Booking Your Wedding Photographer

DO NOT PANIC!

A lot of people panic when it comes booking their wedding and choosing a wedding photographer is no less more daunting and scary! It can be a big expense so you have to research your photographer. Great Aunt Maud may claim to be a dab hand at photography but would you like to entrust those life long memories to her or would you rather she was in the photos and someone else was doing it?! I am pretty sure its the latter.

Get A Professional!

A professional wedding photographer can cost a lot so you need to know what you want. A professional is INSURED (you need to make sure of this), will have contracts (essential) and be able to show you their work. Also provide a legitimate invoice. You dont want some dodgy guy snapping your day…last thing you need is more hassle should they not be legit.

Some photographers specialise in certainstyles. For example:

1. Reportage/Documentary style is about capturing the moments with little posing. Very popular!
2. Formal/traditional is posed shots.

With the UK average spend on a wedding photographer being listed as anywhere between £1400 and £1800 perhaps the cheaper option isnt always the best option. Cheaper can mean it saves on the budget but it can also mean the quality may not be there plus be sure to check exactly what you get. Your wedding photos last forever. Ensure they are the best WOW you can get.

WARNING SIGNS!

• Someone offers you such a low fee say below £300 for images be careful. Sorry but wedding photography isnt just ONE day work. It is days and days of work. Minus insurance, paying tax (every legal business needs be registered for this) that leaves VERY little in the kitty to earn. I wouldnt happily trust someone who actively pays themselves less than min wage.
• Someone with constant offers. This basically means their work is overpriced. Constant discounts are a ploy to lure you into thinking you have a good deal. Tread carefully.
• Them that offer a lot for little. Give you an album and canvas and images for less than £300. You know a canvas is £40 on the high street, so suddenly its even less money. Offering so much for so little is pretty much a ‘shoot and burner’ photographer. Implies less care on the images. You dont need 800 images. You really dont. You dont want blinking ones, or face stuffing ones or blurry ones. Get a photographer who offers only the best for you.

Ways To Save

There are ways to save on photography. Think about mid week weddings, select hours only or see if a venue has a deal with a photographer specifically. Some photographers run deals. Keep an eye out for them.

A lot of photographers offer discounted rates for mid week ceremonies, short notice ones and those where we are only needed for a short time.

If you work out when you want your wedding photographer present then this can really help with costs.

1. Do you want the bridal prep covered? If its not really wanted. Do away with it.
2. A separate photographer for the groom getting ready?
3. A second shooter on the day? (very popular with larger weddings or those in large venues). Second shooters arent really needed and a lot of ‘budget’ photographers use them as a ploy to get you to think you are getting a better service. Personally I believe most weddings dont need this. Plus you sometimes feel over crowded.
4. Do you want just the first dance covered or until later in the night?
5. What formal shots do you want? e.g. mum and dad, groom and family etc.

What To Ask Your Potential Photographer?

Its also goes without saying you need to check the photographer’s portfolio. Many a person think they can turn a quick buck by stating they are a wedding photographer.

Here is a quick list of what to ask your photographer:

1. What style of photography do they specialise in?
2. If the wedding photographer is ill on the day, will they have cover?
3. When do you expect to see the initial images for selection?
4. When will the final images be available for you?
5. Are we able to have a pre wedding consultation?
6. Do we get a ‘couple/engagement’ shoot as part of the package? (this helps you get used to posing for the camera and become at ease with your photographer).
7. Will there be additional travel/food/accommodation costs?
8. How long will the wedding photographer be there?
9. Are we able to customise the wedding package?
10. Can we order prints/images after the wedding? Can our family?
11. What rights will you be given to the images? Printing rights tends to be standard. This allows you to print the images but the photographer retains copyright.

Why Have An Engagement Shoot?

 

It will also beneficial to ensure your wedding photographer is insured adequately. There are many formal photographic societies that wedding photographers can be a part of which helps ensure their professionalism. I myself am a member of the SWPP and WPPI which are both industry recognised societies.

When To Book/Start Looking For Your Wedding Photographer?

Get a short list of photographers you like. LOOK at their work. Really look at it. Check out their social media. Does the way they portray themselves on social media work for you? Do they have good references?

Timescales from when you need to book your photographer can vary. I have bookings as far as two years away. Typically you need to research your wedding photographer as soon as you have settled on a style. Then approach them with a query for a consultation.

There should ALWAYS be a contract. Signed by both parties. With a complaints procedure should the sad occasion occur.

 

Remember a good photographer will set your mind at ease. Trust your gut.

x