You’ve got your vision board, you’ve planned the details, you know exactly what your wedding is going to look like. Now it’s time to hand over that vision to someone else. This person has to be someone you can trust to capture the vision in your mind. But from thousands of photographers out there, how do you decide? These are my top tips on how to choose your wedding photographer, from a wedding photographer.
1. What style of photography are you drawn to?
This is a good time to hop on Pinterest. Do you find yourself drawn to the candid moments, with laughter and movement? Or do you find yourself drawn to more traditional posed and styled photography? Or perhaps you’ve fallen in love with the photos that look like they’re from a magazine, effortlessly editorial. Every photographer is different and leans into their own style. Once you know the style of photography you like, you can narrow down your search.
2. What kind of personality do you and your partner have?
This is one that I’ve found many people don’t think about, but it’s so important! Your photographer is one of the only suppliers who will be spending the entire day with you, the most special and intimate day of your life. If you’re a calm, introverted soul, you’ll want to spend your day with someone who has a slow, calming presence to keep your day relaxed for you. But if you find yourself in the middle of any dancefloor and love a party, you’ll benefit from having someone wild and outgoing to match your energy! If you can’t suss them out from their website and social media, hop on a call with them to figure out their energy.
3. What does your venue need to help it shine?
Personal anecdote incoming – our own wedding will be held in Arta in Glasgow’s Merchant City, and the venue is super dark and lit only by candles. When I was choosing our photographer, I knew I wanted an expert in flash photography to ensure the drama of the venue was captured, and to make sure the details could be captured as clearly as possible. Or maybe your venue is a country estate with wide open gardens – you may prefer a photographer who is confident in capturing the scene as well as creating intimacy in such a vast space. Bonus tip: have a look through your venues tagged photos on Instagram to find photographers who have excelled in that specific venue.
4. What extras are important to you?
Do you want the online gallery, and the usbs, and the photo album, and the mini photo album for your mum and dad? Do you want the cake with alllll the sprinkles? Choose the photographer who can offer you everything. If you want all the extras and some film photography too, there are photographers like myself out there who can offer you all of this in one neat little package! A top piece of advice – don’t go without something because you think you could get it done afterwards. For example, don’t choose a photographer that doesn’t offer albums because you can get it done later. Life always gets in the way and priorities change – make sure you bag it all in one go so you don’t miss out.
Choosing your photographer is important, and I sincerely hope these tips help you when looking for yours. The best piece of advice I can give you – I’ve saved it until last – no matter how many times your aunt says her husband has a professional camera, don’t just leave your wedding photos to him!
I know I’m a little biased, but I genuinely believe your photographer is one of the most invaluable suppliers you will hire for your wedding, if not the most invaluable! After your wedding day is over, in the months and years that pass, the only memories you have from your wedding day exist in your photos. When you and your husband/wife are old and grey, you’ll look through these with your children and your grandchildren, and maybe even their children, and remember every single moment as if it happened yesterday. Invest in someone you trust, it’s so worth it.
Much love,
Heather
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