We have many articles helping guide you through searching, finding, meeting and picking your perfect wedding photographer, but how about the things NOT to do!
1. THEY ARE CHEAP
When choosing your photographer don’t just pick them based on value and what is included, don’t just go with the photographer that includes a free engagement shoot, printed album, online gallery, USB pen, photo frames and printed t-shirts just because of the extra bits, they are secondary to the photos that will be captured. It is so important you find and hire a photographer that you love.
Their work matches your style, you know you can trust them, you feel relaxed and at ease with them, all these things will make for an easier day and also better and more natural photos. Many photographers will offer packages with bits mentioned before, including an engagement shoot is becoming more and more popular, if they match your style, you love their work and you ‘click’ with them then this is great, however don’t just pick a photographer purely based on value and what is included.
2. THEY ‘WILL DO’
When planning your wedding there are a million and one things to think about, the list seems endless and sometimes you may just think that ‘will do’. You maybe looking at lots of photographers and struggling to find the time to meet up with them to view their work and see how you get on. It is important not to pick a photographer just because it is taking some time and seeming like an endless task, take your time and ensure you not only find a wedding photographers work that you love, but also a person behind the camera you love too. When you find them you will walk away feeling like you have just been speaking to a close friend, it is so important and makes a real difference to how you feel and come across in front of the camera.
Wedding photographers love what they do, they have a passion for the industry and a passion for capturing beautiful weddings, you may be feeling stressed and many photographers will understand and be able to relate. Just ensure you find the right photographer for you, one that matches your style and one that you can trust and feel relaxed with, go with your gut, if you have no doubts then get them booked! But don’t just say ‘they will do’.
3. THEY HAVE ‘SOME’ STUNNING PHOTOS
Where ever you see a wedding photographer be it here on this site or online you will see lots of beautiful photos, a range of stunning shots that will catch your eye and make you go wow. This is great and you should find a photographer who’s work you love and makes you go wow, however it is important to remember that it is great having a few photos that make you go wow, however you want a wedding story that makes you go wow, the point here is consistency.
When viewing a photographers work ensure you see full and completed albums, this maybe online or a hard copy, you want to ensure that all photos are stunning and the quality is exceptional throughout, and not just one or two photos that look great. A good photographer can take stunning photos, a great wedding photographer can tell a story through beautiful photos.
4. THEY ARE RECOMMENDED BY THE VENUE
So you have picked your wedding venue and booked the date, depending on the venue they may have a list of recommended suppliers, from catering, florists, planners and photographers. This is a great starting place however it is important not to just go off this list and not open your eyes to other alternatives. You may prefer styles of other photographers you may have seen on here for example that are not on their list, you may have met a photographer from their list but not felt completely happy. Don’t compromise on your wedding photographer by just reviewing ones recommended by the venue, ensure you get the best photographer you can afford and the one you want.
5. MY UNCLE HAS A NEW CAMERA
Be it your Uncle or friend down the road, wedding photography is more than just a camera. Just because they may have an expensive camera doesn’t mean they have the experience and knowledge to go and capture a wedding. They may love photography, going out at weekends capturing landscape shots, or pictures of the kids playing in the park, however when it comes to weddings it is a dynamic event.
The camera is just a tool and means for capturing the moment, the skill, knowledge and experience is the key to wedding photography. You only get one chance so you want to be in the right place at the right time, you want to ensure you capture that one moment beautifully, you want to ensure you have a wedding story that will help you relive the emotions and happiness if your wedding day.
