One of the biggest challenges when sourcing a photographer is how on earth you know if they are the right person for YOU. Not your sister, not that other couple that got married at the same venue or even that GORGEOUS shoot you saw on insta. I’m gonna take a punt here and guess that you’ve probably never booked a wedding photographer before. Google says there are 24,500,000 results for the search term ‘wedding photographer London’ so don’t worry, that sense of deep overwhelm creeping up the back of your neck is totally appropriate given the circumstances!
Here’s the good news, I’ve been doing this a while now (ahem, over ten years!) and after many, MANY shoots, worked out a pretty simple formula to know if you have found the right one for you. Perhaps shockingly it might not be me! I want you to find the photographer you like as much as I want to find the client I want so read on and let’s see if it’s a match!
THREE GOLDEN RULES
1. STYLE
Do you like their photos? Sounds obvious but there’s a lot of styles out there so if you’re not sure yet try googling ‘dark and moody’ ‘light and airy’ ‘documentary’ etc. Add your area to find local photographers and make sure their portfolio is right up your street before you book because that is what you will get. Gone are the days of hiring a photographer and sending them a list of every single shot you absolutely must have (thank god!) Nowadays we are entrusted to deliver a set of images that show your day, with your friends and your family however that unfolds. Most of us have spent many years honing our style – both in terms of shooting and editing – and that is what we will deliver. After all – you wouldn’t hire a cartoonist to paint the Sistene chapel would you!
2. BUDGET
Again it sounds obvious but for the love of god please don’t pay someone more than you can afford. There really are photographers out there for all budgets. I’m always happy to offer bespoke quotes based on ALL your needs including budget. I also offer payment plans so it’s always worth asking, if you really love someone’s work, be open about what you want and what you have and they will offer you what they can within those parameters. Every wedding is different and – full disclosure – I kinda hate that I have to offer ‘packages’, I’d much rather hear what YOU want/need and find an amount that works for us both.
3. PESONALITY
Would you have at least two pints (glasses of wine, cups of coffee, shots of tequila – whatever your poison) with your photographer? If not, I’m sorry to say they are not the one. Getting married is a big deal, you spent a lot of time and energy planning this day – the last thing you want is for some weirdo photographer to start singing the virtues of Brexit over group photos! Check the vibes before the day.
Non Traditional Wedding Photography 