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 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
©
Carl Bromwich LMPA LBIPP DIPP
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