10 Things To Consider Before Choosing Your Wedding Photographer

Blog Post Written by Bill

Bill Farnham Photography

Your Wedding Day is one of the most important days of your life, so you want a photographer you can trust with the responsibility of capturing the memories of your day.

#1 ALWAYS MEET YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER BEFORE BOOKING

It is important that your wedding photographer is the right person for you and that vice versa so you feel at ease with him. Meeting beforehand lets you get to know each other a little so on the day he doesn’t feel like a complete stranger. A professional photographer should be happy to do this if they are not, then why not?

We never take a booking without first meeting up for an obligation free chat over a coffee to get to know each other before you decide to book.

#2 NEVER BOOK YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER ON PRICE ALONE, YOU ONLY GET ONE CHANCE AT IT

I know it’s an old saying but it usually is true with photographers, you do tend to get what you pay for. So, make sure they can deliver what they promise. I hear so many horror stories regarding cheap photographers not delivering on the day.

Your wedding photographs may be the only tangible thing you will have after the wedding day to look back on and to share with future generations, so don’t skimp on this.

#3 ARE THEY INSURED

Make sure whoever you choose is insured that should include both Professional indemnity and Professional Liability insurance.

You should also take out your own insurance to cover eventualities like venue cancellation etc.

#4 DO THEY HAVE A COMPREHENSIVE KIT OF EQUIPMENT

Imagine a photographer turning up to shoot your wedding with just one camera! It happens!
Then something goes wrong with that camera you are left with no photographs.

Always make sure your chosen photographer has plenty of back up equipment to ensure if there is a problem with a piece of kit then they have back up equipment.

#5 WILL YOUR IMAGES BE POST PROCESSED AND EDITED PROPERLY

This is a reason some budget photographers can appear to be a bargain, because they give you unprocessed images straight out of camera.

All digital images require post processing and enhancements of some kind and done properly this can add 2 to 3 days to the time spent actually working on your wedding.

#6 DON’T GET TIED DOWN WITH TOO MANY FORMAL GROUP SHOTS

It’s always nice to have some formal groups shots but try to limit these to no more than around 10. Plan them before hand and provide your photographer with a list, he won’t have to worry you on the day asking which groups you want and this part of day will flow and allow you and your guests to get back to what you are there for to celebrate your day.

#7 BOOK YOUR WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER WELL IN ADVANCE

Don’t leave booking your photographer until the last minute, allow plenty of time or you risk the disappointment of the photographer you really want already being booked on your date.

So, book early and save disappointment!

#8 DON’T BOOK A PACKAGE ON HOURS

Beware of booking photographers that offer hourly based Package, with best will in the world thing can run behind at a wedding and if your photographer bases his packages on hours, he will want you to pay up to £200 an hour extra for him to stay on if his time is up and you haven’t cut cake or had first dance.

We never book on hours; we are there to capture whole day even if things run over, we will still be there to make sure we have the full story of your day.

#9 PRE WEDDING OR ENGAGEMENT SHOOT

This is a great way to get to know your photographer a little more, it will also mean on the wedding day you will be more relaxed in the photographs.

Many photographers charge between £150 and £200 for a pre wedding or engagement shoot. We offer a free weekday pre wedding shoot with all our bookings.

#10 IS THE PHOTOGRAPHER FAMILIAR WITH YOUR CHOSEN VENUE

There are so many venues now available for you to choose from and it would be impossible for a photographer to have shot a wedding at every one of them, but you should make sure if they have not worked at your chosen venue before that they will visit it before the big day.

If we get a booking for a venue we have not shot at before, I always contact the wedding coordinator at the venue and make an appointment to visit the venue and have a good look around and familiarise myself with everything in readiness for your day.

I hope this all helps with you making the right decision regarding your wedding photographer, if you would like to chat with us about your big day please get in touch with us at Bill Farnham wedding photography we would love to hear from you!