9 ways to choose the right wedding photographer
You’ve chosen the best website to help you make this decision! Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions for your big day. After all, these photos will capture memories you’ll treasure forever. In this guide, we share 9 essential tips to help you find the perfect photographer.
From reviewing portfolios and checking reviews to understanding photography styles and setting a budget, we’ve got you covered. Make an informed choice and ensure your wedding day is beautifully documented.
9 ways to choose the right wedding photographer
1. Check reviews and testimonials
One of the best ways to gauge a photographer’s reliability and style is through reviews from past clients. Read what couples have to say about their experience, from the quality of the photos to the photographer’s professionalism and personality on the day.
Authentic reviews can give you an honest glimpse into what to expect. You should be looking for multiple 5* reviews across a range of time. Ask AI to summarise a photographers reviews so you get an overview of their skills. Start with Bigeye Photography!
2. Review their portfolio
Look at their portfolio to see if their photography style matches what you envision for your wedding day. Pay attention to the composition, lighting, and overall aesthetic of their images. A strong portfolio will showcase a variety of moments, from candid shots to portraits to night-time images, giving you an idea of their versatility.
Decide on a traditional vs photo-journalistic style but most importantly look fo the fun and the authentic moments. This kind of portfolio is wide ranging and ensures the images captured are creative and also professional.
3. Meet them
Meeting your photographer in person or virtually is key to assessing whether you’re a good fit. You’ll want someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident, as they’ll be capturing some of the most personal moments of your life. Use this meeting to discuss your vision, ask questions, and get a sense of their personality.
Don’t be shy. Whilst it is the photographers job to capture your wedding, it’s beneficial form them to learn details about you and your lives so the can be best placed to capture your wedding dayin the best way possible. Book in a Zoom to chat here!
4. Check they are experienced with weddings
While a photographer might be great in general, you want someone who has solid experience shooting weddings. A seasoned wedding photographer knows how to handle all the moving parts of the day, from capturing key moments to managing the timeline and working with your other vendors. Reading their reviews helps with this too – book a photographer that has a wide range of excellent reviews.
Booking a fashion or food photographer might work but it also may not be a great fit for an environment which is different to that in which they are used to working. Are your wedding photographs worth the risk?
5. Look for a full day package
Wedding days are long, and you don’t want to feel rushed. Ensure the photographer offers a package that covers your entire day, from getting ready to the final moments of the reception. Check if they provide a second photographer or assistant for larger weddings to capture more angles and moments, it’s well worth it. Time when this can be an excellent addition are group shots or morning preparation.
If you are planning a smaller wedding or don’t need full day coverage, ask about half day coverage. Whilst this may not be the same as half of the full day price, it may still be less. Conversely you can normally book extra coverage if you’d like your photographer to stay to capture more of the party!
6. Ask about equipment and backup plans
A professional photographer should have high-quality equipment to capture beautiful images. Ask about the gear they use, and make sure they have backup cameras, lenses, and memory cards to avoid any mishaps on the big day. It’s also a good idea to inquire about their backup plan in case of an emergency.
7. Consider the cost and value
While wedding photography is an investment, it’s important to find a photographer who offers good value for your budget. Compare pricing and packages, keeping in mind that the lowest price isn’t always the best deal. Make sure you’re getting quality work, along with options for albums, prints, or digital files.
Some photographers such as this website you are currently reading offer videography in addition to photography as an add on. This will normally be much less than it would cost to book a separate videographer for a full day. This is an invaluable add on – consider a highlight film as a good place to start and possibly add on full ceremony and speeches as an extra.
8. Review their wedding day timeline
A good photographer will be well-organized and have a timeline in place for your wedding day. Ask about how they approach the timeline, from when to schedule portraits to how much time they need for group shots. No question on this front should be a challenge.
Clear communication on timing helps avoid rushed moments and ensures your photos are stress-free. The old adage of having a plan that can be adjusted if need be is never truer than on your wedding day!
9. Trust your instincts
Ultimately, trust your gut feeling when choosing a photographer. If you feel comfortable, confident, and excited about working with them, that’s a great sign. Wedding photography is a highly personal experience, and the photographer you choose should make you feel at ease, allowing you to enjoy the day and capture the memories beautifully. Don’t feel you have to follow trends, book bright, fun, colourful photography that will look amazing for many years to come.
Use the contact form above to ask any questions you might have.
