Choosing a wedding photographer
As you plan for your big day, you are faced with the stresses and constant decisions of organising from the big decision of which venue to book to details such as wedding stationery and favours.
Choosing a photographer falls in between these – you may have a very clear idea of exactly what you’re looking for or may need some guidance. Wedding photographers seem to be a dime a dozen nowadays, so choosing one to suit you can be a difficult decision.
Budget wise - You can go cheap as chips or allocate 10% or more of the wedding cost, to a photographer. It is entirely up to you.
Several photographers publish their prices on their websites nowadays and this gives a couple a good indication in terms of potential budget for the wedding photographer.
Next, you want to make initial contact with the photographers whose work has appealed to you and fits into your budget. Fill out the contact form on the website or email them and they should come back to you within a day or so. If they do respond, please at least communicate with them even if it is to say that you have picked someone else. I’ve had times when someone is interested, we have an email exchange and then I get radio silence. I subsequently close the query, but no-one likes to be ghosted. The same applies in reverse. If a photographer commits to sending you more info, then doesn’t, or doesn’t respond to your emails, then you need to find another photographer – you want someone who is professional and reliable.
When you’re conversing with the photographer, please do ask any questions you may have – you might be anxious in front of the camera for example. I’ve found younger generations are a lot more comfortable with cameras than older generations. This probably has a lot to do with the selfie culture. A good photographer will work with you to address any concerns. This is why pre-wedding shoots are a great idea! You get to know your photographer a little more and build trust. I would always encourage couples to have a pre-wedding/engagement shoot – you get to build trust with the photographer and get some great images in the process!
Once you have narrowed it down to a couple of choices after conversing with and asking potential photographers your questions, you should be in a position to make a decision.
Once the details are agreed, you are in a position to cross “book a photographer” off your list and move on to the next item. Happy planning!
