how do you know if you are booking a "good" photographer?
One of the things I try to do as a wedding photographer is to imagine what a potential client is thinking when they are making their choice for a wedding photographer. There are so many out there, and the market is over saturated, so how on earth do you make that all important decision!?
Booking a good photographer is not just a task but an essential step in ensuring that the precious moments of your special day are flawlessly captured. In order to make the right choice, it is important to keep a few key factors in mind.
First and foremost, take the time to evaluate the photographer's portfolio. Look for consistent quality in their work, paying close attention to elements such as composition, lighting, and their ability to capture emotions. By doing so, you will be able to get a sense of their style and determine if it aligns with your vision for your wedding day.
The way I photograph weddings is to tell the story of the day. This is done in two ways - Documentary Style and Creative Style:
First, there is the documentary style, which is like “fly on the wall” photography, where I capture everything naturally. This enables me to photograph the true emotions of you and your guests and get all the laughs, cries, hugs, embarrassing moments, and general enjoyment of the day.
This involves me ensuring we get the best quality and the most beautiful photographs we can. Don’t worry, this doesn’t involve cringy poses that can make you feel uncomfortable. It goes as far as “just walk over there” or “try standing here” and using the best light and composition possible. See more about my approach.
In addition to assessing their portfolio, make it a point to read reviews and testimonials from past clients. This will provide valuable insights into the photographer's professionalism, reliability, and the level of satisfaction they have delivered. Positive feedback and recommendations are clear indicators of a good photographer. I have photographed some awesome couples and they have been so kind to leave me some lovely reviews:
“He captured every special moment. It was like he wasn’t even there as he wasn’t in your face and took so many natural shots. He gave us the freedom to just be us and enjoy our big day without having to stage pictures”.
“It was a pleasure to have Colin as our photographer on our special day. He is very accommodating, friendly, and discreet and he respected our requests. The final result was better than we had expected. We strongly recommend Colin”.
Natasa & Fotini
During the consultation process, carefully observe the photographer's communication skills. A good photographer will listen attentively to your ideas, preferences, and any specific requests you may have. Effective communication is key to ensuring that your photography needs are understood and met.
Furthermore, transparency about pricing and packages is crucial. It is important to have a clear understanding of their rates, any additional charges that may apply, and what is included in the packages offered. This will help you make an informed decision while considering your budget. If you’d like to see my rates, just head over here to get all the wedding info you need.
Lastly, inquire about the photographer's backup equipment and contingency plans for unforeseen circumstances. Technical failures can occur at any event, and it is important for a good photographer to be prepared with backup gear and have a plan in place. This will give you peace of mind knowing that they have contingencies in case of any unexpected situations. I have so many memory cards that are backed up as I take photos, giving my clients peace of mind. As soon as I am home, these are backed up twice and the hard drives are secured safely.
By taking into consideration these important factors, you can confidently make an informed decision when booking a good photographer who will beautifully document your special day. Remember, the memories they capture will be cherished for a lifetime, so investing in a skilled professional is truly invaluable.
If you have any questions on the above or want to learn more, just get in touch and we can chat!