How to Find A Wedding Photographer
Congratulations on your engagement! I bet you're both busy planning your wedding and learning lots about event management. Maybe you're feeling like every wedding vendor you speak to has a hidden agenda.
I'm a wedding photographer based in Kent. Over the next three minutes - I'm going to share my knowledge with you, helping you find and book a great photographer that'll capture the awesome day you're planning. It's the same advice I'd give my close friends. Be sure to read all the way to the end for my BIGGEST tip of all!
While I'd love to attend your wedding personally, I'd recommend reading my advice before enquiring. Use my experience to find your perfect photographer; it won't always be me!
Style
Style is the first thing you'll notice when you look for your photographer. No two wedding photographers' images look alike, and quality is almost entirely subjective. You don't need to learn how to be a photographer to know what you like. Follow your gut. If you don't love their work right away, move on! As a wedding photographer who often hybrid shoots analogue film and digital cameras, I process all my work with a timeless natural look.
Approach
Your photographer's approach is a close cousin of their style. As well as the look of their images, it can have an impact on your whole wedding day. For example, you might enjoy being the centre of attention and having your photo taken. In that case, hire someone who will spend as long as you need making amazing posed formal portraits. I prefer to document your day with minimal posing, leaving you to enjoy the company of your loved ones instead of modelling. Meaning I deliver beautifully candid photos of the special moments you remember fondly.
Knowing what kind of pictures they'll deliver after your wedding is essential. So find someone who has a defined and consistent look to their photos. Just like your social media, we tend to share images that fill us with pride. Most photographers won't mind if you want to see a full gallery or album before pulling the trigger. When reviewing pictures, if you can imagine yourself in someone else's photos, you're off to a great start.
à la carte vs. packages
Photographers tend to price services in one of two ways, either packages or à la carte. There's pro's for both and what you're attracted to will depend on you. As an example, I offer packages with à la carte add ons. My brochure has loads of helpful information and my prices, so my costs are transparent before we chat. I plan with my couples to understand what’s important to them and give them the best photos of their wedding day. There are lots of options to chat through with your photographer. For example, ask your photographer if they’ll bring a second photographer with them if you have a lot of guests or need coverage in two places at once.
Costs
Costs can vary wildly based on their experience and your plans. Remember, the day after you’re married, your flowers and cake will be gone, and you'll stop caring about your chair covers! Most couples will only have their marriage certificate, wedding rings and photo album as physical reminders of their big day. These will be the things you show your children and grandchildren sat around the kitchen table in years to come. You should keep all that in mind when dividing up your wedding budget. You can't go back in time for a redo!
Prints
On the topic of physical prints, many photographers offer archive quality prints and albums - These aren't the ones you print at the supermarket. With proper care, professional prints will still look fresh in over a hundred years. Our generation prints far fewer photos than our grandparents, it's a real shame. A photograph comes to life when you print it. Plus, imagine all the digital memories tragically lost when our laptops die or we lose a phone! I believe physical photographs are the reason you're hiring a professional, that's why I offer better value printing to couples who commit to prints before they tie the knot.
Booking your photographer
You’ll need to pay a retaining fee and sign a contract to secure your date. Let me get serious for a second. ALL good photographers will require you to sign a contract to hire them. Never hand over cash without one, you won't have legal protection if something unfortunate happens. Make sure you read and understand your terms. A good agreement will set out your expectations of the photographer, and theirs of you. Expect clear instructions on when to pay, how to cancel if you need to, and a breakdown of responsibilities. Always ask if something doesn't make sense. Good photographers should be on hand to help you at every step.
Payment
Each photographers payment requirements will differ a little, so you should check their requirements before you book. As a guide, you'll typically need to pay a percentage upfront, then the rest of your remaining balance ahead of your wedding. Make sure the contract reflects these requirements. Something unusual I offer my couples is a payment plan; I understand making lump-sum payments isn't always easy. Being able to break them up into bite-sized pieces can help.
The BIGGEST tip!
Are you ready for the BIGGEST thing couples forget when they reach out to a photographer for the first time? Hire someone you'd like to hang out with for a day! Your photographer is going to be with your closest family and friends. You'll also need to spend time walking them through your plans before your wedding so they can give you the best service possible. Don't settle for someone you don't like. You're getting married; this should be more than just business for everyone involved.
You should love your photographer, and importantly, they should love you! I adore my couples. I feel honoured they've chosen me to document one the most special days of their lives. As far as I'm concerned, we're basically best friends now! That's what I want for you guys too. You could consider an engagement photography session to get to know the photographer before you pull the trigger. Like viewing a property before you move in.
That's it! Let me know if you've found this useful and it's helping you find your perfect photographer. I bet you'll look amazing on your day!
