Key Points to Consider for Choosing Your Perfect Wedding Photographer

Congratulations if you’ve recently got engaged and set a date for the Big Day. If you’re now in planning mode, one of the most important tasks to get right is the wedding photographer. After all, if your wedding is going to be the best day of your life, you will want the wedding photos and videos to reflect how special it was, helping you to remember this wonderful celebration every time you look at them.

So, how do you find the right photographer who not only has the professional skill required, but is on your wavelength in terms of personality and style and is available at a budget you can afford?

What exactly are you looking for?

There are many professional photographers out there specialising in wedding photography, and no two are the same. Before you part with your hard-earned cash, it’s important to think about what you actually want from your photographer, both as a person and as an artist. This can be an important teamwork exercise for you and your partner.

Do you love being photographed and want to have wedding photos all around you after the event? Will you put them all over your home or as keepsakes in an album? Great photos to remind you of the magic of your wedding day can capture special moments, not only with your bride/groom but other family members too. They can be a talking point for the rest of your life, including with children and grandchildren that you may not even have yet.

Perhaps you’re camera shy and need to find a photographer who will make you feel at ease and bring out the best in you, on your special day? The photographer will continually be around you on this very emotional day, so you need to find someone you can trust, who won’t add to your stress and who can help the day go smoothly.

What are the most important qualities of a wedding photographer?

Once you’ve worked out the basics of what you are looking for, it’s time to match the professionals available to your needs. In general, you’ll be looking for experienced photographers who are both creative and passionate about their chosen photography niche, and who have personalities and photography styles that chime with yours.

Experience

Your perfect wedding photographer should be totally comfortable around the workings of a wedding. Look for someone who can guide you through the key photo decisions that must be made throughout the day. More than that, as one expert explains, should also be “on the lookout for situations that no one else might notice but will certainly make a good memory for the couple. People whispering about a special moment, friends laughing from the corner – being a wedding photographer means you can pick up on little, unexpected moments.” Technically, they must be confident in handling changing lighting conditions to create powerful imagery whatever the venue, the weather or time of day.

Creativity

Experience is important but, that said, it’s largely a skill that can be learnt, practiced and honed. Natural talent, on the other hand, can’t be taught. A creative person can take incredible pictures even if they’re not technically perfect. An eye for framing or emotion can produce fantastic artistic results that are more powerful than someone with more advanced technical skills could achieve. A really good visual storyteller uses his passion and creativity to deliver images that are compelling and extraordinary. Look at your shortlisted photographer’s website to get a feel for what they are passionate about shooting and the impact their images have on you, and include your emotional response in your decision making.

Style

There are many different styles of wedding photography, and photography in general. From airy and ethereal to dark and moody, traditional vs fine art photography, the style you choose will determine the photos you get. It’s a personal thing, so spend some time looking at other people’s wedding photography to get an idea of what you like. Choose an editorial style if you want to capture every little wedding detail, reportage style if you’re after lots of emotionally candid shots or a fine art approach if you want out-and-out glamour. Find your favourite photography style to tell the story of your wedding in the way you want to be able to remember it and so that it enhances your experience of looking at your wedding pics long after the Big Day.

Personality

Finally, we’re coming full circle back to the beginning. The personality of your wedding photographer matters more than you know. You need to be able to work with them on the day and trust them to get on with the job of capturing and recording the best day of your life in exactly the way you envisaged it. Stressful communication, personality clashes and doubt in their abilities have no place in your special day. The right fit means you’ll be able to enjoy your nuptials with an easy smile and without worrying about the pictures. Plenty of pre-wedding communication by phone, video chat and in person are key to making sure you’re all singing from the same hymn sheet!

Where to find your perfect wedding photographer?

Now that you know what you’re looking for, it’s time to get real. No doubt, you’re fully aware that the best wedding photographers get snapped up quickly, but don’t let that deter you. Start by asking your recently married friends if they would recommend their photographer and take a look at their wedding album to see the finished results. You could ask your wedding venue if they have a preferred list of trusted suppliers and vendors they like working with, and of course you should also search online for wedding photographers in your area and check out their websites.

Finally, visit local Wedding Fairs for local intel about all sorts of wedding industry specialists that might come in handy including photographers. It’s a great opportunity for a personal chat so you can get a feel for whether they may be what you’re looking for.