How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
You will have probably noticed there are a lot of essex wedding photographers all competing for your attention, so with all this choice what should you take into consideration when searching for the wedding photographer to capture your special day.
There are lots of styles and approaches to photographing a wedding so it is important you find someone who caters exactly for what you are after.
Below are a few of my tips on how to choose a wedding photographer.
Style of Wedding Photography
As well as the various styles such as traditional, documentary and fine art to name a few, many photographers develop their own subtle styles over many years of photographing weddings. It’s important that you look closely at their galleries to get a feel for their style and make sure you consistently find images you are drawn to. As well as the various styles such as traditional, documentary and fine art to name a few, many photographers develop their own subtle styles over many years of photographing weddings. It’s important that you look closely at their galleries to get a feel for their style and make sure you consistently find images you are drawn to.
A couple of tips here:
- Make sure the photographs you see are from real weddings, some photographers use portfolio builder courses and setup styled shoots for their website galleries, this means they are taken in perfect conditions with all the time in the world to achieve that perfect shot. In reality, weddings are very fast-paced so making sure all the photographs are from real weddings will give you peace of mind that the photographer can create similar images for you when the clock is against them.
- Ask to see an album of images which contains a number of weddings and also an album from a complete wedding, all good photographers will have some sample albums they can show you.
Personality
The photographer will be with you on the most important day of your lives, it is vital you get along – they are the one supplier that is there with you the longest. A pre-wedding engagement shoot is a great way to get to know the photographer and make sure you will be happy to have them around on your big day.
Always meet the photographer before the big day. My advice would be to ask lots of questions, find out how they handle difficult situations and make sure they come across in a friendly and professional manner.
References From Previous Couples
Ask to see some references or testimonials from their previous couples, check the review section of their social media profiles as well as reviews on Google Business. This will give you useful information on how others have found them and if they were happy with the service and quality of work. Don’t be afraid to ask to see these is you cant find them online.
Experience
Check how long they have been a photographer and how many weddings they have photographed. Weddings are very fast-paced days so ensuring your photographer has plenty of experience will make sure they know how to adapt to any situation that may arise. It also ensures they will have the experience to know what they are doing and to not miss any key moments of your day.
Accreditations
Check to see if they have any accreditations or won any awards, although this is not the be-all and end-all, as not all photographers enter awards it does give you peace of mind that their standards are high enough to win industry awards as well as showing they are confident enough to be judged on their work.
Insurance
It is important your photographer has the relevant insurances, some venues will insist on it. They should have at the very least professional indemnity and public liability insurance. All professional photographers should have these and be able to provide proof. Make sure you ask to make sure they have these.
Photographic Qualifications
Although it is not essential photographers have qualifications, it’s another indicator that they have pushed themselves to master their craft. It also means their work has been judged at a high standard. This gives you more peace of mind you are booking a wedding photographer who knows how to create great wedding photographs.
What Is Included?
Check what you will receive and make sure there are no hidden costs.
- Do you want an engagement shoot?
- Do you want an album?
- Do you want digital files?
- Do you want an online gallery?
Just make sure you know exactly what you are getting and you have it in writing ideally on a contract.
Do They Offer Albums?
I am a great advocate of albums, there is something so special about seeing your photographs in high-quality print. Many couples just have digital files and view them on a screen, there is nothing wrong with this, but you will not be getting the best viewing experience of your images.
If you decide to have an album, ask your photographer if you can to see some samples. The are various companies online where you can create an album yourself, but a good photographer should have access to high-quality trade album printing companies which will produce a much higher quality album that is not available to people outside of the industry.
How to Choose a Wedding Photographer
Still not sure how to choose a wedding photographer? Please feel free to contact me, I’m always happy to offer help and advice to make sure you find a wedding photographer best suited to the style you are after. You can see more detail about my approach to wedding photography by clicking here.
Essex Wedding Photographer
I hope this short guide has been useful and made looking for your perfect wedding photographer that little bit easier. If you have any specific questions or would be interested in knowing more about my wedding photography services please get in touch and I would be very happy to help you. I am a wedding photographer in Essex but cover all over the UK and beyond, finding a wedding photographer who will provide the style of photography you like is really important. I have had couples come to me and after an initial chat, I have said I really don’t think my style is suited to you, the key is finding a style you like and finding a wedding photographer who can consistently deliver that style.
There is nothing quite like a testimonial from a previous couple, you can see one from one of my couples by clicking here.
James is an Essex based qualified master wedding photographer covering the UK and beyond.
Offering wedding images that tell your story with a unique and creative edge.
James has become a very in-demand wedding photographer so dates do go quickly, please get in touch as soon as possible to avoid disappointment as he limits the number of weddings in any one year to ensure the highest level of boutique customer service.
To keep up to date with the latest news, why not follow James on social media?