I AM DELIGHTED THAT 3 OF THE RECENT WEDDING’S I HAVE PHOTOGRAPHED HAVE BEEN SELECTED FOR COUNTRY WEDDING MAGAZINE ‘WEDDING OF THE YEAR COMPETITION’ IN THE LATEST ISSUE. VERY WELL DONE TO THE NEWLY MARRIED COUPLES FEATURED AND GOOD LUCK WITH THE COMPETITION! DETAILS ABOVE
I HAVE HAD TO PRIVILEGE OF WRITING FOR COUNTRY WEDDING’S MAGAZINE IN THE FORM OF A QUESTION/ANSWER SESION ON HOW TO FIND THE RIGHT PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER FOR YOUR WEDDING.
How do I choose a good photographer?
It is very important to choose the best person for the job. Look for a style of portfolio that captures the way that you would like to remember your wedding. Also you may have budget considerations to take into account. It is important to ask the photographer for either a written contract or request their terms and conditions before proceeding with a booking. Always check they have insurance.
Why should I meet with them?
Aways endeavour to meet a prospective photographer if possible. At the very least have a chat with them on the phone. Its important you have a rapport and you feel comfortable with this person. You are going to spend a very important day with them.
What are the different styles?
There are many different styles of Wedding Photography. For example some photographer’s specialise in natural, documentary style photography. Documentary photograph captures candid or spontaneous pictures of people. Other’s photographers favour traditional posed or highly styled shots.
DURING THE DAY
What photos are must haves?
In my view the ‘key shots’,as I like to call them is the groom as he’s first sees his partner usually just before the ceremony commences, the exchanging of the wedding rings, the signing of the registerer, the cutting of the cake and of course the first dance.
How will we know how to pose?
The photographer should always give you direction on how to pose. Also you can discuss before the big day arrives any poses that you particularly like or have seen in magazine’s for example.
How can we get our chosen images without it taking a long time?
Its always advisable to keep the group shots to a minimum at a wedding. Ask yourself ‘are we really going to have all to have all those photo’s on the mantelpiece’. Additionally someone should brief the wedding party about when you and your wedding photographer are planning to do the group shots, so the guests don’t just wander off. It’s always a good idea to have 2 or 3 different people helping to organise the various guests into groups as quickly and effectively as possible. You could also think about hiring a second photographer. This would provide you with image’s from another prospective.
AFTER THE DAY
Can we edit the bad bits?
Make sure you discuss with your potential photographer before you make a booking about any editing/optimization that may be included. Most photographers will do the basic’s. For example improving the lighting on some ot the shots and cropping unnecessary details that may distract from the main image itself.
What shall we do with our images?
That’s the beauty of digital image’s today. They are so versatile. For example your image’s can be printed, made into photo albums and canvas’s, used on social media, plus you can e-mail them to auntie in Australia. The first thing I would recommend doing with your beautiful image’s as soon as you receive them is backing them up onto either your PC, laptop or i-cloud etc.. If you loose your precious USB or your disc or it get’s damaged, can you be sure your photographer would of kept a record of all of your image’s- even 3 or 4 year’s down the line?
What follow-up shoots can we have?
You can come back to your photographer at a future date for some family portraiture perhaps. With just the two of you perhaps or even include your extended family. Natural, candid photography is particularly popular these days. If you have a good rapport with your photographer, it will be easy to relax. This will show through in your pictures.