How to Choose your Wedding Photographer

When it comes to organising your wedding, it is important that everything is perfect. Once you have picked out your style, venue, looked at wedding decoration hire options and selected your ideal furniture you then need to choose the wedding photographer who can perfectly capture that once-in-a-lifetime day.

You might spend days, months – even years – planning for your special day but once it comes round, the day itself will fly by! Having some photos to look back at will help the memories last forever – so they need to be the best! Finding the person that you think will capture the spirit of the day is an important but often difficult challenge. Here are some tips on what to look for in a wedding photographer.

How do I know if they’re right for me?

It is recommended that you save up to 10% of your wedding budget to spend on the photographer. So when it’s such a significant part of your plans, how do you know who to pick? The first thing to decide is what type of photographs you want – whether you want traditional posed pictures or an organic, reportage style. This can make a huge difference in how your photos turn out and also the wedding photographer that you choose. If you want both, this can be a bit trickier but the right photographer will meet with you to discuss the options and tailor the photography to suit your needs. Remember, it is the details that really make it special, so along with your venue – and maybe even the wedding furniture – you should spend time choosing a photographer who can capture it all.

One of the most important things is to choose someone you get on with and feel a connection with – if you don’t get on with them, then you’re not going to enjoy posing for your photos! Personality is hugely important so you should make sure that you meet up with them and get to know them before the wedding. This works both ways as a photographer needs to know you too in order to capture the spirit of your wedding and to help to tailor the photos to your personalities. Having a pre-wedding shoot can be a great way to build a rapport with your photographer and get to know them before the wedding itself.

How do I know if they’re any good?

To assess the style, mood and quality of the photos, take a look at their previous work. You will find out if they use different angles and lenses and if it’s the sort of thing you’re interested in. This is the only real way that you are going to find out whether you like their style – and if they’re any good! Their portfolio will demonstrate to you whether their approach is what you’re looking for and if they produce beautiful photographs that capture the excitement, beauty and romance of the day.

Ask for recommendations from your friends but remember that everyone is different so what your friends are looking for in a wedding photographer might not be the same as what you are looking for! However, a good review is priceless, especially when you need to know that you’re going to get on with them.

To choose your wedding photographer you need to research the options available to you, make a list of those who match your criteria, budget and format, check out if they’re any good and finally get to know them! If you do all these things then you will end up with the photos of your special day that you can cherish forever! For more wedding day tips from our wedding decoration hire team just get in touch!