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Choosing Your Wedding Photographer. 15 Things You Need To Know.
male wedding photographer taking a photo with blurry lights in the distance

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how do you choose your wedding photogRAPHER?

In honour of #WorldPhotographyDay, we’ve had a chat with 3 of our favourite (and most friendly!) wedding photographers.

In our first ever guest blog (how exciting!), Helen & Noel, Jesse and Lisa share their top 5 tips to help you decide who to have as your wedding photographer and ideas to make your day flow as smooothly as possible.

First up, meet Helen and Noel from HN Photography UK. Here are their 5 top tips:

1.

Always meet your photographer – If you only talk to them on the phone or via email you never get a true impression of who they are. Don’t just book a photographer because you like their photos. There is a lot that goes into a truly great wedding photograph. Connections are so important…..if you feel uncomfortable and can’t relax with your photographer, it WILL show in your photos. This is why we have several meetings with our couples, so that on the day you can relax.

2.

Don’t let cost be the deciding factor –  Letting price be the major player can open up a minefield. Yes, there are some great photographers who charge very little for their services, but there are also cheap photographers who are just not professional. Do they offer a contract?Are they insured? Do they have back-up equipment? Do they work alone? What experience do they have? These are just a few of the questions you should be asking (especially in the current climate).

3.

Be realistic about time – As photographers, we love it when our couples give us a photo list of the photos they would like. The downside is that the wedding day timeline does not always leave enough time to capture all these photos. Arranging multiple groups of people takes time. It can save time to designate someone who knows your guests to help get people together, so while we are photographing one group they can be gathering guests ready for the next set of photos.

4.

Set aside time for yourselves – It is your big day but often most couples barely get any time alone together. It can also be an overwhelming experience being the centre of attention all day long. We encourage all our couples to factor in time just for themselves and, if things are getting a bit much, all they have to do is give us the nod and we take them away for a few minutes, ostensibly for more private photos, but to give them time alone to catch their breath away from the spotlight.

5.

Stay true to the day you want – This is your wedding day, so have it your way. If you want a pizza van and a bouncy castle, then do it (and don’t forget to hire us as your photographers… pizza and bouncy castle fun sounds amazing!). Accommodate people where you can of course, but don’t let someone else control your day and make you feel bad about your choices. We have photographed so many weddings and each one is perfect and unique in its own way. Be strong, and bold!
photo of bride embracing 2 women with fields and trees in the distance
photo of bride riding a white horse bareback through a grassy field
photo of bride and groom kissing in the back of the wedding car
photo of bride holding her dress up smiling walking along with archways behind her
Bride holding a glass in pink shoes with groom behind her dancing

Copyright HN Photography UK

 

Now, the Top 5 Photography Tips from Jesse from J Lawrence Photography.

1.

Look beyond the portfolio – There can be a massive difference in the quality of photographers and their photography so it’s really important you have a clear idea of the service and product available. I always say, ‘Don’t just ask for a portfolio’ instead ask for examples of a full wedding from start to finish to see the full picture rather than a snapshot. If you pay for a wedding photographer, you don’t want just two or three portfolio images, but a full memory of the day. 

2.

Be specific about time & images – Ask about the amount of time they will spend with you at your wedding on the actual day. Also ask how many images you will receive. For example, many photographers will specifically state 8 hours and 400 photographs. I do not limit either number, which is why I am often there for 10-13 hours with an excess of 1000 images. Neither is wrong. Just make sure you know what you are buying so you are clear on the day.

3.

Pay attention to reviews – I would always suggest taking the time to research the reviews of your chosen, or shortlisted, photographer(s). It is so important to hear from the people who have already used their services and to hear their thoughts. Of course, some people are hypercritical but generally couples are honest and enlightening and you can get a real sense of their experience. (Reviews are really useful for handy hints and tips too to make your day run smoothly.) 

4.

Be yourselves & have fun – My way of working with couples is specifically around them feeling comfortable in front of the camera – I have become known as the specialist for people who normally hate having their photo taken! Most of what I do is aimed around you having a nice time. It certainly shouldn’t be complicated. All of my packages include a free engagement shoot to give you the opportunity to get to know me and prepare you for the big day.

5.

You are in control! – Please don’t be afraid to tell us when you have had enough. Typically, I try to keep the time spent on a couple’s photographs quite short – it’s good for you to have a breather after getting married (but typically mostly terrible lighting!). Because I stay later, I often bring you to one side in the evening, where we can get some beautiful shots, such as silhouettes or sunset photos (and this also gives you a chance for some time “alone” together before the festivities begin.)

wedding photography by j lawrence bride and groom in field
wedding photography by j lawrence bride and groomat alter black and white arty shot
wedding photography by j lawrence bride and groom walking down a road

Copyright J Lawrence Photography

 

And last but definitely not least, we hear Lisa’s top pieces of advice from Lisa Carpenter Photography.

1.

Decide on your style – Vintage, cool, modern, classic, steam punk? The options are endless but this is really important to know before you make the decision on your photographer. It’s not to say that a photographer can only shoot a certain ‘type’ of wedding, it just means we are all have our own natural styles that will complement particular themes. There’s also editing styles that may suit your chosen style. My advise is to choose someone whose photos you will love in 30 years time.

2.

Check your package details – How long do you want your photographer to be with you? If you decide on this before approaching a photographer you don’t end up too far down the line and realise the package on offer just won’t suit your timescales. Are you thinking from the very beginning of the day or are you just after a short, concise coverage to capture the main moments of the day. Of course, this is affected by budget but always start with your ideal (and see my point 5!).

3.

Is there chemistry? – I’m hoping that’s a given with your other half! But, do you have chemistry with your photographer? The best way to find this out is to meet up for a cuppa, or at least a little chat on Facetime or Zoom! Engagement shoots are also a brilliant way to get to know each other a little better and makes it so much easier on the day. Sometimes these are add ons and sometimes they are part of the package, always check.

4.

The wildcard option – Have you considered an unplugged ceremony where you ban technology? They are hugely popular and the best thing ever! Rather than walking down the aisle to 80 off smart phones staring at you, you actually see your guests smiling at you! It can also make a massive difference to the moments we can capture and your guests will thank you, as they can truly enjoy your wedding with no distractions. It’s not an easy call, but from experience, it’s one worth making.

5.

Don’t have regrets – I get it. Weddings are bloody expensive and photography can top that list after the venue’s been booked and the food has been ordered. It’s been said though before, by a thousand and one amazingly wise photographers, once the cake’s been eaten and the dress has been worn, once the hangovers wear off and the wedding bubble pops, you’re left with just one thing from your day.  My top advice would be don’t scrimp on the one thing that can last a lifetime.

Copyright Lisa Carpenter Photography

Wow! Even more for you  to think about when it comes to making that all important ‘Wedding Photographer’ decision.

A massive thank you to Helen & Noel, Jesse and Lisa for their time and fantastic top tips.

If you’d like to speak to them, I know they would love to hear from you (and we can vouch for the wonderful people they are!)

Here are their websites if you’d like to find out more & good luck with your search!

https://www.hnphotography.uk/

https://www.jlawrence-photography.co.uk/

https://www.lisacarpenterphotos.com/

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