Your choice of wedding photographer is critical. After the event, your photographs will be the only tangible thing you have left!
It’s worth investing (both time researching and money) to avoid disappointment. There are no do-overs – there’s only one chance and one day to capture your wedding pictures. Here’s how to make sure you’re making the right choice.
Make a shortlist
Where do you start finding wedding photographers? As with your other wedding service providers, we suggest asking your venue for their recommendations. They will have had first hand experience of working with them, heard multiple previous clients’ reactions and will have seen their work from several weddings on social media (as the venue is usually tagged). You can check with friends and family who were recently married if they would refer their photographer too. Finally browse social media and local wedding directory websites for any images that grab your attention and make a note of the relevant photographers. Avoid appointing someone you know personally unless they are a seasoned professional.
Examine previous work
It should go without saying – but you have to like your photographer’s previous work. Don’t pick a photographer and expect them to replicate the work of other photographers that you like. Each photographer has their own style. Browse albums online and if their style isn’t for you – remove them from your list. Think about what it is you are looking for – dramatic images or a more journalistic vibe? Do you like the editing style? Are the emotions of the day captured in a way that speaks to you? This is a very subjective process. Only you and your partner can make these decisions.
Read reviews
Don’t obsess over this but do have a quick look for any red flags. Established photographers will have reviews on their social media or their google listing, or will be able to share testimonials with you. Ideally most of their previous client should be happy to recommend them.
Check availability and price
Now you’ve narrowed your list down a bit, send emails to those that are still in the running. First of all make sure they are available for your date. The best service providers get booked up far in advance. In the same email, ask them for their packages or a personalised quotation. Bear in mind that generally, as with all things in life, you get what you pay for.
Make sure you click
At this stage a phone call or face to face meeting is a good idea to make sure you get on with your prospective photographers. You’ll be spending a lot of time with them on the day! They’ll need to make you feel at ease in order to get the best pictures, so it’s of paramount importance that you’re happy and relaxed in their presence. It needs to be someone you like. You can also browse their interactions on social media to get a good feel for their personalities.
Review the contract
Before you sign on the dotted line, read the terms and conditions carefully. Now is the time to address any concerns as opposed to a few days before the wedding. How much time will they dedicate to your wedding on the day? What is their back-up plan in case of illness or equipment failure? Are you getting one person or two?
Let them do their job
Having secured a professional that ticks all of the boxes, remember you’ll get the best results if you allow them to freely do what they do best. Listen to their advice as it comes from plenty of experience. They will let you know if they need any extra direction. Relax safe in the knowledge that you’ve booked and awesome photographer and concentrate on enjoying the biggest day of your life while they capture it!
We’re proud to recommend only the best photographers at Hudson’s venue. Contact us to book a viewing of the venue and let us tell you about them.