How to Choose the Right Wedding Photographer
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Professional Photographer Nuno da Silva to tell us what's important when it comes to choosing the right photographer!
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As more and more clients of mine said how difficult it was for them to find a wedding photographer, and above all, what to look for in one, I decided that it was time to start writing a few helpful points on what I believe is important for you to ask and think of when choosing your wedding photographer.
I hope it gives some guidance and some points for thought.
So here's some helpful points in finding your perfect wedding photographer
1/ PRICE
It seems like an odd thing to say, especially at a time when budgets are tight for most, but first and foremost you should find a photographer (or a couple of them) who's work you love.
Many photographers offer flexible packages, gift vouchers and mini packages and they will be happy to work with you, to get you the coverage you want for your wedding day.
If you simply love the work of a particular photographer it's worth trying to make it work financially, obviously within reason, bankrupting yourself or going into heavy debting isn't the way to start married life!
Many brides will be considering paying thousands for a dress, yet the one lasting memory of that very special day is often overlooked and is a secondary thought. This can often end up in images that are less than satisfactory and couples that aren't happy with the service they receive.
Having images that will make you smile, laugh and feel the emotion again in 20 years time is worth the investment.
2/ WEDDING PORTFOLIO
If possible arrange a meeting and see, first hand, the quality and finish of their work.
Check if they were the one that took the shots. More importantly, will they be shooting your actual wedding day? Some weddings photographers have teams of people so the person you met may not be the one who's there on the day.
Check the variety of their shots. Have they taken images that show the details and close ups as well as the overall venue and the surroundings? Are they going to be able to tell the whole story of your wedding day? Ask about the group shots and portraits? How do they do these and how long do they take?
It's important that you think about what you want in terms of these shots. Do you want many group shots or do you mainly want a candid coverage of the day?
3/ DO YOU LIKE THE PHOTOGRAPHER?
This is probably one of the most important things when choosing who will take your wedding photos.
You will be spending a lot of time with your photographer, especially if you have an engagement shoot.
They will be a key part of your day so liking them, feeling comfortable and above all else trusting them is so important.
4/ WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN BOOKING AND THE WEDDING DAY?
Find out how your relationship will continue/develop up to the wedding day. Is the photographer available to chat about ideas, will you meet before the day? Do they do a venue visit to check out where they will be shooting? Do they get to know you in a way that means your photographs will truly convey you as a couple? Can you get an engagement shoot to allow you to get some practice in front of the camera? Basically, make sure that you are happy with the level of contact you will have with your photographer once you have signed the contract.
5/ WHAT HAPPENS ON THE WEDDING DAY?
So the wedding day arrives.
What is your photographer going to do? Are they going to meet up with you? Does he have an assistant to go and meet up with the Groom, or is the Bride getting ready all that you want recorded?
Does he use lighting when photographing? Does he have spares of everything?
Is he discreet and efficient or does he normally get in the way?
Above all, be honest with yourself and ask what would you want from a photographer on the day itself and find one that reflects that.
6/ WEDDING ALBUMS & WHAT ELSE CAN YOU GET?
Ask the photographer what they offer in terms of albums, prints, canvases etc. Anything you may be interested investing in at some point.
There are a wide variety of album companies out there of greater and lesser quality. Find out what albums your photographer offers and see samples. Do you like the style? Do they offer different options of style? What about mini albums for parents?
You may not want an album immediately but it's always good to know what your options are. It's also worth asking if the photographer has any time limit on your ordering an album or any other extras once the wedding is over.
Find out who designs their albums. Is it their own work or do they send it off to another company to do? Chances are if they do the design themselves it will be more personal and while it may take a little longer to do you might just get an album that is more 'you'.
7/ PROFESSIONAL & EXPERIENCE?
This one has an obvious answer, though it is not necessarily going to be very obvious as not every professional photographer belongs to lots of associations or has qualifications and I don’t think one is paramount.
Most will probably belong to one or two such as the MPA (Master Photographers Association) the one I do belong and recommend as only truly professional and skilful photographers are accepted.
A good photographer will have everything sorted, even if you're not aware of how much they are doing. They will know what to expect and what to look out for. They'll have records of shots to do, places to be and people they need to speak to and above all they will be able to help you schedule your day as I often do, due to my experience.
I know it's hard to tell when you first meet them but you will get a feeling. Do they answer calls or emails within good time? Are they punctual? Are they fully prepared for your meeting? These will give you some clues. You want to be able to discuss your requirements and then forget about your photography on the day, knowing that your photographer has it all in hand!
If you choose to go with someone who is just starting out that's great, everyone needs to start somewhere and you can get some great deals on photography coverage by using someone who is new to the profession.
Just make sure you know about this and are comfortable with it. There's a big difference between a talented new comer and someone who just has a go as an extra job without really having the experience.
8/ APPROACH TO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?
You need to work out if the photographer is just taking photos or if they are creating beautiful images.
Are they passionate about what they do or is it just a job?
There are many photographers who can take a decent photo and do a good enough job when not put into the pressure of photographing a wedding, but what you will probably end up with, are photos that could be of anyones' wedding.
Really do look for someone who's enthusiasm makes you feel that your wedding is as special to them as it is to you.
You are individual, so is your wedding, so your photos should reflect that. Not just be one off a shelf.
WHAT NEXT...
WHAT NEXT...
I hope this has provided some help.
When you find your perfect photographer, book them as most good photographers just like myself get booked well in advance.
Then relax, safe in the knowledge that you will have an amazing wedding day and end up with the most marvellous images that make you smile and bring back those special memories for years to come.
Also, and if you haven’t done it yet, have a look at my own wedding portfolio (www.nunodasilva.com) and if you like my photography, it would be amazing to be able to be chosen as your wedding photographer, so do not hesitate to contact me on info@nunodasilva.com.
I'm always happy to help.
Huge thank you to Nuno Da Silva for this very informative post!
Visit more of Nuno Da Silva's work.
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