A wedding photographer should be able to capture the most important moments of your special day. Learn how to choose the right one for you.
With so many photographers out there, choosing the best one for your wedding can be difficult. Here are some tips on what to look for when choosing a wedding photographer.
Remember, you are about to embark on one of the most important days of your life – your wedding day! Make sure you capture every moment with the best photographer available. You want your wedding pictures to be epic and the photographer you choose may have an influence on the style of photographic memories you are going to have created for you.
You have been planning this special event for months, so why not take advantage of all the great deals that come along with booking a professional photographer. There are many listed on www.hitched.co.uk/weddingphotographers.
Here are my to tips on how to choose your ideal wedding photographer:
Choose a photographer who understands your style
A good wedding photographer will understand what kind of images you want to capture. They should also be able to work within your budget. If you are looking for something more artistic, then an experienced photographer who specialises in weddings may be the right one for you.
If your style is more traditional, maybe you would rather stick to a more traditional approach by using a local photographer who has shot other events before at your proposed venue.
When do I need to book my photographer?
It’s usual to book approximately 9 months ahead of the wedding date, well, that’s about average. If you have chosen a popular time of year and a popular weekday to marry you may have to book your photographer earlier. Remember Saturday is a popular day for weddings and August is the most popular month too. So maybe choose a Thursday or Friday for your wedding so that you secure the photographer that suits your photographic vision.
Depending on how much you value your photographer will influence how early you book them. Avoid procrastinating, the earlier you book the more likely you are to get the photographer you want to capture your wedding memories.
Do wedding photographers retain the copyright to the images taken?
Yes, it is usual for the photographer to retain copyright of your pictures. They do usually give you permission to print off your pictures for loved ones or to share and publish on your social media. To avoid any embarrassing correspondence later it is probably a good idea to check with them first that they are happy for you to post or print them.
Are there different photography styles?
Yes, there are three styles that are currently in vogue. Reportage, traditional and contemporary.
- Contemporary: Usually seen in fashion, editorial or creative photographs. These tend to be posed shots, but more relaxed and the photographer tends to use exciting angles and lighting. Contemporary pictures tend to be more about the mood of the day and are normally the vision of the photographer.
- Traditional: These are more posed, conventional, and classic shots. Usually of the couple, family groups, larger groups with the guests. Traditional pictures need a lot of direction from the photographer and can be time consuming which can be tiring, especially if you have elderly guests. However, you will have beautiful classic timeless shots.
- Reportage: This is more a journalistic style of photography, it is currently very fashionable as it documents the day in an inconspicuous way. Reportage photography tells a story, one that shows genuine emotion. If you are also keen to include some traditional photographs with this style do check with your photographer that they are happy to take them.
Remember, choose a photographer with a style that you like which suits your personalities, budget and that you also get on with. It is important to do your research, make sure that you look at their portfolios in advance so that you can narrow down options.
Consider your budget too, be clear about what you can afford and stick to that budget. You may find there are opportunities to save money so ask about discounts and packages. Every little helps when planning a wedding.
Also, communicate your vision, be clear about what it is you want your photographer to capture for you. Browse wedding magazines and wedding sites, such as Hitched. Create a mood board on Pinterest and look at other people boards too, they are a useful platform for inspiration.
You need to like and get on with your photographer before your wedding day as you will be so wrapped up in the ceremony and attention, therefore, you will have no time to direct them. So you need to be confident about their experience, so don’t be afraid to ask about their experience. It is also important to meet them beforehand, and not just once, as you all need to get along.
By booking a photographer you are entering into a contract, so make sure you get one, read it thoroughly, especially the small print and about cancellations, processing, do they edit and what is the time scale for delivery? A contract not only protects you it also protects the photographer.
Celebrants meet many photographers and regularly ask for pictures for their social media and websites. We get to see all styles of approach to how they communicate with the bride and groom, how invisible they are on the day capturing the moment the vows and rings are exchanged and how they interact with the guests. If you’ve already booked your Celebrant before your photographer then why not ask them for a referral.
I have a list of trusted suppliers and that includes several photographers. Email me at info@denise-whelan-celebrant.com for my list because like the relationship that I nurture and develop with you to learn about your wedding journey and the style of vows you wish to make, the relationship with your photographer needs to be just as unique and personal. Your wedding the photographs should capture the essence of you, your marriage and your future.
