Top Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer

When it comes to your wedding, you want a brilliant wedding photographer. You want someone who can take emotional but beautiful shots, and provide you with long-lasting memories of what will be the best day of your life. Not too much to ask, is it? Here are our top tips for choosing a wedding photographer.

Know your style

Be clear on what style you want. Every style requires different approaches, skills and in some cases equipment from a photographer, so determining this will help you narrow down what kind of photographer you want. Instead of a series of posed photos, would you prefer candid or spontaneous images of people, decor and action? Or would you prefer classic portraits and posed shots of you and your guests in front of various backdrops?  It’s these kinds of things you need to think about when it comes to determining a style.

Do your research

Do your homework. Good photographers will have a good reputation (believe it or not!) Do any of your friends or family have any recommendations? If not, ask for recommendations from your venue, your florist, your wedding planner etc. Read reviews on the internet and carefully review potential photographers’ websites and blogs to get a better understanding of who they are.

Check out their portfolio

A photographer’s portfolio should be one of the first things that captures your attention. If you are drawn to one particular photographer, make sure you ask to view all of their images and not just their favourite ones they like to showcase. Photographers tend to show clients a portfolio of their best pictures, to make sure you are seeing the best of the best. By asking to view all of the images, you can check that they are consistent throughout. Ask to see a couple of complete albums that are in a similar setting to yours so you can get an idea of how it will look.

Think about the budget

There is a wedding photographer for every budget. Packages range anywhere from $2,500 all the way up to $30,000-plus. If you’ve shortlisted a photographer who is slightly over budget, then look to see if there’s ways you can cut back anywhere else. Maybe you can get creative and make your own centerpieces to save a few dollars? And there’s no harm asking your photographer if you can purchase the album after the wedding. Photographers will often offer a discount if you agree to purchase an album within 12 months of the wedding. But remember, high-end prices don’t always guarantee the highest quality. It’s much more important to look for someone with experience and a positive track record.

Decide on a package

Your photographer should be able to offer you a variety of packages to suit all of your needs and to a certain extent, they should be flexible enough to tailor make a package to suit you. Find out what is covered in their standard package plus the going rate for any extras you may want, like an engagement shoot or any other additional coverage. Don’t forget to find out exactly how many hours of coverage are included before you start comparing prices. While packages vary, most include anywhere between 6 and 12 hours to cover everything from getting ready with your bridesmaids, to the end of the reception. It’s also a good idea to ask how long it will take to get your proofs and your finished album so you know when to expect everything.

Match your personalities

As you’ll be spending a fair bit of the day with your photographer, it’s important to hire someone you bond with. You want someone who you think you can get along with and who can who make you laugh along the way. Remember they will be shadowing your every move, and the more comfortable you are in their company, the better the photo’s will look. The same applies for your guests. They too need someone who will make them feel at ease. A good photographer is someone who can get the best out of people in a situation where they feel naturally insecure or awkward. This is turn will have a positive effect on the quality of the photos.