What do you want from your photographer?

Wedding photographers have a lot to offer these days from wedding albums to key-rings to calendars and everything in-between. Do not be talked into buying merchandise that appears to be popular and attractive now as in five to ten years time it may not be so attractive. This rule also applies to photographers, those that do a lot of post-processing of their photographs. In 2005 photographers would edit photographs so that only the bride and groom were in colour and the rest would be black and white, these photographs are now considered by many as unattractive. Even the wedding album has started to be replaced by personalised wedding story books but I will talk more about that later. It is important that the work made by your photographer can last and look good in the future.

How much should you pay for wedding photography?

With technology improving and cameras becoming part of phones and other devices everybody now has the potential to be a photographer. Even digital SLR cameras (the big ones) are becoming increasingly affordable. There are numerous amateurs starting to market themselves as “professional wedding photographers” and they charge £200-£500 to photograph the entire wedding. Often they are not insured and do not use “professional” equipment.

A wedding photographer may be present for eight hours on your wedding day. That is, with travel and setting up time, around seven hours of shooting. Depending on the photographer he/she may make between two-hundred to two-thousand images. Let’s say for example they take two-hundred. Each of those photographs have to be edited manually requiring  at least ten minutes per photograph to ensure the colour, brightness, contrast and even details specific to the subject are perfect. In total, with the eight hours actually photographing on the day, plus the thirty hours of editing, plus album/storybook designing it can easily amount to fifty or even more hours of work. So when a photographer charges £1000 per wedding you now know what this money is paying for. Anyone who charges £500 or less for a full wedding will take short-cuts within your package.

Almost all wedding photographers offer packages, these are great as they work out cheaper for the bride and groom. They also give a good idea of what you may want. We have numerous packages available. Most include a personalised storybook (album), some free prints for yourself or relatives, and some include a free canvas! The packages offered by photographers will not be set in stone and are open to negotiation. We actively encourage this and ask “are you happy with the package, is there anything we can change to please you?” because we want you to be happy.

Averages indicate people generally spend 8-14% of their wedding budget on a photographer. Remember, it is the photographers job to document and install within photographs the emotions and celebrations of the day so ensure you pick one you like.

Look at more than one photographer!

We recommend looking at four photographers. Compile a list of their names and why you like them. Research each of these photographers and note down what you find that you like. Look at the albums available on their website. Ask for and call their references – a photographer with nothing to hide that is confident with their work will be more than happy to put you in touch with previous clients as he/she knows they will comment positively.

Call to say hello!

Once you have refined your list to four or less photographers it’s time to say hello. The majority of wedding photographers are happy because they are good at their job and they enjoy what they do which should be reflected in their voice and nature.. Many photographers may be busy during the day, either photographing weddings, or working with clients within the studio. If there is no answer leave a message detailing your name and the date of your wedding and of course, a contact telephone number. The sooner you have a reply the more eager and the more he/she enjoys her profession.

How reliable are you?

When interviewing, make sure to ask about:

• Liability insurance
• Backup camera/gear
• Do you use a shot-list (most experienced photographers will have this inside their head)
• What happens if you’re ill?
• What happens if the wedding is cancelled?
• What if it rains on the day?
• What if there is an emergency?
• How many weddings have you photographed?
• What other aspects of photography do you practice?
• Will it be you that photographs on my wedding day?

These are basic questions and should be answered with ease.

Do I get on with the photographer?

It is more than important that you “click” and feel at ease around the photographer. The more relaxed you feel around the photographer the better, relaxed and natural photographs made. Is the photographer polite, relaxed, easy-going? You will be spending a substantial amount of time with this person on the wedding day. If you don’t feel comfortable around the photographer do not employ them. Very rarely we are approached by potential clients that we feel would benefit more by employing a different photographer, simply because we don’t “click” there is no chemistry to work with.

Confirm

You should now have at least one photographer that you feel will capture and document your day to your satisfaction. Call and book, as soon as possible as dates do get filled early.