How to find the perfect photographer for your wedding day.

Hi, I’m Claire; a photographer based in South London and I started documenting weddings in 2017. I personally remember how daunting it can feel when starting out at the beginning of your wedding planning. Therefore, I decided to pull on my experience from over the years to help you choose a wedding photographer that ‘gets’ you as couple and ultimately what you want from your photography. After all that’s what your wedding day is; YOUR day. You’re only going to do it once and the photographs will serve as timeless mementos, allowing you to relive the joy, emotions, and beauty of your wedding for years to come. It’s also a day that you will spend a great deal of time and money on making sure is perfect for you and your guests. Therefore, finding the photographer that is right for you as a couple needs time and consideration.

Determine Your Photography Style

Before you start searching for a wedding photographer, it’s essential to identify the photography style that you resonate with. Are you drawn to traditional, classic shots, or do you prefer a more candid and documentary approach? Do you envision your wedding photographs with vibrant and bold colours or a softer, romantic palette? Understanding your preferred style will help you narrow down your search and find photographers who specialize in your desired aesthetic. A photographer’s style is something that is developed over years of experience and something that won’t change for your wedding. So, make sure that you like it!

Lock down your budget

Weddings can be expensive and understanding how much of your budget you want to invest in your wedding photography will naturally narrow down your selection. A photographers pricing structure will reflect their knowledge relating to the scope of the job, including editing time afterwards. For me personally my clients are not just paying for a photographer, they’re also paying for my experience and someone who will there for them on the day as an emotional support and logistics coordinator if needed!

Research and Explore

Look at the portfolios of various wedding photographers as these will give you a taster of their style and show you their highlights. Browse their websites, social media, and blogs to get a feel for their work and the consistency of their style. Pay attention to their ability to capture emotion, the use of light, and the overall storytelling aspect in their photographs. Make a shortlist of photographers whose work resonates with you and matches your preferred style.

Check Reviews and Testimonials

Once you have a list of potential photographers, take the time to read reviews and testimonials from their previous clients. What are people saying about them? Do they have a lot of clients leaving good reviews? Do they appear to have the right experience to capture your day? Platforms such as Google Business or social media channels can also provide valuable insights into their professionalism, communication skills, and the overall experience couples had with them. Positive feedback from past clients is a good indicator of a reliable and skilled photographer. You want someone who you will not only trust to show up on the day, but is also going to have the experience and knowledge to ensure that your wedding gallery is delivered to you in a timely and professional manner; portraying the best day of your life!

Schedule a Call

Whether it be a traditional call or a video call, arrange time to speak to the photographers that you are considering. This step is crucial as it allows you to gauge their personality, professionalism, and how well you connect with them on a personal level. Do you like them? Will you have fun with them? A great rapport with your photographer is really important as they will be by your side throughout your wedding day, capturing intimate moments. You need to ensure that you’re going to feel at ease and relaxed with them as if you don’t this will show in your photographs. Tell them about what you would like photographically and they will be able to tell you if you’re a good fit! It’s essential to find a photographer who understands your needs and can bring your ideas to life. You should also be asking questions such as; do they have a B Plan if they’re ill on the day? Are they fully insured? How do they ensure your wedding images are backed up securely?

Get a Contract

Contracts aren’t the most exciting thing in the world but they are important. Once you have made your decision, make sure to sign a contract that clearly outlines the agreed-upon terms and conditions. Having a signed contract protects both parties and sets the expectations.

If you think I could be the right photographer for you on your wedding day or you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or schedule a call for us to chat!