June 18, 2018

7 Qualities to Look for when Choosing your Wedding Photographer

Choosing a Wedding Photographer is by far one of the most important steps in planning a wedding.  It is also often the task that takes the longest and requires the most research and consideration.

It is important to make sure the Photographer you choose will put as much consideration, thought, planning and time into photographing your wedding, as you have put into choosing them.

1)     Engagement or initial Mini Sessions- Does your Photographer offer an initial Mini photo session to cover your Engagement or simply as a dry run?

Engagement shoots are an important part of the bonding process with your Wedding Photographer. These not only provide an important opportunity for you to get to know one another on a more personal basis, but also helps you both feel at ease in one another’s company. This ultimately makes discussing requirements frankly and posing those all-important couple shots at the wedding that much easier.

A good Photographer will naturally make you feel at ease regardless of whether they have previously photographed you, but a familiar face and one previous shoot already in the bag will help further calm your nerves on what will be one of the most important days of your life.

A shoot prior to the wedding will also give your Photographer an opportunity to assess how you photograph, so they are able to get it just right on the day.  Everyone has a best angle and if you have a “best side” or a bit of yourself that you may be self-conscious of, this is the perfect time to let your Photographer know so they can bear this in mind when taking your portraits on the day it matters most.

Whether a Photographer offers a specific Engagement shoot or simply a half-hour Mini Session, you should check that they are prepared to offer some sort of pre-shoot as part of the Wedding package.

2)     Pre-Wedding Meeting - Does your Photographer request a planning meeting before the wedding and make it clear when this should be scheduled?

This will almost certainly be done at the time of the Engagement/Mini Session.  Either way, it is important you check that your Photographer will offer you the opportunity to meet before the wedding to run through any specific requirements you have and for you discuss any concerns if you request it.  Once again it will give you an opportunity to get to know your Photographer and for both parties to fully understand one another’s expectations.

3)     Photo Worksheet - Does your Wedding Photographer give you a worksheet to complete? 

This should list the key photos that you would like (group shots etc) and a list of names of key family members including any special notes that the Photographer needs to be aware of. 

This makes the formal photograph part of the day run much more smoothly and again, if the Photographer is aware of who’s who it will help put people at ease and make the day much more enjoyable for everybody involved.

It also means your Photographer can ensure they capture all of the photos on your wish list, – which of course should be any Wedding Photographer’s primary aim!

4)     Venue Visit - Has the Photographer completed a venue visit or is it a venue that they are already familiar with?

A familiarity with the wedding venue will again allow for a much smoother running of the photos on your special day.  Your Wedding Photographer should be aware of where each aspect is to be held, so that they are able to prepare equipment and should have already scouted out places for group shots, couple photos and alternatives if it happens to be a wet wedding.

Time won’t be limitless and there will probably only be narrow allotted slots for each set of photos, so having already done this preliminary visit will ensure none of the key points of your day are missed.

Don't be afraid to ask your Photographer if they are familiar with the venue, if they are - great! If not, ask them if they will be visiting or if you haven't had your initial pre-wedding meeting yet, maybe suggest this takes place at the venue.  This will enable you to discuss your requirements in more detail and play out where you would like specific photos to be taken.  If the venue holds open days, visiting on one of these will give the Photographer the opportunity of discussing intricacies with the staff and potentially finalising any requirements in regard to insurance or guidelines that the venue may have. 

5)     Itinerary - Does your Photographer ask for an itinerary?

In order to properly plan your photos and to ensure your desired shots are captured, your Wedding pPtographer should ask for a copy of your itinerary for the day, including the details for your Wedding Planner/Venue’s Co-ordinator should you have one.

They will then be able to plan where they need to be at what time and have a clear indication of the schedule and running of the day.  In a lot of cases the Photographer will guide the running order of the portraits and it is their responsibility to ensure all desired images are captured in the times allotted. 

There will usually be a slot allocated for photos after the ceremony and before the wedding breakfast, however how the time within this is used and how the photos are organised will be the Photographer’s sole responsibility.  If they haven’t asked for a copy of the itinerary, you may need to check they are fully prepared for this task.

6)     Attention to detail - Has your Photographer asked for the finer details of your wedding?

Most Photographers will have a developed style specific to their work, which is something that you would have undoubtedly considered prior to booking them.

However, it is important that your Wedding Photographer pays a general interest to the finer details of your wedding in order to make your photos as personal to you as possible. For example, making sure extra care will be taken to capture decorations or table props or accessories if a couple’s theme is an important aspect of the day.

For example, if you are hosting a wedding with a strong vintage theme, you may want your pPotographer to consider this in the post-production of your images.

Above all, you want to choose a Photographer who demonstrates an honest interest in your day and who appreciates the efforts you have gone to make it special.

7)     Communication - Finally, do they grasp the importance of communication?

You will probably be able to gauge early on how keen a communicator your Wedding Photographer is; how respondent are they to your queries? Do they offer you a direct line to be able to contact them? Do you have a phone number for them for emergencies?

Throughout what is undoubtedly one of the most stressful times of your life, you need to be able to trust that you’ll be able to get hold of your Photographer quickly and reliably should you have any questions, concerns or a sudden change of plan. After all, you are paying for their services and want to feel your day is considered as important to them as it is to you.

Does your Photographer confirm meet times/details in writing? Have they explained details of their contract with you? Are they prompt in replying and following up on promised or discussed actions?

A prompt reply to a query you may have will give a good indication of their overall manner, punctuality is obviously an important trait for whoever is capturing your big day. The last thing you need at zero hour is the added stress of not being able to find or get hold of your Photographer!

Wrapping up this ultimate guide to choosing a Wedding Photographer.

The points I have identified in the last few paragraphs are things that should always be considered when choosing your Photographer, or at the very least, things to expect or question when making your selection, but they are not the be all and end all.

It is important that you establish the key points that are important to you and your partner before you pay your deposit and place a booking, therefore, on your initial contact, be sure to ask as many questions as you can and maybe ask to see an example of their process, (initial meeting, correspondence drafts etc.) It is also a good idea at this point to try and get in touch with other couples whose weddings they have photographed so you can ask the couple directly about their experience with the Photographer and whether they would recommend them. This will play a big part in informing your decision.

Organisation is a MUST have trait of any Wedding Photographer and it is obviously fundamental that they gain your trust to perform such an important part of one of the most special days of your life. This is a huge undertaking, and you must be confident that they take it as seriously as you do. 

Everyone likes to feel special and although many Photographers depend on wedding photography as their profession, it is also important that you are not made to feel like just another couple in a long line of weddings that need to be photographed.

Look for that personable touch that makes you and your day feel special and unique.  On what will probably be one of the best days of your lives, you need to make sure your Photographer is capable of accomplishing not just some, but every single one of your photography requirements.