Planning a wedding can be incredibly stressful – you’ll need to get all of the elements in position for things to go right. Take the photographer, for example. Hire a great one, and you’ll have a series of fantastic souvenirs that you’ll be able to treasure forever. Get things wrong, on the other hand, and you won’t be able to go back and correct it. As such, you’ll want to ensure that you thoroughly vet your photographer before acquiring their services. Let’s consider how this might be done.
Take a Look
Your first objective should be to take a look at as many different wedding photos as you can to get an idea of the sort of style you’d like. Some couples like formal shots where everyone is positioned precisely; others prefer more off-the-cuff, candid ones; some even prefer more unusual, creative photography. Pick a style and find someone who specialises.
Make a Shortlist
Once you’ve an idea of what you’re after, find a few local photographers who match the descriptions. The larger the portfolio, the better; you want to be sure that they’re able to achieve consistent results across the entire wedding album. After all, anyone can appear competent if they pick out a few of their ‘greatest hits’!
Take Experience into Account
Most photographers will state precisely how long they’ve been taking photographs. But this number might not tell the whole story. They might have been taking photos on an amateur basis for decades, only making the switch to full-time in the past year. Moreover, they might have only started doing weddings recently. A major component of a wedding photographer’s skill set is the ability to manage the day, and get everyone into position to capture the right shots and the right moment. If they’ve spent most of their career taking wildlife shots, they might not yet have acquired this ability!
Secure Testimonials
Before you approach a photographer, be sure that previous clients have been happy with their results. Ask for references and if possible speak to those previous clients in person. Get more than one testimonial, just in case they’re referring you to a friend or family member.
Ask for a Discount
Photographers who are trying to establish themselves as an option for weddings will be eager to amass experience – for the reasons we’ve just established. Consequently, they might be willing to work at a slightly lower rate. But if you don’t ask, you don’t get!
Supplement!
Of course, alongside your main wedding photographs, you’ll have all of the ones that your guests have spontaneously taken over the course of the evening. These can capture some of the most memorable moments – but they’re not always of stellar quality. With the help of a high-quality photo booth of the sort we provide, you’ll be able to offset this downside, allowing your guests to take stunning, hysterical snaps of themselves even when they’re slightly inebriated!