Tips for clients seeking wedding photographers

As a photographer I’m often asked about wedding photography and although this is outside New Work’s services, there are some general tips I give clients seeking wedding photographers. While we don’t do weddings, we DO do Style Shoots and mock fashion shoots for hens days/nights! But here are the wedding photography tips…

• Check that the photographer you’re getting is the one whose work you like on the website – sometimes there’s more than one photographer and they don’t all have the same standard/style
• Make sure you get a meeting with your photographer to discuss your ideas/needs before you commit
• You should be able to find one that will include a CD of all your images for you to keep
• Try to find examples and key words of what you like to give to the photographer and check that they have the right idea of what you want (communication!!)
• You should be given a contract or terms of sale to sign beforehand so you are clear what you are getting. Even though you can’t redo your wedding day if you don’t like the photos, there should still be some sort of guarantee
• Try to pick a photographer who specialises in weddings or is really strong in them. Don’t choose a cheaper option that does generic photography because weddings may not be their passion. To capture the emotion of the day you need someone sensitive to this
• Careful with friends recommendations – look at their pictures, as it may not be that what they like is what you like
• Decide whether you want more candid ‘photojournalistic’ shots, arty images or traditional/fun posed ones and find a photographer that specialises in the style you like
• If possible, book your videographer separate – to get a really good film of the wedding you want someone who specialises in this.
• Usually you get what you pay for, but sometimes photography is a rip off. Smaller, boutique businesses may give better value for money because more time can be given to each client’s project, since there are fewer clients