Choosing a wedding photographer can seem like a minefield. There are so many out there to choose from. Here's a handy guide to help you decide.
Ok, so you're planning your wedding. You've got the venue sorted, the ceremony planned and the food chosen. Next on your list: photographer. You do a quick Google search. OMG, there's millions of them! How on Earth am I going to chose one? Let alone the right one for me!
To help you, here's a 'TOP TEN' of things you need to ask (in no particular order):
10. Insurance
To protect you, as well as to protect themselves, if something goes wrong, always check that the photographer you're interested in has Professional Indemnity Insurance and Public Liability Insurance. Ask to see copies of their certificates. If they can't provide you with these when you ask, or if they make up some excuse, give them the swerve.
9. Reviews
Have they got up-to-date feedback and reviews on their website or social media? They should have a least a couple of reviews from the previous few months. See what previous clients say about them before committing.
8. The actual photos themselves
Bit of an obvious one, this. Ask to see a gallery of recent images. Are they sharp? Are the colours good? Is there a good range of shots? Are they composed well? Do they convey 'feelings' to you? Would you be happy if they were YOUR wedding photos?
7. What do you get for your money?
Wedding photographers offer a bewildering array of services - not just the photography. Prints? Albums? Online Gallerys? USBs? Always double-check what you actually get for your money - ask them if you're not sure or it's not clear enough.
6. Personality?
If you're interested in a particular phtotographer's work, why not just give them a ring for a quick chat? Ask them a bit about how they operate at a wedding. Get a feel for them. Ask them some of the questions from this list. While you're talking, think to yourself: "Would I want this person at my special day?"
5. Price
Professional photographers' pricing can seem pretty arbitrary. You may look at 5 different photographers and get 5 varying prices for exactly the same package. Don't just opt for the cheapest - you may live to regret it. Photographers offering ultra-cheap deals are not usually professional photographers (i.e. they're not doing it for a living), they are more likely doing it for a bit of extra income. Read more on this.
4. How many weddings have they photographed?
A good photographer will be in demand. They will shoot upwards of 30 weddings a year or more. Ask them when they photographed their last wedding and when their next one is, to get an idea for the kind of demand they are in.
3. What's their style?
Every photographer will have a unique or particular style. There are 3 main ones:
'Documentary' photographers will capture your day WITHOUT spending any time doing group photos or portraits. They will simply follow the action as it unfolds, and photograph your day 'as is'.
'Traditional' wedding photographers will focus on getting lots of group photos and portraits of the bride and groom. This usually happens after the ceremony, and before the wedding breakfast.
'Contemporary' photographers will inject something 'different' into your wedding photography, using lighting and interesting angles and locations.
At Paul Walker Photography, we use a combination of all 3 styles, to give you the broadest range of images to help remember your day.
2. Have they been to your venue before?
If you're interested in a particular photographer, ask them if they've been to your venue before. They will be happy to send you a gallery of images from a previous wedding at your venue. This is really useful as you can see what to expect and picture yourself in the pictures.
1. Do they have contingency plans if it rains?
Ah, the great British weather. What can we say? An experienced and professional wedding photographer will have some tricks up their sleeve if the weather turns sour. Always ask them what their 'Plan B' is. Where an amateur or cheaper photographer may panic if it starts raining, professionals will take it in their stride!
We hope this short guide is of use to choose your perfect wedding photographer. Remeber, your photographer is going to be with you all of your special day, and it's really worth making sure you choose the right one!
If you would like to know more about us, or have an informal chat about your wedding day, please don't hesitate to get in touch.