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How to choose a photographer for your wedding: a comprehensive guide

how to choose a wedding photographer guide, shot at Leith Walk Ilford HP5 film black and white photo street photography

It can be daunting when researching how to choose a wedding photographer.

Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, filled with moments you’ll want to remember forever.

The right wedding photographer can capture these memories beautifully, ensuring you have a timeless record of your special day.

With so many options in the world of wedding photography, we want to share our experience to help you understand how to choose a wedding photographer.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate this crucial decision.

After reading our advice and tips, ensure you’re fully prepared for that initial meeting with your photographer by reading our follow-up guide, 60 Questions to Ask a Wedding Photographer – Essential Questions and Answers.

Getting married and on the lookout for a wedding photographer in Edinburgh?

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Define your style

Discover your preferred style.

The very first thing to consider when checking out how to choose a wedding photographer is to understand the various photography styles.

Traditional/classical: This type of photography combines traditional perspectives with staged photography to create truly awesome and ageless photos.

Photojournalistic/documentary: Documentary or photojournalistic photography is all about shooting real moments and narrating the story of your day without posing. See the benefits of this style here!

Fine art photography: is all about sleek designs and artistic feels, resulting in some truly amazing and one-of-a-kind photographs.

Editorial: fashion completely defines this type of photography. It’s really classy, highly organised, and features great lighting and good poses.

Research and get inspired

Look at some wedding mags and blogs: Browse through wedding blogs, magazines, and websites to view all the various photography styles.

Create a Pinterest board: Simply pin things you adore to determine what you’re about and steal some great ideas.

A bride in a white wedding dress and a groom in a dark suit stand gazing out of a window in a dimly lit room, with the groom holding the bride from behind.
Wedding Photographer Edinburgh:: a bride in a fitted white gown joyfully throws her veil into the air in a grand stone corridor, holding a bouquet of flowers.

Start your search early

The early bird catches the worm

So, one other thing to consider when you’re searching how to choose a wedding photographer is that the really good ones get booked up super quickly!

High demand: Most popular wedding photographers end up getting super booked up well in advance. If you begin searching early, you’ve got a much better chance of securing your favourite photographer.

Flexibility: Pre-planning allows you to experiment with your wedding budget and timeline a whole lot more.

Gather recommendations

Reach out to your family and friends: Personal recommendations from them can go a long way. They know the professional credentials of the photographer and the quality of the output.

Interview a wedding planner: They’ve typically got some great photographers they can refer you to.

Review portfolios and websites

Monitor their work

As you go about the process of how to choose a wedding photographer, the third thing to consider entails looking through a large portfolio of their previous work.

Consistency: The consistency in a photographer’s work is of utmost significance. Their portfolio must reflect a varied series of outstanding photographs taken at various weddings and various locations.

Storytelling: A good portfolio tells a story. Look for a photographer who has the talent for capturing the feeling, the subtleties, and the ambiance of the event.

Diversity: Variety is key; their portfolio must include a wide range of photographs, from posed portraits to relaxed candid shots and close-up intimate details.

Discuss and view their newest work

Check out their blog and social media: Look at their recent weddings. You will get a sense of their lively energy and how they handle varied lighting setups and environments.

Complete albums: Ask to see full wedding albums instead of just highlights. This gives a better idea of how they portray the spirit of an entire event.

Helen and Daniel Signet Library wedding photo
brides cuddle on the side of a mountain

Meet with potential photographers

Schedule interviews

The fourth consideration when researching how to choose a wedding photographer is meeting for a chat about your big day.

In-person or virtual meetings: Meeting in person or over video call allows you to gauge their personality and professionalism.

Prepared questions: Have a list of questions ready to ensure you cover all important topics.

Discuss your vision

Share your style preferences: Be clear about your preferred photography style and see how they respond. A good photographer should be able to adapt to your vision.

Talk about specific shots: If you want specific moments or shots, discuss them during the meeting.

Assess their personality

Comfort level: Your photographer will be with you throughout your wedding day, so it’s important that you feel comfortable with them.

Professionalism and enthusiasm: Look for a photographer who is professional, organised, and genuinely enthusiastic about capturing your wedding.

Consider experience and reviews

Experience matters

The fifth thing to consider when looking at how to choose a wedding photographer is to go through the reviews of previous clients who have used their services.

Years in business: With years of experience under their belt, a professional photographer has probably seen it all when it comes to wedding situations, preparing them to handle unexpected issues with poise.

Types of weddings: When choosing a wedding planner, make sure they have experience with weddings similar to yours, whether it’s a small elopement, a large cultural affair, or a luxurious destination wedding.

Read reviews and testimonials

Online reviews: Reviews can be found on wedding sites, social media, and Google. Look for reviews that mention the photographer’s professionalism, dependability, and quality of work.

Client testimonials: Client referrals are crucial; don’t be afraid to ask the photographer for them. Feedback from previous clients can provide invaluable information.

A woman in a sparkling white gown sits on a staircase with wooden paneling in the background, smiling at the camera. .
Bride and groom in formal wear sitting separately in two stone niches of an old wall, smiling.

Evaluate packages and pricing

Understand what’s included

The sixth consideration when researching how to choose a wedding photographer is confirming what you will receive.

Packages: Review the details of each package. What’s included in terms of hours of coverage, number of photographers, and deliverables?

Extras: Ask about additional costs for albums, prints, engagement sessions, and travel fees.

Compare prices

Budget: Ensure the photographer’s pricing fits within your budget. Remember that quality often comes at a price, so be prepared to invest in a good photographer.

Value: Consider the value you’re getting. Sometimes, paying a bit more can mean getting a photographer whose work you’ll cherish forever.

Evaluate packages and pricing

Understand what’s included

The sixth thing to consider when examining how to choose a wedding photographer is to clarify what you are getting.

Packages: Review the details of each package. Look at what is included in terms of hours of coverage, number of photographers, and deliverables provided.

Extras: Ask if there are any other album, print, engagement session, and travel fees.

Compare prices

Budget: Make sure the cost of the photographer is within your budget. Remember that quality often comes at a price, so be prepared to spend money on a good photographer.

Value: Think about the value you’re getting. Sometimes paying a bit more can get you a photographer whose art you’ll cherish for a lifetime.

Check the technological abilities and backup systems

Technical proficiency

When you’re searching for a wedding photographer, the seventh thing to consider is how experienced they are and how they’d handle any glitches that arise on your wedding day.

Equipment: Call them and ask what kind of gear they’re rocking. Good equipment really makes the difference when you’re trying to capture great pics.

Lighting skills: You have to be skilled at working with various types of light, such as natural light, low light, or artificial indoor light.

Backup plans

Second photographer: Having a second shooter is great because it ensures every single second is caught, regardless of what happens.

Backup equipment: Ensure they have some backup equipment just in case something happens to the equipment.

Contingency plans: Ask them about their plans for unexpected situations, like illness or emergencies.

A bride and groom smiling and holding hands as they walk through guests after their wedding ceremony, the groom in a kilt and the bride in a white dress.
Black Pen Placed on White Paper

Review the contract

Study the information carefully

The eighth step along the way to choosing a wedding photographer is to carefully read the fine print on the contract, so that you avoid any unwanted surprises.

Details: Carefully review the contract to understand what’s included, as well as the payment terms and cancellation policies.

Rights and use: Determination of copyright ownership of the photos and allowed uses is important. Whereas some photographers own the copyright, others assign the couple complete use rights.

Clarify deliverables

Timeline: Look into the timeline of when you will receive your photos. Understand the timeframe required to get your proofs, your final photos, and your albums or prints.

Formats: Ensure the format your photos will be provided with—whether digital, prints, albums, or anything else.

Trust your instincts

Personal connection

The ninth thing in your quest for the ideal wedding photographer is to think about how you feel about them.

You want comfort and trust: It’s critical to have a personal connection with your photographer. Trust your instincts to decide if they understand your vision and will work in a harmonious collaboration with you.

Trust your instincts: if your interaction leaves you feeling uncomfortable, it is fine to keep looking until you find the individual who feels just right.

Faith in their craft

Assurance: You should have faith in the photographer’s ability to create beautiful, high-quality images. Their portfolio, along with testimonials and your personal experience, should give you this confidence.

A couple stands facing a nighttime sky filled with fireworks. The woman is wearing a tiara.
Neidpath Castle wedding photographer for a bride and groom smiling and standing close together outdoors on their wedding day.

Conclusion

Selecting a wedding photographer takes time and effort, but capturing your wedding day in such a beautiful way makes the venture so deeply fulfilling.

To make an informed choice, start by establishing your style. Begin looking early; research different portfolios, interview photographers, and consider their experience, reviews, pricing, and technical expertise.

Trust your own instincts and choose a photographer who makes you feel comfortable and confident.

Once you have the perfect photographer, you will be rewarded with stunning photographs that will preserve the memories of your wedding day forever.

For more information, please contact us

Equipped with your own good sense and sound judgment, plus a few tips from our guide on how to choose a wedding photographer, we have no doubt that you will find the professional you need and truly deserve on your wedding day.

Please use our quick online form to contact us and learn how we can collaborate to create your beautiful wedding photos.

If you’d like to discuss this further, please don’t hesitate to contact Jonathon on +44 (0)7817 517604.

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