Choosing a Wedding Photographer
Choosing the right wedding photographer is a vital decision. One of the most important decisions in the entire wedding planning process.
I find it really concerning that there are so many total beginners advertising as ‘wedding photographers’ these days. It seems that any new DSLR now comes with a free business name and website, as so many who don’t even have the most basic skills are now trying to get wedding work as they see a way to make easy money.
So what should you look for in a photographer?
Choose a qualified photographer with one of the main photography societies. MPA, SWPP or BIPP are the big ones. Qualifications are Licentiate, Associate or Fellow and these photographers will have the letters after their name e.g. FMPA, FSWPP, FBIPP etc. This means they have submitted work to a highly qualified panel of judges for assessment.
Style. Choose on style and not price. See if the photographer has samples of complete weddings as it’s easy to show one good picture from six different weddings on a website, but that does not make a good photographer. There must be consistency throughout the day, in different locations and under pressure, and with different lighting conditions. Also if you are looking at sample albums, forget the covers and look at the photographs. Too many people are wowed by a fancy cover and anybody can buy a good album and put pictures in it. What is inside is what matters. Look for imagination, flattering lighting and posing.
How many weddings have they done? Experience is almost as vital as photography skills when shooting a wedding. If you’ve chosen one with experience they will help you through the day and take the stress away, and be able to deal with any unforseen circumstances, including changes in weather, equipment problems, or whatever.
Does your photographer have the correct insurance if anything goes wrong? Do they have spare equipment to cover any eventuality?
Personality. Do you get on with them? Meet up and see if you feel relaxed and comfortable with the photographer as they need to be able to put you at ease on the day so you look your best.
Beware of ‘awards’. A bronze, silver or gold in the SWPP monthly competition is not an award. I’ve seen websites where photographers have claimed to win awards, when in actual fact they have got a bronze or a silver in this competition, which in actual fact means their image has not been successful. Gold images are finalists, but again not actual awards. So if a photographer says he/she is award winning, ask what they have won.
I have honestly lost count of the number of people I have spoken to over the last 10 years who have said things like “if there was one regret from my wedding it was that I never spent a little more on the right photographer”. I get a lot of brides coming to me that have had friends or family made that mistake, and they are very keen not to let that happen again. There is no point having all the other beautiful things at your wedding if you do not have the photographs for memories in years to come.
These beginners are using your wedding day to practice and learn the craft, and do not care if they ruin it as they usually have another job to fall back on. They do it as they think it’s easy money. There is no substitute for a full time qualified and experienced photographer.
I have been photographing weddings for 12 years now and can’t remember how many I have done, but well over 300. I think any bride I have photographed in recent years will back up the claim that my experience has been a big help on the day.
I am now offering pre wedding shoots to ALL couples, even if you have not booked yet. Ask for further details! 08000 699169 or john@captiv8.uk.com
