A quick guide for newly engaged couples.
So here we are in 2024, where did the last twelve months go?
So its a happy new year from me to anybody reading this.
Christmas and the new year is one of the most popular times for people to propose and start to think about their wedding plans.
Congratulations if you are one of those newly engaged couples.
So it's time to start planning. Here are a few tips regarding booking a wedding photographer. These are just my opinions but hopefully there is enough info to help you out. So where do you start. I’ve listed a few criteria that I think are relevant.
Style and first impressions.
Ive always been a first impressions type person, but I know we are not all the same, but ask yourself this. Why did you buy those curtains, why did you buy that shirt or that dress? It's because it grabbed your attention at first sight. It's no different with photography or a photographer, your first impression of his or hers work are what lingers in your mind. Let this be your guide to signing up.
Documentary, fine art, journalistic, editorial, classic, and so on, the list of styles can be a tad confusing and Im not going to try and break down each one. I personally shoot most of the day in a candid fashion and mix in some relaxed portraits to complete a collection. As I sometimes guide my couples through their portrait shots I can't really call myself documentary so I find the easiest way for me to explain my style is by calling myself a story teller. Ill give you a great story of your day.
Cost.
Everybody has a budget, we all know that but don't let 50 quid be the difference between getting the photographer you really want and your second choice. If need be make a small sacrifice to book the photographer you really want. In the long run you'll thank yourself. There is no set price for photography and there are big differences in what people charge so maybe set a limit on what you have available as a starting point for your search.
Book early.
It's important to book early. I can't tell you how many weddings Ive had to turn down because Im already booked, the Spring/Summer dates are often booked up 2 years in advance so get your suppliers booked early to avoid disappointment. This is probably the most important advice on this page!
Experience.
Experience is important in my opinion. I dont mean how someone knows their way around a camera or can tell you what every sub menu on their camera is, it’s more life experience. You need to be able to feel the vibe from a wedding day, you need to anticipate what’s coming next, understand the way a day flows. This is only achieved after a number of years in my opinion. I’m now in my 14th year of weddings and I’m always happy when people comment on my consistent style and the way I blend into a day. I’m always happy to mingle with guests and develop my story from there. It wasn’t always like that when I started out but I grew into the roll of a wedding photographer. A good strong portfolio on a website is a good sign as well as decent testimonials from previous couples over a period of time.
Hopefully this short post will help you make some decisions, but just a footnote. I ran a little survey on Instagram asking people what they based their photographer choice on and the overwhelming result was that their choice was based on recommendation, ahead of cost, style and experience. To be honest, 90% of my work comes from being recommended.
Good luck to all the newly engaged couples out there and a very happy new year to you all.
TAKE A LOOK AT MY 2024 BROCHURE HERE
