The Secret To Choosing The Perfect Wedding Photographer!

The wedding dress is on its way.

The seating plan is finally ready. Even the toastmaker has promised to go easy on those raised drinks until the speeches roll.

You’ve pictured this day for as long as you can remember.

Now, it’s somebody else’s turn.

Finding the right wedding photographer for you might not be easy. Intimate and unique, you will have fought to make this day as perfect as it is in your most meticulous imagination. So, follow these six top tips and rest assured that once-in-a-lifetime experience will be a moment you can revisit again and again.

THINK MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK, not more flash for your cash.

With the growth of digital technology, photographers are free to shoot as much as they like – which needn’t translate into bloated albums. Promises of up to 800 or 900 photos might sound like good value for money, but a dynamic, professionally-edited collection should ideally be half that.
Meanwhile, make sure you are entirely clear on what is included in the package. Dearer options may involve the photographer more thoroughly throughout the day, whilst hiring on the cheap could leave more than just your wallet overexposed. So, earmark about ten percent of your budget to securing a snapper.

DEVELOP A GOOD RELATIONSHIP beforehand to ensure the best results.

The most spectacular albums come from worrying least about them, so make sure you communicate what you want from the photography. Magazine clippings, other examples and any ideas you have should help get the picture across.
Getting along with photographer is crucial when you want the day to go as smoothly as possible. Consider hiring for the engagement photos to test the waters.
If you feel comfortable, ask them what their worst experience on the job was. Their response should speak volumes for their professionalism towards both clients and the business.
Finally, be clear who you are speaking to. With larger companies you may find yourself speaking to a salesman or a photographer more senior than the one responsible for shooting your day. Don’t settle for anyone besides the professional behind the lense.

LIKE A GOOD WATCH, your photographer should keep to the time – and have a hand in it.

Not for the amateur, capturing the ceremony, arranging group shots and working the crowd needs foresight, organisation and leadership. Check their portfolio – are they always in the right place at the right time?
An impressive selection of shots from different events is encouraging – but it’s not what you’re paying for. So, look for consistency throughout specific albums.
Ask your photographer if they have shot in to your own. Many like to scope out the venue before the big day, and you can help by providing the seating plan, important names and any friction that might be lingering between them.

STAY FOCUSED ON THAT PHOTO-FINISH – think about how you’d like the final album to look.

Wedding photography generally falls into two camps: reportage, or formal. The former, photojournalistic approach will capture the warmth and dynamism of the day, whilst the latter, staged style will provide a focal centre-piece for your album.
However, nothing is set in stone. It is, after all, your day and yours alone. So, think about having fun with the traditional set-pieces. Ask for your photographer’s advice on what might work, since – perhaps with the exception of your minister and Joan Collins – you won’t find a more experienced wedding patron.
Consider including videography in your package if you have made plans for lively celebrations.
Also, spare a thought for any effects you may fancy. Digital photographers may be more accommodating towards colour adjustment and other retouching than those using film, and with their expertise you can wave off anything from minor blemishes to overcast skies. However, post-production can take up to an hour per photo. So, try and use it sparingly.

AVOID UNNECESSARY HITCHES on the day by briefing the photographer on your plans.

Group shots generally take no longer than an hour, but if you are planning on posing outside and the ceremony is being held in winter, the days will be shorter – along with your window of opportunity.
Couple shots are generally taken just before sunset when the light is most flattering, so talk to your photographer about how best to schedule it. If the photos are to be taken somewhere other than the venue, make sure you are up to speed on traffic times.
You might well have your heart set on that perfect park bench shot, but don’t forget your back-up plan. The weather might be uncompromising, but your photographer needn’t be.

TAKING HOME YOUR MEMORIES should mean capturing everything you experienced, and perhaps even a little more.

Proofs generally take between one week and a month to prepare. Some photographers will give clients unmarked proofs to keep while others may provide only an online gallery. Most will retain copyright, so if you would like to make your own copies brace yourself for added expense.
When choosing the pictures for your album, try to maintain a good balance of reportage and formal shots. Your photographer should have a good idea of how to structure the selection, but at the end of the day these are your reminiscences. Take your time, and you may find less obvious choices gain a charm of their own.
Depending on the quality of the album, the completed article may take anything from a week to several months. Size, quantity and any retouching to be done will all add to production time. However, bear in mind that this is a lifetime investment – so avoid rushing out copies while the memories are still fresh.

As one of the most expensive parts of a wedding, your photography deserves to be no less perfect than the ceremony itself. Worry about it on the day, and you may find that concern etched across your photos. However, with the right preparation you can be sure that, once the confetti has settled and the last crumb of cake eaten, that magical experience will be preserved for your many happy years to come.

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