As an experienced photographer, I often take my craft for granted.  I forget that it has taken decades to get to where I am.  I don’t pretend to be the best photographer out there.  The truth is that because photography is subjective (everyone likes different styles, looks, processes), my style will not suit every client.

As a client, you have more power than you ever had in the past.  There are literally thousands of photographers out there, but that does not mean every one will be a good match for you.

Your wedding is important, it will probably be one of the most important days in your life, so it’s in your interest to make sure you get all the details right.

So How do you choose?  Do you know much about photography?  Now, first of all excuse the brazen use of our imagery on this post 😉

Well there are a few things you can do, some of them obvious, and some not so much.

Well the first thing you can do is work on recommendations, your family and friends may have been married recently.  Look at their album, their photographs, do you like them?  That’s a great start… but are they still available for your big day?  The more popular photographers will be booking almost two years in advance, so there is no time to waste…

Talk to your (possible) photographer and meet them, rapport is so important.  You will likely be stressed on the big day, you need to feel comfortable with your photographer.  This is especially important if your photographer is capturing your preparations with your closest friends, do you trust them to be respectful?  You wouldn’t want to feel like some pervert was stalking you in your smalls…

Next, make sure that the person you meet, is actually your photographer..  seems like a little thing but larger firms will have sales people visit you, and your photographer on the day will be a complete stranger.  It does happen… It happened to me… Of course I had no clue back then lol.  Oh and I hated the photographs.

Be realistic about price, if it’s cheap, then there is possibly a reason for that.  The average for a wedding photography package is about £1,500 although these days you can push for an awful lot at that price.  That said, you can get some good deals if you are happy to take a chance.

When you meet your photographer, try to look at one of their recent weddings in full.  You will be surprised how easy it can be to make a slideshow with 20 images that make them look really good.  Some photographers may even use photos that they have taken at training days with professional models and coaching on poses etc.  Don’t be fooled.  If you see a full wedding, although you may not be interested in the photos of Auntie Mable drunk on the dance floor, you will at least get an idea of the consistency of the photographer.  This is the best tip and reduces your risk of hiring someone who fails you.  Oh and it has been known for photographers to buy stock imagery to show themselves off.

Contract. contract, contract.  Make sure you get a contract.  It will help both parties.  You will have it written down what to expect.  Some photographers will make sure you get one, some will be a little more reluctant.  Always ask yourself why…

Make sure the photographer has insurance.  Sometimes the unexpected can happen.  The photographer’s car breaks down and they are 200 miles away… Insurance will help put your mind at rest a little.  Will their insurance come good?  It’s certainly worth asking a few questions…

So now you have read this, hire me… 😉

No, seriously, this is an important subject, one I have been wanting to write for some time.  I hate, literally hate to read about those couples who get duped for their wedding by a photographer who is little more than a conman.  They exist.  All you can do is minimise your chances of falling foul.

So now, you can hire me… 😉

Hooray…

Disclaimer:  No clients were harmed in the making of this post.. If you want to know more, please feel free to message us.