Picking a wedding photographer can be a daunting task. It seems there are so many to choose from and so many options with packages of all kinds that you quickly get overwhelmed. Here are a few pointers that I wish I had been given when I chose a wedding photographer.
First and most importantly, find a photographer that you connect with. You only get one chance to take great wedding photos and if you don’t feel comfortable with the photographer, you will look awkward, unnatural, or reserved. To get the true emotion of your wedding day, you want a photographer that knows your REAL smile and laugh. You also want to be able to ask the photographer for their opinion and for special requests. And maybe you will create a great relationship so a few years down the road you can get great family pictures with your kids (not that that’s in the cards at the moment.)
Secondly, pick a photographer with experience. A good photographer will have taken photos of, at least, 100 weddings. Just like most things, photographers get better with time and experience. They will know what works well and what doesn’t. Make sure they use professional equipment and not just a point-and-shoot camera, even if it looks fancy.
Third, know what you want. Decide what you want the photographer to do and where you want them to be before you meet with them (take photos of the wedding ceremony, reception, wedding breakfast, the bride and groom getting ready before the wedding, formal family pictures after the ceremony, etc.) Most photographers will have packages that include some or all of the things that you want. They contain common combinations of what many brides are looking for. BUT…they are not set in stone. You can always add to them things that you want, or take things away that you don’t. If a package doesn’t include an album and you desperately want an album but don’t really care for a bridal shoot, let the photographer know. They will be happy to customize any package to suit your needs AND budget.
Fourth and finally, is a don’t. DON’T choose a photographer for what type of album they offer. Any photographer can get any type of album made. Just ask! Almost all photographers don’t make the albums themselves. They have another company make them and pass them on to you. Unfortunately, that is why they are so expensive. If you choose a photographer for the album they offer but they take horrible photos, you will just be putting those same horrible photos into your expensive keepsake, never to be looked at again because you don’t like the way your arm looks or the lighting is just not right.
Hopefully this will help you choose the right photographer for you so you’ll be able to remember the emotion and joy of your wedding day and look back fondly.
International Wedding Photographer, Talia has been capturing the emotion of brides on their wedding day across the US and Mexico for over 6 years. Finally available in the United Kingdom, with the experience and knowledge of shooting over 200 weddings, she anticipates a busy schedule as she unveils her talents to Britain. With university degrees in both photography (2000) and graphics design (2004), she can recreate your special day for you to relive again and again.
Expressions by Talia
http://www.expressionsbytalia.com
0161 870 2588
Available by Appointment
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Hi came across your blog via Twitter.
Nice advice but its a bit blinkered to say a good photographer will have photographed over 100 weddings. Sure with experience comes knowledge but its what you do with that knowledge that is important.
Quality over quantity anytime. I could name a few photographer who have only shot a few weddings but have a background in another area like photojournalism who stand head and shoulders above many seasoned wedding pros.
Just my pennys worth
Shaun
Hi Shaun,
It is always appreciated when people take the time to comment on our blog and I take your point about quality over quantity. The views expressed are those of the particular contributor who is speaking from their own experience. The key point is that couples should try to find someone to photograph their wedding who they can strike a rapport with and whose style they like as that will give them the best chance of having pictures that they will be really delighted with.