How should you choose your wedding photographer? The more important question might be what makes a photographer right for you.
The starting point to finding a good photographer can be a few different ways. Word of mouth from either a very good hotel or a friend is normally the strongest way to find someone. A top hotel won’t recommend anyone bad, as it will reflect badly on them. Equally, your friend won’t recommend someone who did a bad job for them. The photographer does not pay for these recommendations so they are 100% genuine. The next best way is on the web. There are various websites, which are paid advertisements but these are still a good source to find suppliers.
Once you find a few suppliers that you think match what you want, you should arrange to go to the photographer's studio. This is important as you will get a feel for how professional the photographer is and they will have good displays for you to see. You’ll also see where they are based so they can’t disappear after your wedding, which, believe it or not, has happened before. However, this normally only happens when people only meet photographers at wedding fairs or in a pub somewhere, but it's always good to be cautious.
Once a couple meet a photographer they should look out for award certificates. If they have awards, it not only points to the fact that they are at the top of their profession, but also that they are passionate about their craft. Good photographers will use awards to improve themselves on an ongoing basis as professional development, which, from your point of view, can only be a good thing.
One of the most important things to remember is that not only does the photographer's style of storytelling have to suit you, but also their personality and the way they conduct themselves during the wedding day. There is no point in hiring someone you don’t get on with; you will have to work with them. It’s important that you meet the photographer who will actually shoot for you. Ask them about their experience. Weddings can be a tricky affair, dealing with weather, people, locations etc. Sometimes the more experience a photographer has, the easier it is for them to deal with the logistics of the day in a smooth manner.
When looking at albums, make sure the quality is the same throughout. Look at photos taken inside and outside, on sunny and rainy days. At a wedding, photographers must be able to handle dark churches and strong sunshine equally.
Once you are happy that the photographer is good, professional, likeable and really knows what they are doing, there are a few important questions you need to ask:
Do they have insurance? Needed for public places and some hotels insist on it. It’s good business practice anyway.
Do they have other photographers they can call on for back up in case something happens? What about extra equipment (a second camera, extra flashes, etc.)?
What are the prices and what do they include? Start and finish times, what’s covered and are there any other charges?
Check out more questions to ask your photographer here.
Just remember, it’s about telling the story of your wedding through photography and if you find the right photographer for you, you’ll have great memories.
- Dermot Byrne of Dermot Byrne Photography
Images: Courtesy of Dermot Byrne