Choosing a photographer for your wedding is a big deal. Not only do you want to feel comfortable with that person behind the lens, you need to be able to trust this person with your memories to look back on for years to come. So what to look for when hiring a wedding photographer?
What style do you like?
The style of photography you are looking for will certainly help narrow down a shortlist.
Traditional wedding photography
Is posed throughout. All shots are set up and there is a lot of direction from the photographer. Perfect for your more formal wedding.
Natural/reportage/documentary
This style will flow with your day; the photographer will take unposed shots capturing the day as it is. Suited well for the more nervous couple behind the camera.
Fine art photography
Is your more light and airy filtered pictures. More artistic creating emotion, magazine style and could make a lovely statement piece on your wall.
Contemporary photography
These photos will be bright, fun and capturing the story of the day. These will also be quite natural unposed shots and the photographer will be creative in how they shoot it.
Alternative photography
Will be very creative and fun. It won’t tell a story but they will be quirky, unique and perfect for the alternative couple wanting something different.
What to ask your potential wedding photographer?
You now know what style of wedding photography you would like. You have done your research on your shortlisted potential photographers socials and websites. Now its time to meet them!
This gives you a chance to get a feel for your photographer. Do you click? Are you quite shy and timid and they are quite loud? This could make you feel uncomfortable on your wedding day so you need to make sure your values for the wedding day are the same.
Here are a couple of questions you should be asking them.
Are you available on my wedding date?
Bit of a biggy!!!
Will it be you shooting or a member of your team?
After falling in love with a photographer you don’t then want to get to the wedding day and realise it’s not them shooting.
Do you provide a second shooter?
Have a think about the photos you want to capture on the day. Do you want the moment you walk into the registry office, or do you want your partners reaction to you walking in? With a second shooter you can have both!
Have they shot at your wedding venue before?
Having worked at the venue before, they will know the best lighting for your pictures and the layout. But its not the end of the world if they haven’t as your next question will be:
Are you willing to visit the venue beforehand?
And the answer should be yes!
What wedding packages and extras do you offer?
These are normally stated on the website so you should already have a good idea of what they offer. This is where you can find out about any extras, like a photo album if not included, any extra shots or hours you would like added and a second shooter if needed.
What do you need from us before the day?
Things like the date, time and place of the wedding day are a given, but will they want a photo list of must haves? Addresses of where you and your partner are getting ready for the morning shots. Times of any big events like the cutting of the cake or the first dance.
Payment?
Makes sure you are clear on how much the deposit is and when your payments are expected.
And it goes without saying; always make sure your photographer has all the relevant insurances.
Some photographers also include an engagement shoot in their package. Even if this is something you hadn’t thought of doing, go for it! Not only will it give you a pre run with the photographer, you will have some practice to feel comfortable in front of the camera. These are, at the end of the day, your memories of your special day.
Next read my blog on my top 5 wedding bouquet styles
Thanks for reading
x Jodie x