After he’s up off one knee, you’ve bought your first bridal magazine, subscribed to a half dozen wedding blogs and thought about setting a date, what’s next? The dress? A honeymoon somewhere exotic? Or how about 200 hand knitted heart favours that your guests are sure to treasure forever?
Stop right there.
Every wedding will have a budget and whether large or small, it’s up to you to spend it wisely. After a venue, a pretty frock and something good to eat, I’d say that a quality photographer should be right at the top of your shopping list.
This wording comes from a feature I wrote for the Autumn/ Winter issue of Unveiled Magazine, but I thought that you lovely lot might benefit if I was to share it on these pretty pages too. Please do leave me a comment to let me know if you found it useful, or if you are a professional photographer reader (howdy!) I’d love to know what other advice you might offer our brides.
With images kindly provided by Jonny Draper Photography.
As a professional wedding blogger, I receive a lot of real wedding submissions and believe me, there is a big difference between a just-ok photographer and a really good one. A bad photographer? Let’s not even go there.
But why are good wedding photographs so important anyway? Aren’t your memories of the big day enough?
The reality is, wedding photographs are your memories. Crack open your album and your big day will all come flooding back. For better or for worse. If done right, they’re also memories that you can share – with future children, grandchildren, family and friends. You want your images to be as beautiful as the celebration itself.
So, that friend who’s just keen with a camera? Ask him to take some fun shots of the party instead and book the best professional that your budget will allow. You’ll be so glad that you did.
Now that’s clicked, where to start?
Start Early
It’s simple: the best get booked, and fast. If there’s a photographer whose work you already know that you love, you want to be securing their services as soon as the date is saved. If you do miss out, then ask them to recommend a trusted industry colleague with a similar style.
Narrow Your Options
If you’ve no idea where to begin, wedding blogs like this one and personal recommendations are your best bet. Decide what look you like, then search out the photographers who deliver consistently within that style. Ask online and across social media platforms for reviews and honest commentary.
Do Your Homework
Once you think you’ve found your man (or woman), request to see a variety of examples of their work. Rather than a load of great photos from lots of different days, you should be looking for a few excellently captured complete weddings. It’s relatively easy to get one lucky shot, but a whole day’s worth takes real skill. While you are there, check out your options for aftercare and albums and that you like your photographer’s editing style and presentation choices.
Budget For The Best
It’s a big ballpark, and very dependant on location, coverage and experience, but a photographer at the top of their game usually costs between £1,000 and £2,500. When discussing prices, check what the total figure covers to avoid any nasty surprises. How long will the photographer be there on the day? Does the price include an album? What about digital images and who will own the copyright to the photographs? What sort of timescales does the photographer work to and how soon after the wedding will you see your proofs?
Practice Makes Perfect
I’d recommend an engagement shoot to everyone. Even if you’re already a pro in front of the camera, you can practice your make up, get to know your photographer better and check that you get on. If you’re a little more hesitant in front of a lens, a warm up shoot can really help to relieve pre wedding nerves and instil confidence.
Smile For The Birdie
Once the big day arrives, remember to relax. You’ve done your research and paid a fair price. Trust that your photographer will do a good job and let them get on with it. Strike a pose!
Brides Up North UK Wedding Blog – Images © 2013 Jonny Draper Photography
This is not a sponsored post
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