Choosing your photographer
Much as I advocate involving family and friends in your big day, this is one area where I would encourage you to stick one hundred percent with the professionals, it is generally advisable for you to consider someone who has a recognised qualification from a Photographic Association i.e the BIPP or the MPA. A cake which collapses or flowers which wilt are, of course, a terrible shame, but not to have a wonderful photograph album to treasure and share could be a tragedy.
Find someone you feel comfortable with via local wedding fairs, your venue manager, your wedding planner or friends’ recommendations.
The acid test is to look at three or four full wedding albums: if the photographer is a real pro, all the photos should be great, not just the chosen two on their website. Once you are happy with their photos, ensure you pick someone you can talk to, who will enthuse with you about capturing your day, and most of all someone who will fit in…..
The ideal situation is to find someone who will find it easy to mingle with your guests. You want a personality who will be able to talk to people, get to know the key players as the day moves on and therefore understand exactly which shots must not be missed.
Book early! Good photographers tend to get booked 18 or more months in advance. The best time to think about photography is after the venue has been confirmed.
A favourite photographer of mine, Simon Goold of www.xposephoto.co.uk says ‘Think carefully about times, taking into consideration the time of year. If you want to have mainly outdoor photographs in daylight conditions, are you allowing reasonable time for this? For example you cannot realistically entertain the thought of having outdoor group photographs at a late autumnal wedding commencing at 4.00pm. Also, if your marriage and reception venue are separate locations, give reasonable time for travel between the two’.
Bad weather shouldn’t be a problem if you have chosen a good photographer. If you are selecting a venue which involves being outdoors, what contingency plan is in place, given the vagaries of British weather?
Style of photography
Traditional
Traditional wedding photos comprise a series of posed shots of the bride and groom, the family, the best man and bridesmaids etc. Whilst this undoubtedly ensures that each specific group or guest you want is recorded for posterity, many modern couples feel that the look is a bit formal and perhaps stiff.
Reportage
This is a much more relaxed approach to wedding photos which involves the photographer taking natural shots throughout the day. Many couples say they are hardly aware of the photographer’s presence which, for some, is important. However, the absence of any posed shots can mean someone important being missed out.
A mixture of the two styles can be the answer, but do bear in mind that many photographers are skilled in one style and neither enjoy nor excel at the other. Take your time looking at previous work and ask to speak direct to two or three previous wedding clients for testimonials if possible.
Packages, Prices and a bit of Common Sense………..
As with many aspects of your wedding, prices vary tremendously. Some say assume around 10% of your total budget, which is probably fair. I would say think seriously and honestly about what your exact goal is, find the person you think will best help you achieve it, then work with them on price.
Many photographers have a number of set packages, but most will also negotiate, especially if you plan to have them there all day. Be honest, tell the person what you plan to pay/ can afford and see what they can do for the price.
If you want someone for two hours, this is absolutely fine, but understand that in peak season they will be likely to have another wedding the same day – after all, they have a business to run. If you want someone for the majority of the day, it will cost more, but you can rest assured that however much your well planned timings change, your photographer will be there to film it all.
If you have someone there for the majority of the day, please make sure you feed them. This may sound obvious, but is often forgotten. You don’t have to find your photographer a seat with your guests, albeit if you wish to, go ahead. Just ensure the poor soul has a decent bar meal or whatever seems appropriate given your particular venue etc. Photography can be hard work and we all do our job better with a meal inside us.
In summary, think carefully about what you really want, take time finding someone who will not only help you achieve it, but seems excited about it too, then treat them as you would wish to be treated ………. Do this and you won’t go far wrong.
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1 comments:
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