How To Choose The Perfect Wedding Photographer For You

Choosing a photographer for your wedding day can be an overwhelming and daunting task. There are so many options to choose from, and things to consider, if you want to enjoy a magical experience on your big day, and have plenty of happy memories beautifully captured in the pages of your wedding photo books.

Photography Style

All wedding photographers have their own unique style of photography. Many professional wedding photographers like to keep it traditional and formal, while others prefer a classic, vintage or moody style. Some photographers opt for an edgy style of shooting that is inspired by reportage/documentary. The photography style will give you an idea of the photographer’s approach and the type of images that may be captured on your wedding day.

It’s a good idea to do some research, when choosing the perfect wedding photographer for you. Once you have selected one or two potential candidates to photograph your wedding day, check out their portfolios. Ask to see a generous body of their work so that you can check for professional consistency, and how they do the job in different lighting conditions.

If you have a tight budget and are considering booking the services of a newbie photographer, who may not have a portfolio to show you, make sure that you have a clear understanding of how they work and the standard of photography that you can realistically expect for the cut-price rate.

Ask your married friends for wedding photographer recommendations, and check out online wedding blogs, magazines and wedding fairs for photography style inspiration. The perfect wedding photographer for you is someone who has an eclectic collection of wedding photos in their portfolio, a professional approach, and an informal, friendly and relaxed manner.

Out of all the wedding vendors that you will use on your wedding day, the photographer will be the one person that you spend the most time with. You therefore want to feel completely at ease in their company, so that you end up with stunning wedding photos that look perfectly natural.

Set Up An Interview

It’s absolutely crucial that you meet potential photographers in person before deciding on which one to book. If you like their photography style, and their fees are within your budget, check that they are available on your wedding day and set up an informal interview.

Discuss the wedding venue, photography style and how you envisage the magical day unfolding. The perfect wedding photographer for you will have plenty of inspiring ideas to ensure your photos are unique and stunning.

If your preferred wedding photographer is already booked up on your wedding date, ask if they can recommend a photographer that has with a similar style.

Wedding Day Coverage

Another important factor that you need to consider when choosing the perfect wedding photographer for you is the wedding day coverage. Do you want to capture the romance and magic of the big day from start to finish, including wedding prep? Or does formal and traditional coverage - only photographing the wedding ceremony and reception – appeal more to you?

If you’ve booked an all-day photography package setting a timetable can really help. If you find your dream photographer, but they are out of your budget range, you may find that you can reduce the overall cost by condensing the wedding day coverage. Most photographers are happy to offer a shorter and more flexible wedding day photography package.

Photo Books & Albums

Most professional wedding photographers offer prints, wedding photo books and albums as an optional extra. When working with a budget it’s essential that you know exactly how much the whole package will cost. Check what’s on offer before you book.

Many wedding photographers allow you to browse the prints online through a private gallery, so that you can make up your mind on what to include in the pages of your beautiful wedding album. You’re under no obligation to purchase all of the prints! If you prefer, you can always purchase your prints and wedding photo book elsewhere.

If you’re ecstatic with the photography results of your wedding day, and the gorgeous images captured in your wedding photo album, it’s a nice touch to consider extending your coverage to include the honeymoon.

Luxury travel photo albums transform your honeymoon photos into a stylish and glossy travelogue that is worthy of display on any coffee table. You can instantly relive the excitement of an exotic destination, and the beginning of your life together as a happily married couple, every time that you browse the pages of the handcrafted travel photo album.

Before You Book

After you’ve had an initial conversation with the wedding photographer that you would like to book for your wedding day, there are a number of additional factors to check out and think about before handing over your deposit.

Is the wedding photographer insured? There is no reason why a professional wedding photographer wouldn’t be covered for public liability, professional indemnity and equipment. But it’s important to check.

It’s equally crucial to know that the photographer you are entrusting to produce the official wedding photos of your special day has all the tools for the job, as well as a back up in place. Check if they back up their images, and if they keep copies of your photos after they have given them to you.

Finally, you will need to have a signed contract with your wedding photographer, to protect both parties in any eventuality. Read through it carefully to make sure that you are in agreement with every stated point. If you’re not sure about anything, don’t be afraid to ask for clarification. The perfect wedding photographer for you will want to ensure that you are happy with everything, so that you can relax and enjoy your wedding day.