8 Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer
1) Do Some Research
Hop on the internet and read various articles on the topic of wedding photography. Read up on different styles or genre’s, location options, lighting options etc. Approach friends who’s wedding photos you admire and ask them how they went about choosing the right photographer for their wedding.
2) Decide on a Style
There are a great variety of different styles to choose from in the wedding photography genre. The most popular style for wedding photography is Natural Light Photography. As the name suggests, the photographer makes use of natural light to take the photos, rather than flash or studio lighting. This gives the pictures a natural -and warm tone and a more honest feel than other genres. Also explore other popular wedding photography genres i.e. portraiture, fashion, artistic etc to ensure you choose the right style for your shoot.
3) View Their Online Portfolios
All professional wedding photographers will have a online platform for showcasing their work, either in the form of a website or Facebook page etc. This is a great way to see the photographers style and expertise, helping you to choose the right person for the job.
4) Create a Shorlist
After you have gone through your favourite photographers online portfolios -and weighed it up against the budget you are working with, you can write down the names of the top 3 or 4 candidates. Avoid using friends or family members,unless they are qualified photographers with loads of experience of course :)
5) Set Up a Meeting
Once you have your favourite candidates lined up it is time to set up a face to face meeting where you can discuss all the ins and outs of the wedding. Make sure that the photographer has experience in the style you would like to shoot. You can also ask the photographer for a few references of previous clients they have worked with to give you peace of mind and ensure you are dealing with a good candidate.
6) Do you Click?
Getting along with the photographer is a lot more important than most people realise. Even though the shoot will only be for a few hours it is of utmost importance that both the bride and groom feel comfortable around the photographer. The slightest bit of anxiety or personality clashes will be notable on the pictures and could ruin the wedding. Make sure the photographer you choose is well mannered and organised.
7) Compare Packages
Once you have chosen a photographer with a good portfolio as well as feel comfortable working with you can view the different packages they have to offer. This varies from photographer to photographer and usually depends on the number of pictures and different printing options you choose. Also check to see if they offer a package that includes an assistant photographer as this will go a long way to ensuring you capture the best pictures without overloading the photographer.
8) Book Early
Most professional photographers have a long waiting list and generally won’t shoot more than two weddings in a month, so once you feel you have made the right choice regarding your photographer it is essential that you confirm the booking date ASAP.
For more photography / photographer tips or to book our services you can visit our website at: www.bez4photos.co.za
