| First things first - you'll need to decide what style of | | | | important point to note is how the photographer got |
| photography you prefer since wedding | | | | on with the couple. Were they put at ease, was the |
| photographers styles vary. You'll have two basic | | | | photographer rude at any time, were they made to |
| choices; the Classic Style- groups of your friends and | | | | feel special, were their demands met in full or did the |
| family and set up shots of the bride and groom in | | | | photographer forget to get a vital image? |
| various locations or the Reportage Style (also known | | | | 6) How long do you expect to be with us on the |
| as photojournalism) which captures your day with | | | | day of our wedding? |
| images that are mainly candid, not posed and show | | | | What time will you arrive? When will you end your |
| the atmosphere and mood of the day. This | | | | shooting? Is there an extra charge if the wedding |
| photojournalistic style is growing more and more | | | | runs a little overtime? |
| popular with brides today. Ideally you'll want to find a | | | | 7) What are your charges for varying packages? |
| photographer who can capture both styles. | | | | How much would a tailor-made package cost? How |
| When choosing your wedding photographer make | | | | much deposit do you require? When will we receive |
| sure you systematically interview them as if they | | | | our album? |
| were going to be employed by you/your company. | | | | 8) Can you show us your selection of albums? Can |
| Since you will be paying them a substantial amount of | | | | you put all of our images into a hard backed story |
| money be absolutely certain they are the right | | | | book style album? |
| person for the job and that they can cope with all | | | | This is the latest Wedding Album phenomenon which |
| your requirements and special instructions for the | | | | enables the photographer to put all your images into |
| day. | | | | a hand bound stylish book with a variety of covers) |
| The best way of finding your perfect photographer | | | | also known as a Coffee table Style Wedding Photo |
| is through recommendation by friends/family | | | | Book. |
| members. Photographers already used and proven to | | | | Asking the right questions when selecting your |
| be excellent make your life easier. You can view your | | | | photographer will help you to avoid any unwanted |
| friend's albums and get a good idea if you like their | | | | surprises on your special day! |
| style straight away without having to go through the | | | | Wedding Photographers' Tip: Be Sure you "click" with |
| arduous task of interviewing, although you'll still want | | | | your photographer! |
| to interview since personality and compatibility | | | | You're going to be spending your entire wedding day |
| between the bridal couple and the wedding | | | | (and a whole lot of cash!), with the photographer you |
| photographer is key. If you can get more than one | | | | choose so ask yourself, "do we get on with this |
| recommendation, that's even better - especially if the | | | | wedding photographer? What's your first impression |
| same photographer's name comes from different | | | | you get when you meet for your initial meeting.or |
| sources. | | | | even your first phone call? |
| Most professional Wedding Photographers will want | | | | It's very important to feel at ease with this person |
| to meet with you to discuss your wedding plans in | | | | and have an element of trust in them so you can |
| fine detail and make sure they have all your details | | | | relax and enjoy your day. You'll want to be assured |
| they need to custom design your wedding | | | | that they'll do as you ask and then.just leave the rest |
| photography package. | | | | to the photographer to take memorable images you'll |
| Question to Ask Your Wedding Photographer | | | | always cherish. |
| 1) Are you a member of any UK body such as BIPP, | | | | You want them to be authoritative yet not totally |
| BPPA, SWPP? | | | | take over. You can risk having them spoil your whole |
| Members of a regulative body are usually high quality | | | | day if you get a bossy rude photographer who takes |
| professionals. | | | | charge of your whole day, snaps and gets aggressive |
| 2) How long have you been photographing weddings? | | | | with your guests. A professional photographer will be |
| You need to ensure that you're not the | | | | able to get what they need without being rude and |
| photographer's 'guinea pig' wedding and they have | | | | overbearing. |
| some substantial wedding experience under their belt. | | | | Planning a wedding can be a very stressful and time |
| 3) Can you show me more than 1 whole wedding | | | | consuming task, but planning properly is essential for |
| from start to finish? | | | | a wedding day that will run smoothly. Make a list |
| Most photographers show you the selection of their | | | | before the interview, letting the photographer know |
| best images. These are fine but you need to make | | | | exactly which pictures you're after and who you |
| sure their work is consistent all the way through your | | | | want in those pictures. Especially in the case of a |
| day. Once you're happy with what you've seen after | | | | large wedding; make sure your photographer knows |
| viewing a few of their weddings you can rest | | | | exactly who they must get in a shot. If you fail to |
| assured they're true professionals and not just doing | | | | do this you run the risk of omitting an important |
| the odd wedding here and there to make a bit of | | | | family member or friend. You can't repeat the day or |
| cash on the side! | | | | the photos so make these arrangements ahead of |
| 4) Are you going to be the actual photographer at | | | | time and be sure that your photographer knows the |
| my wedding? | | | | important characters in the event! |
| Some large photography companies rely on work | | | | The most helpful person/people to your |
| from a group of various photographers. Make sure | | | | photographer is the Best Man and Usher(s). A lot of |
| that the photographer you interviewed is the | | | | people don't seem to realise just how important they |
| photographer that will be at your wedding. You don't | | | | can be. Brief your Usher correctly so they can help |
| want to go through the ordeal of interviewing and | | | | your photographer by pointing out the key people, |
| building up a relationship with your chosen | | | | help with arranging group shots and shouting out to |
| photographer only to find out on the day it's | | | | people who may need rounding up. |
| someone completely different! | | | | If you follow these steps you will be able to enjoy |
| 5) Can I ring one of your wedded couples for a | | | | your wedding day, leaving your photographer to his |
| reference? | | | | or her own devices and to capture wedding images |
| It's all very well your photographer showing | | | | that you'll cherish forever. |
| wonderful images of a previous wedding but a very | | | | |