Choosing a photographer to cover your special day may seem a simple task, but I advise caution. Taking a little time to decide on what you really want can mean the difference between having a set of photographs in an album that sits in a drawer gathering dust or an album full of memories that really does your wedding day justice. Award winning wedding photographer Carl Bromwich explains.

Here are a few tips and pointers to help you choose wisely.

Decide on the style of photography that's suits you?

Over the last few years, there has been a great change in the range of photographic styles available. Traditional photography seems to be taking a back seat with a variety of exciting modern styles becoming available. A traditional style includes groups of family & friends, signing the register and the cutting of the cake, all the usual things you will have seen over the last 50 years. There is a choice here, some photographers will record these events the same way your parents or grandparents had their wedding photographs taken. Not all photographers are the same, some have the artistry and eye to create images that are dynamic with an interesting composition similar to what you see in wedding magazines.

Most wedding photographers now offer a choice to have some of your photographs taken in black & white or sepia. Black & white images work very well when they are taken in a photo journalistic style otherwise known as reportage. Reportage photography has become very popular over the last few years. Here we have the photographer covering the real events of your wedding rather than staging everything. When reportage photography is done well, you should get a real feeling of what your wedding day was really like, all the emotion, laughter and even a few tears. Reportage photography is one of the hardest styles to master, there are very few photographers who take excellent reportage style photographs. Unfortunately a number of studio's do advertise this service and only provide little more than groups of people chatting. Good reportage photography should be about emotion, expression, excellent composition and of course story telling. As a final point, you can usually have a mixture of styles.

Arrange to see at least three photographers before you make your choice?

When looking for a photographer, arrange an appointment to see them at their studio to assess their work. Ask them if their display albums show complete weddings i.e. from the bride getting ready through to the reception. This way you can ascertain if the quality of their photography is consistent throughout the day. Anyone can produce an album full of their best work from a variety of weddings, but this does not show you if the photographer has any weaknesses in any specific areas. Also do the staged photographs show the wedding party having a good time and at looking relaxed & natural, If so the photographer has a good report with his clients putting them at ease

When visiting a photographer, make sure the samples and albums you are shown are actually taken by the photographer who will be covering your wedding?

This may seem an obvious point, but some companies have a few photographers on their books or may even use freelance photographers. As mentioned earlier, photographers have different levels of ability and skill, ask to see their work personally. Also I would advise to meet the photographer covering your wedding in person before you book their services. If a member of a studios staff is showing you samples of work, how can you ascertain if you are going to like your photographer who will be with you for most of your wedding day. The chemistry has to be right.

Ask what will be covered on your wedding day and will the photographer be covering more than one wedding?

I personally think it is preferable to choose a photographer who covers only one wedding a day, your wedding. The benefit being that all his effort and attention will be with you and not on looking at a watch, having to rush to meet another weddings deadline. Some photographers will take on 2 or even 3 weddings in a day. How will they have time to do a professional job. What happens if you are number 2 on their list & they are stuck in traffic. Ask what is actually covered. Is photography at your home or place where you will get ready covered. What about the speeches, these look great when photographed in a reportage style.

Is the studio / photographer a member of any professional organisations?

If a photographer is a member of the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photography) or the MPA (Master Photographers Association), this indicates that the photographer is a full time qualified professional having reached a certificated standard awarded by the countries leading photographic judges.

Does the photographer / studio enter & win competitions?

This is a good sign that a photographer / studio is producing quality work and is keeping a abreast with current trends.

Does a photographer / studio carry back up camera and lighting equipment in the event of an emergency?

It is always advisable to carry at least two back up cameras at every wedding in the event of mechanical failure or an emergency.

How much should I invest in my photography?

Work to your budget. As a general rule, the more the photography costs you, the higher the quality and the skill level of the studio / photographer. You can pay between £500 to £1000 for a set of photographs that will make an adequate album. If your budget allows you should be looking at £1500 + to guarantee a photographer who will record your wedding with the versatility and skills required to produce an excellent set of artistic wedding photographs.

When should I book my photographer?

As soon as you have your wedding date and reception confirmed. The most sort after photographers take bookings 12 to 24 months in advance of a wedding date and will cover only one wedding a day, so to avoid disappointment start looking as soon as you can.

As a last point, how about asking family and friends. Can they recommend a photographer who's service and quality of work they are pleased with & good luck in finding that perfect wedding photographer.

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