photographer different photos you really like. Does his/her Portfolio include images like those.

ASK AROUND FOR PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS
Search out reviews and testimonials

ARRANGE A MEETING 
Ask as many questions as you feel you need to ask to be satisfied you have found the right Photographer
See below for a list of completely acceptable questions to ask!

HAVE A PRE-WEDDING or ENGAGEMENT SHOOT
Besides giving you some memorable pre wedding day photos of you as a couple, it offers an opportunity to have a relaxed day with your chosen photographer. This should be a very positive experience for all three of you. The more at ease you are around your photographer, the more comfortable you will be on the day, and more natural your Wedding day photos and will be.

MAKE YOUR DECISION, pay your deposit! .....and breathe! Celebrate your decision! 
 

***QUESTIONS TO ASK***

 

A checklist summary of obvious (and not so obvious) questions you should feel comfortable asking!

 

*** NUMBER 1 ...Is our Wedding date available...
*** How long have you been a Wedding Photographer...
*** Generally how many Weddings do you shoot a year...
*** Can I see your portfolio. Are all the images yours. When were they taken...
*** Have you photographed at our venue before...
*** What Wedding packages do you offer...
*** Do you specialise or have a particular style of Photography... 
*** Do you have any former clients we could speak to...
*** What pre-ceremony shots will you be wanting to get, hair, dress etc...
*** What time will you be leaving once the reception is underway...
*** Will you be wanting food and refreshment during the day...
*** Are we right to presume you are going to be our actual Photographer on the day...
*** What will you be wearing on the day...
*** Do we have to cover any travel costs or other expenses...
*** Are you able to offer a slideshow for the Wedding breakfast...
*** If, for whatever reason, you can’t make it on the day, what is your back-up plan...
*** Do you carry full back-up equipment...
*** Do you have professional indemnity, and public liability insurance...
*** How much deposit do we need to pay, and when is the balance due by...
*** How many digital photos can we expect to receive...
*** Can we have written confirmation allowing us license for 'personal use copyright ' so we can print out your wedding photos...
*** What printing and/or Album services do you offer. Can we see samples...
*** Is retouching and post-editing included in the price...
*** Approximately how long will it be before we receive our Wedding photographs...

 ***Your Photographer should be as excited about your special day as you are***
 

Your chosen photographer should be well mannered, respectful and have the social ability to blend into your wedding. He/she also has to be confident and bold enough to capture the shots they need. Don't under-estimate the personal and professional qualities needed to do this!

 

......and a few Excellent Wedding Websites that may be useful for you to browse:

www.brides.com

www.bridemagazine.co.uk

www.harpersbazaar.com

www.hellomagazine.com

www.rockmywedding.co.uk

www.glamourmagazine.co.uk

www.weddingplanner.co.uk

www.bridebook.co.uk

www.hitched.co.uk

www.guidesforbrides.co.uk

www.weddingwire.com

www.lovemydress.net

www.wantthatwedding.co.uk

 www.boho-weddings.com

 

 

 

I hope this website has been of help to you. Any feedback, whether positive and negative, would be so appreciated.
Wishing you success with all your wedding preparations, and hope your special day is filled with love and happiness.

 

Graham Loton xx

bottom of page