We get it—finding the perfect wedding photographer is a huge decision. Your photos and albums are so much more than just images; they’re lifelong memories. That’s why we’ve compiled 10 essential points to consider when beginning your search for your photographer. Let us help you ensure that your memories are in the best hands possible!
- Choose your style
Set aside some time to browse through a variety of weddings to get a sense of the style of photography you like. Take a look through wedding blogs, Instagram and photographers websites for inspiration (Wedded Wonderland, Vogue Bridal and Junebug Weddings are some of our favourite places to start). This will help you solidify the style of photography that you love before you start looking for a photographer of your own. You might find yourself drawn to clear and classic colours, or images with a vintage charm. Alternatively, the allure of highly polished editorial-style work might just strike a chord with you.
Once you have a clear idea of what style you like, it’s time to start enquiring with photographers and studios that offer the look you’ve fallen in love with. Make sure that the style of the photographers that you enquire with fit your vision for your day – this way, your photographer can shoot in their own style on the day, ensuring that they do their best work and you get the results that you’re after!
- Think about how many photographers you need.
Several factors come into play when deciding how many photographers you need, and understanding your preferred style is just one of the things that will help guide you in the right direction.
If you’re looking for plenty of detail shots and candid moments, opting for two photographers might be the way to go. With one photographer focusing on you as a couple and the second photographer focusing more on those easily missed candid moments. Another perk of having two photographers is that they will be able to be in two places at once, for example, one photographer can capture the bride getting ready in the morning and the other can capture the groom.
But don’t get us wrong, one photographer on the day can be just as amazing. Just remember to take in to consideration the size of your wedding as larger weddings can definitely be a challenge for one photographer to cover on their own with so many things happening all at once.
- How much coverage do they offer?
On your day, it’s important to find out how many hours your photographer will be with you. Are they able to cover both bride prep and groom prep in the morning? And how far into the reception will they be able to stay? We’d definitely recommend looking for a photographer that offers between 8 and 12 hours worth of coverage to cover the majority of your wedding day – from the excitement of getting ready in the morning all of the way up to the joy of dancing the night away with friends!
Always make sure to ask what full day coverage means, as this will differ from one photographer to another.
- Do they offer photography and cinematography under one roof?
If you’re looking for both photography and cinematography, consider some studios that offer both under one roof – there are so many advantages to having a full team from the same studio!
Firstly, your team will be familiar with how one another works, meaning that no one’s shots are ever obstructed, ultimately leading to a better product for you.
Secondly, your final product will be more consistent as most studios photo and video editing styles will be similar.
And finally, with everyone being under one roof, it means less admin for you before and after your wedding day! Having one contact for both photo and video will streamline the whole process which can be a god send when you have a mountain of wedding vendors contacting you in the lead up to your big day!
- How will your photographer approach your day
To make the most of your wedding day, consider leaning on your photographer for guidance when planning the structure of your day. They can offer valuable insights into local photoshoot locations, ideal timelines, and helpful tips during the initial stages of your planning process.
It’s worth checking if they can provide you with supplier lists and other useful information to ensure that you’re well-prepared for the big day. Some photographers may offer wedding packs filled with inspiration and tips, while others prefer a more straightforward approach.
Many studios typically schedule a consultation with you about a month before your wedding. During this meeting, you’ll go over all the details of your day and work together to create a precise timeline. This ensures that you know exactly when to expect your photography team and helps you maximise the joy of your wedding day.
- Ask how many images you will receive
The number of images you will receive largely depends on the number of photographers you have on the day, but it varies from one photographer to another. From our experience, we find that to cover a standard wedding, it takes ideally between 600 and 1200 images, depending on the length of your package. We find that any more than this can get tiring to go through, so it’s great to find a photographer that makes sure that all of the best shots are included while duplicates are kept to a minimum.
- Find out how they edit their images
It’s no secret that every photographer has their own set of editing presets and filters that they use to create their signature look. But make sure that your photographer takes the time to tweak each image individually during the editing process, taking into account the lighting, colours and content to create the most refined results.
- Do they include albums in their packages?
We truly value the significance of wedding albums as timeless treasures that evolve into cherished heirlooms over the years. They offer a beautiful and intimate way to share your precious memories with loved ones, free from the confines of a screen.
It’s important to note that wedding albums are indeed an investment, reflecting the quality and craftsmanship put into their creation. Prices typically range between $1500 and $4000, depending on factors such as size, quality and the number of pages.
When discussing your album with your photographer, inquire about their design process and printing methods. Opting for fine art materials ensures durability and longevity, safeguarding your memories against fading or deterioration over time.
- Discuss fees
As a general guideline, allocating 8 to 15% of your overall wedding budget to photography is advisable. However, keep in mind that each photographer’s packages and inclusions may vary significantly. It’s crucial to have a clear understanding of precisely what is covered in your chosen package.
Some photographers offer comprehensive packages that include full-day coverage, an album, and high-resolution images on USB, while others may operate on a flat-rate basis for the day, with albums and additional images incurring extra costs.
During your initial appointment, be sure to inquire about the fee schedule. Understand what deposit is required, the payment terms, and whether there are any additional expenses post-wedding. Clarity on these aspects ensures a smooth and transparent financial arrangement.
- Go with your heart.
Once you have narrowed down your potential candidates, after you’ve met with them and evaluated your options, it’s time to decide who makes the cut. Your photos are one of the few items you get to keep after your wedding day, so find someone who’s work inspires you, who’s a pleasure to spend time with and you can’t go wrong!
