Image by Paul Andrews Photography
We don’t need to stress how essential it is you invest in your wedding photography. After all, when the day is a distant memory, these are the happy images you’ll pore over and turn to to relive one of the most special days of your life. Of course, that means there’s a lot of pressure riding on who you bestow the honour of capturing your wedding snaps to. So today two photography experts share their tips and advice on what to think about when it comes to choosing the right person for the job…
Paul Andrews Photography – View Profile
1. Choosing the right photographer is vital. In most cases your photographer could be with you for up to 12 hours. So personality is as important as price and style. Make sure to meet your shortlisted photographers if possible or talk with them on the phone or via Skype and email. I do a lot of weddings with couples coming home from abroad where all correspondence is done through email so trust is required. This is where online reviews and testimonials can help.
2. Make sure your photographer has insurance. Apart from providing you with protection in case something goes wrong, some venues and locations require photographers to have insurance.
3. With the advent of the digital age a lot of couples choose digital only packages. I genuinely worry they may lose their memories. DVD’s & USB have a general lifespan of around 25 years depending on their quality. In comparison printed albums can last up to 200 years. Apart from the prospect of any issues with the DVD or USB, can you be sure in 25 years you will have DVD players at hand? Photos are like diamonds and gold – they become more valuable as they get older, and as our memories fade the photos bring back and become our memories. So should you choose a digital only package, back your photos up on free sites such as flickr.com and most importantly make sure to print them so they can be enjoyed by future generations. I don’t mean to scare you with this tip, just convey the importance of backing up your photographs.
4. It is not important to choose a photographer based on whether or not they have done a wedding at your chosen venue before. A professional photographer will make it their business to visit a venue they have not photographed before, make notes of locations for indoor photos in case of rain as well as outdoor photos and talk to the wedding coordinator. So if you like the style of a particular photographer and they have good reviews, ask them will they visit your venue and arrange to meet them there if possible.
David Clynch Photography – View Profile
Images by David Clynch
1. Do you like more traditional style photographs, creative photographs with different lighting or just relaxed-looking low-key style photographs? There are different photography styles (reportage, candid, formal) – find the photographer that takes the kind of photographs you want. If you’re comfortable in front of the camera, choose a photographer who can capture your confidence. If you don’t like posing for a camera then it’s important to find a photographer who makes you feel comfortable. It’s a good idea to think about having a pre-wedding photo shoot so you both get used to being photographed as a couple.
2. When you contact the photographer ensure that the prices are within your budget before organising a meeting. Ask the photographer to send you on the prices before you commit to meet. There is no point in viewing stunning albums you can’t afford. But also remember that the photographs are the one thing you’ll have to remember your big day (and your husband of course!)
3. Will the photographer meet with you and listen to what you want? At the meeting don’t be afraid to ask the photographer questions and for ideas for your photographs. The photographer should listen to what you want and incorporate the photographs you want taken. It can help if the photographer does a draft shoot list tailored to your requirements for your wedding. The photographer will have the experience to advise you on best locations and how to capture the best light and mood for your photographs.
4. It’s a good idea to have a contract with the photographer as this ensures the terms are set out in advance and all eventualities are covered. Ask about deposit and payment, check how long the photographer will be there on the day and if you want additional coverage then ask what is the extra cost. Find out what is included with the wedding package and how you pick your photographs for your wedding album.
5. Chat to the photographer and make sure both of you as a couple like the photographer as you’ll be spending a lot of time together on your wedding day. If you feel the photographer isn’t listening to what you want then maybe find someone who will. The more comfortable and relaxed you are, the better the photographs.
6. Ask the photographer if the images for the wedding album are printed by a professional laboratory and also compare the quality of albums being offered. If choosing a storybook, then check the quality of the printing and the quality of paper the album is printed on. The photographer should be able to provide you with comments from satisfied clients so that you find out about their wedding day experience, the quality of the albums and the level of service provided.
