Booking a Wedding photographer – what not to do

Don’t book a photographer without meeting them first

This sounds like an obvious one, but it can slip down you priority list when you’re caught up in planning so many parts of the wedding.

Wherever you are based geographically, it is important to meet the person you are asking to photograph your special day.

It doesn’t matter if they are a London or Liverpool wedding photographer, they will be spending a lot of time with you on your wedding day, so you need to feel comfortable and relaxed in their presence.

Don’t instantly choose the cheapest or dearest option

While everyone loves a bargain, you do get what you pay for. Remember that a photograph is capturing a memory from your wedding day. Once the moment has passed, if it was not snapped, you will have lost the visual reminder.

Ask potential photographers to show you their existing portfolios, so that you can view their favoured style of photography. Talk to them about the price packages available, and ask to see what you will get for the money.

Don’t forget to decide on your ‘must have’ shots

Think carefully about the pictures you would like taken during the day. Decide on the elements, people and locations you want to form part of your wedding album.

It’s advisable to create a physical checklist, as this can be reviewed before the day itself to make sure that none have been missed off.

This is a great working tool for the photographer on the day, as it will allow them ensure that they fully meet your expectations, and make sure that nothing is forgotten in the excitement.

Remember to incorporate group pictures, but be realistic with the number you want, and the time that will be available to take them.

Don’t forget to capture those precious moments

Your wedding day will be one of the happiest moments of your life. As you and your partner commit to each other, surrounded by loved ones, you want to capture those moments to look back on fondly in the years to come.

Before finding a reliable photographer, you have to decide which points in the ceremony and reception you want to capture, and settle on a photographic style that best reflects your relationship with your fiancé.

Don’t forget you have your own unique style and choose a wedding photographer accordingly

Settling on the right photographer is all about choosing someone with a diverse portfolio that fits in with the style you want. If you are having a themed wedding, you will likely want the finished album to reflect the chosen décor, whether it follows a 1940s aesthetic or a vintage theme. Discuss this with the photographer ahead of the day, so that they know what you are expecting.

Decide how much you want to spend so that you can choose an appropriate photo package. A reputable photographer will provide a selection of packages to suit all tastes and budgets. You may want to include some snapshots taken before the day, perhaps from the engagement party.

Don’t forget to capture these important moments

The morning of the wedding

Most couples want to capture memories of the whole day, which includes getting ready for the ceremony. Many brides want a photo of the dress before it is worn, followed by shots of the bride and bridesmaids having their makeup and hair done.

A selection of photos of the bride with her maid of honour, bridesmaids and her parents will all help to build up to the special moment in an album. Decide ahead of time where photos should be taken. Perhaps have a photo of the bride taken in a spectacular garden, surrounded by flowers, or in the limousine prior to setting off for the ceremony.

The groom will also require a selection of photos with parents and the best man, taken at various stages of the morning.

The ceremony

The photos of the ceremony will often commence shortly beforehand, as well as during the nuptial proceedings and afterwards. It is important that the photographer is professional, capturing moments without intruding on the ceremony.

From the bride walking down the aisle to the reaction of the groom as he watches the love of his life approaching, there’s so much for the photographer to work with at this point – a thousand emotions you will want to remember forever. You may want the photographer to include snaps of the parents, family and friends, the altar if the venue is a church, and any special moments during the exchanging of the vows.

As the happy couple leave the site of the wedding, the photographer will usually take snaps of the newlyweds and the wedding party as they gather outside.

The reception

It’s natural for couples to want photos taken during the speeches, the first dance and the tossing of the bouquet. There may be other special moments, unique to your day, which you want to include.

Whatever your tastes, it’s important to discuss how many photographs you would like, whether or not you would like digital versions, and the size of wedding album. Your wedding photographs will tell the story of your special day to future generations.

Don’t forget to get to know your wedding photographer

You’re going to be spending all day with your wedding photographer, so try to get to know them first.  Having a pre wedding shoot is the perfect opportunity to not only get to know them, but to see their style and shooting ethics.

Don’t forget the paperwork

Importantly, before the day itself, ensure that you are happy with everything that has been agreed with the photographer, and that contracts have been signed and deposits paid.  And make sure they have public liability insurance, as some wedding venues will require this.

If you need any more help with finding the perfect wedding photographer don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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