Let’s be honest, weddings are expensive. Suddenly it feels like anything with the word wedding attached to it starts to cost so much more than you’d expect. Venues, food, clothing, gifts…..the “wedding” versions all cost top money.
And then you get to the photographer.
Now I’m not going to lie to you and say a good photographer is cheap, it’s probably going to cost over £1000 and don’t be surprised if most quotes you get are closer to £2000 plus extras or even more.
But, what does that money buy you? And should you spend it?
Well, obviously I’m biased, I truly believe choosing a good photographer is the second best investment you’ll make on your day (after your partner of course). But the images a photographer captures are your memories of that special day that you’ll be able to treasure forever. Which is why choosing the right photographer for you is so important.
Your photographer needs to blend seamlessly into your day, making sure you and your guests are relaxed and comfortable around them, making sure they capture the moments which reflect the happiness and joy; those moments you don’t even realise they were there when you are at your most natural and comfortable.
Every wedding is unique, but large or small they all follow similar patterns. There’s the preparation, the service, the reception and the evening. And your photographer is typically the only person outside the bridal party who is there for every step of the way. A good photographer is experienced and knows what to expect so they can reassure and advise you whenever you need it.
Investing in a good photographer is investing in your future memories, it’s hiring someone you can trust to be there when you need them. It’s investing in the thousands of pounds of equipment they use, the hundreds of hours of experience in knowing how to use them, the hours and hours of editing your images after your wedding day to present them all to you. For a wedding photographer the actual day is just the tip of the iceberg, with multiples of days work before and after your special day to ensure the images are as good as they can be.
Which brings us back to the original question.....
How do you choose the right photographer for you?
Well, ultimately it comes down to your own instincts, but there are a few things you should definitely check for. Every person has their own personality, some people click with you and some just don’t, it’s not a reflection on either of you it’s just life.
But if you’re looking for someone who will spend the day with you, your families and your friends then you will want to choose someone who’s personality fits in, and that’s something you can only really tell by meeting them in person.
The most important thing is to think about what memories you want to carry from the day.
People often approach wedding photographers without any real idea as to what they want, they just know they want wedding photos. That's perfectly understandable, after all it's not typically something you'd have a lot of experience with. But if you break the day down into sections and think about what images you've seen of friends and family's weddings then you can make a few nots about what you'd really like to have. That's a great way to start any conversation with a photogrpher and makes sre you are getting just what you want for your special day.
For example if you'd like a stunning signature image of you both at a special location, then great, now remember that this could take up an extra hour after the service, so make sure you include that in your planning and let the venue know so they can incorporate it into the schedule. Also make sure someone let's the guests know so they're not awkwardly waiting to greet you outside the venue (yes, that's happened)
Or if you'd prefer to have pictures taken in smaller groups of guests and then have pictures taken of you as a couple at another date, then check with your photographer if that's a service they can offer. This is a great way to take away the stress of bad weather for your wedding photos but it might mean you need to book make up & hair a second time.
Speak to as many as possible and ask questions
I see so many people asking for photographer suggestions on social media and it’s really great to ask for advice but there’s no substitution for meeting people in person. A quick google search will list the contact details of professional photographers around the Island, or even searching on Facebook will usually link to their pages.
You should speak to as many as you possibly can, make notes as you go and each time keep an open mind and trust your own feelings.
And when you do meet them, there are some important questions you should always ask:
Having a realistic budget for your wedding day is an absolute must but you can ask a photographer if they offer vouchers so that family or friends can help cover the cost.
Some photographers only cover the ceremony in a package but will cover other times for extra cost.
Some stay afternoon/early evening, some to the first dance, others the whole day
Some photographers operate alone, others hire additional people to help cover parts or all of the day.
Remember, one person can only be in one place at a time so talk to your photographer about extra coverage and see what they suggest (bride & groom prep, images from multiple angles at the service, group shots while you have your personal images, etc)
If it does, how many?
If not, then how much extra do they charge to provide them to you?
Some photographers only provide a few images in the package price and will charge more for the remainder, they may be reluctant to provide them as if they don't it means you have to go through them to order prints etc at their prices (extra profit)
If not, can they provide one and what is the what is the typical cost of a 30 page album?
Producing an album means using the high resolution images.
Many album printers will only supply professional photographers and then resold to you at ratios around 3 x cost from the printer.
Some people prefer only to have digital images and not a printed album, it's all down to personal choice (and budget)
Remember, data protection rules mean they probably can’t share images or personal details with you
Every photographer has their own style, it's both how and when they capture images and how their finished images look.
Some are more impromptu, informal whereas some are more planned.
Some like very trendy edit styles whilst some prefer less edited
Some photographers prefer to do all their own editing, whilst others send them to specialist companies.
One saves money but takes more time, the other cuts into the photographer's profits but can be faster (and sometimes better quality)
If your wedding day will include anyone under the age of 18 this is a nice bonus to check for
And one the most important questions to ask, but one which many people forget to ask photographers - do you have third party liability and professional indemnity insurance?
Across the UK & USA many venues are now insisting that couples not only have their own wedding insurance, but also that anyone they’ve hired for the day also has insurance. So far not many venues on the Island are insisting on this but it likely won’t be too long before this changes.
Remember, if you’ve hired someone then you might be liable for anything which happens involving them. Any reputable shop on the high street or established business will have insurance, and any professional photographer is no different.
This isn't trying to scare you, it's just the reality of today's world.
A quick online search will list several companies specialising in wedding insurance and the cost starts at less than £50, which covers you in case of rearrangements, etc. With Covid, storms and everything else going on in the world, it's a good idea to buy that extra peace of mind for your special day.
You've found your one, what then?
Being perfectly honest after you've chosen your photographer there's not much that you must do. They may ask you to sign a contract which explains the terms and conditions they work under. Then they'll confirm the booking with you and that's that.
Different photographers have different charging structures. Some require a deposit to confirm the booking, others want the total amount payable by a set time before the wedding. The there's some who allow payment monthly before and even after the wedding.
But it's always good to keep in touch so you can suggest getting together for a coffee and an informal chat and keep them updated on how the planning and organising is going. Experienced photographers can often give you tips and suggestions to help with things before and on the day.
You can't be any more or less married. No matter what happens on the day, who is or isn't there, there's no such thing as a perfect wedding.
Because a wedding is all about you and only you.
Hey, that's normal.
But remember, everyone there is because you asked them to come and share that special moment with you both.
You'll be surrounded by love and smiles and people cherishing the moment.
The grass will love it and that's what umbrellas are for
Most weddings are 95% indoors and you can always arrange some more pictures of you both in your wedding outfits at a future date.
Bring comfy shoes!!!
Slip them on at the reception, break in wedding shoes well before the big day, decorate your DM's.
It's your day, enjoy it
Think about when the service is and when people will be eating and arriving for the evening reception.
I've seen so much food left to waste in the evening because most people have eaten already and don't want much more.
Buy a used phone or GoPro, get a selfie stick and ask people to record messages throughout the reception.
Trust me, watching it will make you cry (for a variety of reasons), but it's the absolute best and most personal video keepsake of your wedding there could ever be.