The photos you have taken on your wedding day will last a lifetime and be some of the most looked at and best shots of you and your partner. They'll be something you show your children, your parents and friends so finding the right person to entrust with taking them is of the utmost importance.
How to find them
A good wedding photographer will have something that no money can buy, a good reputation. Consequently they will get a lot of business through word of mouth referrals and recommendations. This is by far and away the best way to find a photographer. Have you been to a friends wedding recently? If so, ask to see their wedding album and whether they were happy with the service their photographer provided. Bear in mind that your friend's taste and style of photography may be different to yours. A photographer will work hard to gain and maintain his reputation.
My brother takes photos
This is heard rather frequently and with digital photography everyone knows someone who can take a photo. That doesn't make them a professional wedding photographer. Far from it. Taking a snapshot on holiday or photographing sunsets is a world away from directing crowds of people and drawing out emotion from people. A wedding photographer wont just be competent with a camera, he'll also be good with people, know what the best poses are, be empathetic and know how to bring the best out of you and your partner.
You can also check to see whether your chosen photographer is a member of the MPA (Master Photographers Association), the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photographers) or the Guild of Wedding Photographers. Whilst these titles don't mean they are great photographers it does mean that they have a professional approach to their craft.
Let the search begin
We would recommend you start searching for a photographer as soon as possible as good ones are booked up many months, if not years, in advance.
If you have a style of photos you want in your mind then it makes it a lot easier to eliminate and decide on suitable photographers. Even if you don't we suggest you try to find at least 3-5 photographers you are interested in. Visit their websites, look at their portfolio and see whether you want similar photos with you for ever. Don't be afraid to contact them with specific requests and questions you have. It's your wedding, not theirs, and they will be more than happy to listen to your requirements and work with you to make sure you get exactly what you want.
Arrange a meeting
Once you've decided upon a photographer and agreed that they are free on the date of your wedding you should arrange face to face meeting. This is so you can discuss in detail the order of your day, how they will work with you, what they will want from you and most importantly, what YOU want from THEM. It's a good idea to go prepared with questions and we suggest asking some or all of the following:
- Seeing a portfolio as well as complete wedding albums they have produced
- Whether the wedding photo album is included in the price
- What do they include in the price they quote, how many pictures will you receive and if an album is included, what styles can you choose from
- Is the fee quoted for the day or is there an hourly rate (overtime)
- Will the photographer be expecting food, transport or accommodation
- Are the negatives (or RAW files for digital) included. If not what cost to buy them
- Do they shoot film or digital. Whilst not an essential point it is worth considering for CD's and slideshows
- Are they familiar with the venue and if not will they be scouting before hand (it's important that they know the best locations of your venue to be able to produce the best shots)
- Will there be an assistant with the primary photographer shotting candids for example
- How soon after the wedding will you be able to see proofs
- Does the photographer have a cancellation policy
- What is the deposit required and when does it need to be paid
- Do they have contingency plans should they be unable to make it for any reason
- Does the price include pre ceremony pictures of the bride and groom
It is good practice to confirm the costs before booking but bear in mind that the price you pay isn't simply for the photographer to take the pictures on the day. It includes the behind the scenes work or retouching the photos, organising the album, sorting through the hundreds (if not thousands) that he will take. The average wedding photographer will spend in excess of a week sometimes on the one wedding.
Remember, a good wedding photographer will capture the day perfectly and give you a lifetime of memories. As such, it is a good idea to invest wisely. The cheapest option is not always the best.
