How to Choose a Good Wedding Photographer
Choosing a good wedding photographer can be a long, unknown, and even confusing task.
But after all, your photographer will capture moments from one of the most important days of your life.
So, let’s get into how you can choose the right one for you.
Find Your Photography Style
Before the long-awaited search, you need to think about the style of photography that resonates with you.
Do you want photography that captures your day naturally as it happens?
Or are you after more artistic, posed photos?
Maybe a mixture of both?
Documentary-Style
As mentioned, documentary-style photography captures the day as it unfolds, with little direction or interference from the photographer.
Perfect for couples who want natural moments captured in real time.
Editorial or Fine Art
Editorial/fine art photography focuses more on creating artistic, styled images, most of the time with a sense of drama or elegance.
It involves more direction from the photographer, giving you posed, yet stunning results.
Traditional Photography
This includes classic poses and a focus on the key moments: the first kiss, family portraits, and cutting the cake.
Taking a second to understand what suites you best is the first step in how to choose a good wedding photographer that matches your vision.
Research and List Photographers
Image courtesy of https://www.baph.co.uk/
Once you know your style, start researching photographers who specialise in that particular approach.
Browse portfolios on their websites and social media to see if their work aligns with your preferences.
You want to focus on a few key areas:
Consistency: Is their portfolio consistent?
Variety: Can they handle different settings, lighting conditions, and styles while maintaining a high standard?
Emotion: Do they capture genuine moments between couples?
List a few photographers whose work you love and who have experience in the type of wedding you’re planning.
Set Up Meetings and Ask the Right Questions
After narrowing down your options, set up meetings (or video calls) with your listed photographers.
This is a crucial step in learning how to choose a good wedding photographer because it gives you a feel for their personality and professionalism.
Here are some key questions to ask:
What’s your experience with weddings similar to ours?
Ask about their experience with weddings that match your venue, size, or style.
If you’re having an outdoor wedding or a destination wedding, also make sure they have experience in similar environments.
What’s your working style?
Find out how involved they’ll be on the day.
Some photographers prefer to blend into the background, and others are more hands-on in directing shots.
How do you handle unexpected challenges?
Whether it’s bad weather or a timeline running behind schedule, a good photographer should be able to stay calm under pressure.
Review Full Wedding Galleries
Portfolios on websites often feature the highlights, but to make an actual decision, you should see full wedding galleries.
This will give you a better sense of the photographer’s storytelling ability throughout the day, not just in a few highlighted shots.
Look for:
Consistency from start to finish
Attention to detail
Personality and Chemistry
Your photographer will be with you throughout one of the most intimate days of your life, so it’s important to feel comfortable with them.
You need someone who can put you at ease in front of the camera, especially if you're camera-shy.
Good wedding photographers build a rapport with their clients, making the experience enjoyable rather than stressful.
Ask yourself:
- Do I feel comfortable with this person?
- Can they make us feel at ease, even if we're nervous or camera-shy?
- Do they seem genuinely interested in our story and vision for the day?
Look at Packages and What’s Included
Price is obviously a big factor, but don’t just go for the cheapest option.
Compare what’s included in the wedding photography prices and packages.
Does the photographer offer:
Pre-wedding consultations: A chance to discuss your wedding and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Second shooters: Some photographers include a second shooter in their packages to capture more angles and moments.
Editing and post-processing: What’s their editing style, and how much time do they spend editing the images after the wedding?
Read Reviews and Testimonials
Reading wedding photography reviews and testimonials is an important step in learning how to choose a good wedding photographer.
Pay attention to feedback that highlights their professionalism, punctuality, communication, and quality of the final product.
Look for consistent, positive feedback regarding the photographer’s ability to capture moments naturally and beautifully.
Conclusion
Once you’ve done your research, met with photographers, and reviewed their work, trust your instincts.
When deciding how to choose a good wedding photographer, prioritise finding someone whose work you love and whose personality fits well with yours.
Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the right photographer will make sure those memories are preserved in the best possible way.
If you're looking for a photographer who combines experience, creativity, and a natural style to capture the essence of your special day, consider reaching out to us, a Dorset wedding photographer. With over a decade of experience, we provide bespoke wedding photography services that focus on telling your unique love story.
FAQs
How do I choose a good wedding photographer?
Firstly find the style of photography you’re after, research potential photographer that match that style, then set up meetings and ask questions to the photography to ensure they align with your vision.
What are some questions to ask your wedding photographer?
What’s your experience with weddings similar to ours?
What’s your working style?
How do you handle unexpected challenges?
How many weddings have you photographed?
How many photographers or assistants will be with you?
How long will it take to receive the final photos?
Should you meet your wedding photographer before booking?
Yes, meeting your wedding photographer is highly recommended to ensure you have a good connection, understand their approach, and clarify expectations.
What’s the difference between candid and traditional wedding photography?
Candid photography captures natural, unposed moments, while traditional photography involves posed shots and formal group photos. Your choice depends on the style you prefer.
What are the different wedding photography styles?
Common styles include traditional (posed), documentary (candid), fine art (artistic and creative), and editorial (fashion-inspired). Choose one that matches the tone of your wedding.
What’s the most important thing to consider when choosing a wedding photographer?
The most important factor is whether their photography style aligns with your vision for your wedding day, followed closely by their personality and professionalism.
