WilleneosjbkcalreTallent3900013
Tip 1: Plan ahead - the best wedding photographers book up very early so start researching your wedding photographer as early as possible
Tip 2: Use the internet - use the internet and search engines such as Google and Bing to find websites of relevant photographers. The internet is a great medium for photographers to showcase their work and is a good starting point for prospective bride and grooms to draw up a shortlist. Also look at social media sites like Facebook and Twitter, as well as online wedding guides and blog sites.
Tip 3: Draw up a shortlist - draft a shortlist of three to four photographers whose work you like and make initial contact to check availability for your date, and book an appointment to visit their studio. If you use an online inquiry form always try to provide telephone number as well as email address as it's always good to talk with the photographer and gives you an initial feel for their passion and personality.
Tip 4: Visit and view examples of albums - always meet up with your shortlisted photographers. On your wedding day the bride is likely to spend more time in the company of the photographer than anyone else. Creating great photos isn't a mechanical process but works best when a photographer and subject have a great rapport and a good working relationship. You need to get on with your photographer and know that they will approach your day with the respect and friendliness you want. though it may not seem important, any small habit that may irritate you in this first meeting will only seem 100 times worse on the day. Finished photographs in quality professional albums will always show the photographer's skill at it's best. It will also demonstrate their expertise in not only taking great photographs but creating amazing finished work you can cherish.
Tip 5: View full weddings they've photographed - looking at a photographer's portfolio is a good starting point, but remember it is the few examples that they consider their best and which they've often spent the most time editing - it's their shop window after all! Don't get carried away and remember that the photos will come from a number of weddings. Ask to view the photos from a recent wedding, which will give you a better indication of the consistent quality of their work, the photographers approach, the number of photographs you can expect and a better idea of what you can expect on your day. I'd stay clear of any photographer that doesn't want to show you they're work.
Tip 6: Confirm their contingency plans and archiving of your photographs - your day and the photos that capture it are precious. as such always confirm what contingency plans your shortlisted photographer has for wet weather, or in the the rare event of them falling ill or unable to make it on the day. it's just as important how they prepare themselves on the day - do they cary spare cameras, lenses, batteries and film/memory cards? After the wedding it's just as important how photographers protect your photographs. Check their strategy for backing up their work and how long they archive them for. It's a worth wile insurance policy knowing that in 10 years time you can buy further copies of your photos or album if you need to!
Tip 7: Request a copy of the photographers booking form and fee structure - always check a photographers booking form and fee structure for what their service will cover, any extras that may be payable for travel, meals etc. As well as Deposit and final installment arrangements which are all essential when managing your wedding and budgets.
Tip 8: Confirm that the photographer you meet will be taking the photos on your day - though this may seem a strange one, you do need to double-check that the photographer you've met and have built up a rapport, will be taking your photos on the day. I've heard far too many horror stories about studios sending photographers you've never met or expected turning up on the day. Always ask the photographer to confirm their presence in any booking form or agreement before you book them.
Tip 9: Don't shop on price - everyone has a budget and it's important that couple's don't get carried away and over commit themselves. However, your photographs will be your one lasting memory from the day - after everyone's enjoyed the flowers at the ceremony, the small detail and favours on the tables, eaten the meal and devoured the cake and danced the night away to your live band it's the photographs that you, your family and guests can look at over and over and relive your day. Excellent wedding photographs are taken and created by true artists and craftsmen with years of experience and dedication and as such do not come cheaply. But true professional artists using professional equipment will give you peace of mind, reliability and priceless memories. Check what your photographer's approach on archiving your photographs is. How long they will be archived and by what means. This is an important additional insurance policy if in the unfortunate event of something catastrophic happening to your wedding album or prints. But bear in mind that such an insurance policy comes at a cost in the overall pricing of your wedding photographer.
Tip 10: Book a photographer you trust - above all book the photographer whose work you love and who you know and feel you can trust to capture the most important day of your life in the way you want. Such trust will make your day flow so much easier and put your mind at ease and avoiding any unnecessary stress.
