How does a couple choose their wedding photographer?

Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions a couple will make while planning their wedding. After all, the photographer will be responsible for capturing the memories of one of the most important days of their lives.

But with so many options and factors to consider, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some key factors that a couple should consider when selecting their wedding photographer.

1. Style: The first thing to consider is the photographer’s style. Does their portfolio match the aesthetic that the couple is going for? Are their images posed or candid? Do they use natural light or flash? It’s important for the couple to find a photographer whose style resonates with their vision for the wedding day.
2. Experience: The next factor to consider is the photographer’s experience. Does the photographer have experience shooting weddings? How many weddings have they shot? A seasoned wedding photographer will have the knowledge and skills to handle any unexpected situations that may arise during the wedding day.
3. Personality: The couple should also consider the photographer’s personality. Will they be easy to work with? Will they make the couple feel comfortable in front of the camera? It’s important to find a photographer who is professional, yet also personable and easy to communicate with.
4. Reviews: Reading reviews from past clients can be a great way to gauge the photographer’s reputation and level of satisfaction. Look for reviews that specifically mention the photographer’s professionalism, responsiveness, and quality of work.
5. Pricing: Of course, pricing is also an important factor to consider. The couple should have a clear understanding of the photographer’s pricing structure and what is included in their packages. It’s important to find a photographer whose pricing fits within the wedding budget, without sacrificing quality.
6. Availability: Finally, the couple should confirm the photographer’s availability for the wedding date. It’s important to book the photographer well in advance to ensure that they are available on the desired date.

In conclusion, choosing a wedding photographer is a decision that should not be taken lightly. By considering these key factors, a couple can find a photographer who will capture the memories of the special day in a way that matches their vision and style.

To see my reviews click here, and to see examples of my pricing click here.
Thanks for reading and I very much hope to meet you soon!

Rowan & Suzanne wedding

Suzanne & Rowan were married in a civil ceremony at Hundith Hill.  It was a fun day spent with very close friends & family.

Congratulations to Angela & Phil

Congratulations to Angela & Phil who were married in an extremely intimate wedding at the Bridge Inn, Santon.  It was with immediate family & friends in an extremely relaxed atmosphere.

Katie & Stephen wedding

Katie & Stephen were married at St John’s Church at Bigrigg then the reception was held at Hundith Hill Hotel near Cockermouth.  It was a beautiful Spring day and the daffodils were out in force!

More in the Portfolio – click here.

Ruth & Douglas wedding

Ruth & Douglas were married on a beautiful day in the historic St. Bees Priory and the reception was at the beautiful Hundith Hill Hotel near Cockermouth.  Congratulations both!

More in the Portfolio – click here.

Pete & Laura’s wedding

Pete & Laura got married at St Bartholomew’s Church in Loweswater.  The weather held and even gave a spectacular backdrop against the fells of Melbreak, Rannerdale Knotts and Grasmoor.
It was a very intimate wedding with a relaxed atmosphere.  Congratulations!

More in the Portfolio – click here.

Does your wedding photographer know what they are doing?

With the UK economy as it is I see an increasing number of amateur photographers being asked to cover Your Big Day. Is this a good idea? Or is it a false economy?

Well, the problem is that many clients have the same expectations from an amateur photographer as they do with the professional images they see in the wedding magazines.  After all, anybody can be a photographer, right? And if that’s true, why not save the money and put it towards something else? WRONG.

It’s true that anyone can press a shutter – but it’s a vastly different thing to have them deliver professional quality images at a wedding. Wedding photography is considered by many to be one of the most difficult, challenging and high-pressure photography jobs around. You have to be master of multiple photography disciplines and you have no luxury of a re-shoot if things don’t turn out.

So what are these differences between an amateur and a professional wedding photographer?

The Amateur;
– “has taken pictures at weddings before”.
– will not understand how light and the camera works, his favorite camera setting is “Auto”.
– doesn’t see the need to spend £400 on an external flash because his camera has a pop-up flash.
– might have a flash but always uses it pointed straight ahead. And it is set to Auto of course.
– has one or two consumer grade zoom lenses.
– gets his prints from a high-street shop.
– will unlikely be able to provide an album (if he does, his selection is limited because most high quality album manufacturers only produce work with professional photographers).
– will not provide a contract.
– can’t give you guarantees… if the wedding pictures don’t turn out, oh well.

The Professional;
– understands how to get the best from any lighting situation from bright sunlight to dark churches.
– can quickly adjust camera settings blindfolded.
– highly skilled at using ambient light, bounced flash, fill flash, and off-camera lighting.
– understands the principles of photojournalism, portrait photography, creative posing, and composition.
– can show you multiple examples of wedding galleries from past clients.
– has enough experience to help your whole wedding day run smoothly.
– has dealt with a host of wedding scenarios including churches, castles, ballrooms, beaches, and parks.
– has shot small weddings, large weddings, traditional, modern and unconventional weddings.
– knows the flow of a wedding day and can anticipate where to be, what to capture, and can adjust to the unexpected.
– can provide valuable advice on your timetable and recommend family group shots.
– has shot hundreds of thousands of images and knows his equipment inside and out.
– has mastered the end-to-end workflow through years of experience.
– provides a contract outlining all relevant facts on the services and products provided and at what cost to the client.
– provides a contract which helps to reduce any misunderstandings between the client and the photographer.
– has insurance to cover himself and his equipment.
– has access to the highest quality professional photo labs.
– works with high-end album manufacturers who only sell to professional photographers.

Phew! I bet you never thought of all that.  Well it is all true and this is why wedding photography is expensive – and should stay expensive.  And I didn’t even include things like accountancy and tax bills, new equipment and maintenance costs, travel expenses and of course … reputation.

So as you as now looking for a wedding photographer make your decision with all of this in mind. And please, please, PLEASE don’t get a family member to do it for you!!