How To Find The Right Wedding Photographer For You
5 top tips for finding the best wedding photographer
MY GUIDE TO fINDING THE RIGHT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
There’s so much wonderful choice out there, but choosing your wedding photographer is a real key decision to setting the tone for your wedding day, and your memories.
TIP 1: REQUEST A ZOOM CHAT
Think about finding your photographer like you would finding a friend. They’re going to be with you on the best day of your life, so you should feel like they’re part of the gang.
Most photographers, myself included, will happily meet with you or call you to chat about your day and how they work.
Do you get that ‘yes this is the person for us’ feeling?
For example, how do you feel talking to them about your day and sharing things you might be worried about? What vibe do you get from them? Do they put you at ease, and not just because they take good photos?
I love to invest time in my couples, getting to know you both and how you are as a couple. This helps me very subtly plot your couples photos in particular, so you don’t even notice you’re really having your picture taken. It also means I can share in what you’re excited about, or help with what you might be anxious about.
TIP 2: ASK HOW THEY WORK WITH YOU ON THE WEDDING DAY
This might sound obvious, but it’s not just about the equipment we use, or what the plan is if it rains – it is so much more than that.
Ask them how they work with you on the day, and how they describe their work. Are they quite candid and contemporary in their style, or more traditional?
Photographers all have different ways of working with you, do they like to stay quietly in the background, or do they like to be right their in the action, or a mix of both?
There is no right or wrong here, it’s all down to what you feel comfortable with and what photos float your boat and how they are achieved.
Personally, I like a mix of both because I love to be a photography ninja during the ceremony, to chat with your guests during drinks, and to give you gentle guidance when needed during group shots and with your couples photos.
Oh and I HAVE to get down on the dancefloor, you will find me shimmying while snapping at that point!
TIP 3: CHECK OUT THEIR REVIEWS
One last thing, check out reviews from their previous couples. A lot of photographers will have a Review/Testimonial page on their website, or a Google Business profile with reviews (just google their name and it should pop up).
You should find consistent messages about them, similar phrases and words being used across their reviews, that’s a sign you’ve found someone really great!
One thing my couples often say about me for example, is that I put them at ease. Your wedding day is the best day of your life, and it’s my pleasure to help make that happen.
TIP 4: SEE THE GOODS
Ask to see examples of full wedding day galleries.
This might sound obvious but you can easily forget to ask this during all the excitement. It’s useful for you to see exactly how our style works across a whole day. So if they don’t offer, always ask.
TIP 5: WHAT’S THEIR BOOKING PROCESS?
Every photographer will have a different booking process, but most will need a deposit and a contract to be signed. Ask them to send a Quote to you in writing so that you have this to compare when speaking with other providers as each package offering might be different.
Photographers generally don’t hold dates while you are deciding due to demand, so check this with them.
READ your contract, it is so important you understand exactly what is included, how you are protected, and what their specific terms are. Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you are unsure.
BONUS TIP: CHECK THEIR EMERGENCY PROCEDURE.
On the subject of contracts, this is really important!
It’s always a good idea to ask them what their postponement and cancellation process is.
Should you need to postpone, how will your photographer handle that for you?
If they become ill themselves, how will they provide cover for your day?
The last thing any professional photographer would want to do is cause you any further stress or upset - so make sure your photographer can clearly tell you how they will look after you.