Choosing a wedding photographer is one of the big decisions early in your wedding prep... Not only will they be entrusted to encapsulate the story of your day, but they will be in your company for large portions of the wedding. With this in mind, you not only need to fall in love with their portfolio - which is vital of course - you need to ensure your personalities click so you can have loads of craic on the day as well.
In this blog, we offer our advice on how to make the process of choosing your perfect wedding photographer a little bit easier. We will cover some tips and tricks to consider, so you are sure to end up with the best photographer for your wedding.
Refine your style preferences
Before you start researching, you need to consider your preference of wedding photography style. Many photographers cater to a range of styles; whether it’s natural shots that capture unscripted moments, or gently posed photos which create a more elegant feel - you want a shot list that truly reflects who you are as a couple! Decide if you’d like to focus on a candid, editorial, or documentary-style wedding album, and refine your aesthetic before you settle on your preferred choice.
Who is to say that you just need to choose a single style? In our experience, blending a range of different photographic styles is essential for creating the most complete narrative of your wedding day. Our style of wedding photography leans heavily into the candid style, collaborating with subtly posed editorial shots to help tell the full story of your day. Sounds good? Contact us to find out a bit more about our style or to book us as your wedding photographer.
Portfolio research
After establishing your desired styles, it’s time to start checking out some of your favourite shots! There are plenty of wedding photography portfolios online to sink your teeth into, and seeking recommendations from friends or family who have recently wed can help make a decision less difficult. Be sure to pay attention to the consistency and quality of the photographer’s work, as well as their natural ability to truly capture the essence of each wedding uniquely.
Making a connection
It’s good to gather a shortlist of your favourite photographers and meet with them individually to establish a connection. Use this opportunity to talk about your vision for the day, ask about their approach and see if your personalities align. Remember, your photographer is spending the whole day by your side, so it’s essential to feel at ease and comfortable in their presence - awkward photos are no craic.
Take a look at the full picture
A photographer's portfolio will showcase their best work, but reviewing full wedding albums from their previous shoots can help you get an idea of their ability to tell a story. Can they capture both the big and intimate moments? Or do they only have certain specialities that aren’t within your preferences? Different venues will have different challenges, and the right photographer can work with any lighting or conditions without feeling overwhelmed.
Establish packages and budgets
Before finalising your decision, make sure to discuss your photographer’s packages and pricing structure. Both parties need to be transparent and open about budgets or additional fees to avoid any unwanted surprises! Consider what’s included in their offerings and packages to see what best suits your needs - don’t settle for something that isn’t right for you.
Discuss expectations
Take the time to express your expectations, preferred shot list, and any specific details or special moments you want to be captured on the day. Remember, your photographer is an expert in their field, and it’s good to be open to their suggestions if you want to make the most out of the time you have with them. Discuss the feelings and atmosphere you want to capture; whether it’s emotional, vibrant, cinematic, or a combination of all three, your dream photographer will have the capability to capture your story in a way that is uniquely yours.
A gut feeling
While technical skills and experience are essential, your gut feeling about a particular photographer really is a key factor in your decision-making process. If you feel a genuine connection and confidence in their abilities to capture your special day, you're likely on the right track to a gorgeous portfolio of wedding images.
Get ‘er booked!
Now that you’ve selected your photographer, you need to secure the date as soon as possible. The best of the best are often booked up months, if not years, in advance - especially during peak wedding seasons. By booking early, you can rest assured that your photographer is ready to go on the big day.
Capturing magical moments
Choosing the perfect wedding photographer is a significant decision that requires careful consideration and research. We like to think we are pretty good at creating stunning wedding albums, but don’t just take our word for it - check out some of the kind words that couples have recently shared with us.
But, regardless of our talents, we’d love to have a chat with you and find out if we could be a perfect match for each other. If you need a wedding photographer based in Northern Ireland who can help alleviate the stress of planning, please contact us today. We are happy to travel anywhere in the UK!
