A Candy Colored Christmas Wedding Inspiration
5 KILLER TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER!
All Photography by Photostories
Hello Martina here, from Photostories! I am one of many…million…BILLIONS of wedding photographers out there (I do like a good hyperbole) and as much as I’d like to think my unique approach will one day conquer the world, to be completely honest and blunt with you, you will always find a photographer whose style is very very similar to tens of others. There’s only so many ways one can shoot a wedding.
This doesn’t mean however that we’re all the same and booking this one as opposed to that one won’t make a difference. It will make a massive difference. But how do you start looking if you’re newly engaged and are not ‘up do date’ with the latest trends and trending people in wedding photography? Here’s a few killer tricks that might help you find the needle in the wedding haystack.
1. Pick a Style
I read this article on Peta Pixel a short while ago that cracked me up. Yes, what Pavel is saying may have been exaggerated for entertainment purpose, but if you scrap the humour from the article, it says the god honest truth, though it might be missing some other styles that are (thankfully) dying.
There’s a trending number of editing styles out there that most photographers are using and abusing (myself included, I like to put my style in the ‘peachy’ category) and it’s really important that you pick one that resonates with how you imagine your wedding photos to be. If you like a film-like editing, don’t email a photographer that shoots only sepia. Likewise, if you like spot-colour, don’t look for a photographer that edits with vsco. And so on…you get the drill. If you do, you’ll just end up having a photographer on the other end of the line screaming to him/herself ‘WHY? WHY ME?’
There’s a lot more than editing styles of course. Look for someone that produces work that strikes a chord in your heart. Attention to details? Candids? Original compositions? There’s a lot to look out for.
2. Scout Wedding Blogs
This can also help you narrow down a style you like, given that most of the good wedding blogs won’t just feature or promote a photographer that is light years away from what they like.
Say Bespoke-Bride for example, you very likely won’t be clicking on one of the adverts here on the right and end up in an old-fashioned, sepia, dutch-tilted wedding photography inferno. That’s because the girls here have good taste, and -more importantly- style. And so do their vendors.
Go to your favourite blog and have a browse, you’ll find more than what you’d expect.
3. Get to Know Them
Once you’ve picked a style and found a handful of photographers whose work resonate with what you’d like for your wedding photos, have a look at their site and blog. Their social media channels. Their About Me pages. See if they sound like the kind of person you’d like to meet. Do they sound formal and pompous and you’d like a more laid-back kind of person? Don’t bother enquiring. Do they sound too silly frilly happy-go-lucky and you’d like a super serious in-the-zone leave-me-alone person? Stay away. This should narrow your research down to even fewer people.
4. Make an Enquiry
Here we go! Start emailing, and make sure you don’t sound like you’re just fishing for prices, even if deep down in your heart that’s exactly what you think you’re doing. Add a few nice words, a bit of what plans you have for your wedding day, and also have realistic expectations budget-wise. And since we’re here, I’m going to let you in on a little secret: any photographer’s wet dream is to receive enquiries from people who have been fan of their work forever and want JUST THEM AND NO ONE ELSE. Here. Do what you want with it. Just be nice!
5. Cross Your Fingers
All you have to do now is wait for them to reply and hope that they:
a. have your date available
b. are within your budget
If you feel like you’d like to squeeze in an extra step now, you could meet up with them, or have a Skype or phone call. Don’t assume however that they’ll be travelling hours to meet for a coffee, a meeting will likely happen near to where they’re based or via phone or Skype. Keep in mind that you’re only looking for one photographer, where are they are likely to working with quite a few couples at once.
(6. Or, you know, book me. I’m a good girl and I eat all my vegetables)
xxx
Hehehehehe couldn’t have said it better myself Martina! Some great tips there. Will share this on my page!
Thank you Sarah! I appreciate it ♥
Great tips for sure Martina, lovely blog
Love this post! These are all wonderful tips for finding the perfect wedding photographer. Thanks for sharing!
Great article, our site makes it easy to narrow down your search when looking for your perfect wedding photographer matching your style and budget.
https://www.yourperfectweddingphotographer.co.uk
It is important to make sure you trust them and also feel comfortable around them.