Choosing a wedding photographer
Today we are featuring East Sussex-based wedding photographer Lindsay White, who has ten years’ experience in the photography business. Thanks to all this hard work, she has had the opportunity to start up her own business, now called Envision Photography. Being a full-time mum, Lindsay clearly has patience and passion for children, as you can see in a few of the collages below! We asked Lindsay for a few tips on choosing a wedding photographer:-
Decide on what you want first
“I would say to a couple trying to choose a wedding photographer that it’s best to sit down together and decide exactly what you want to receive at the end of the day. Do you want prints, albums or just the photos on CD? You should then go on to decide what parts of the day you want photographed: the preparations, service, reception etc. Some companies cover the engagement shots or even, like myself, offer extras including the hen/stag dos or ‘trying the dress for the first time’ shoots.”
Like the photographic style? Intrigued by the atmosphere and excitement caught in the image? Or just like the look of something in the photo?
The Wedding Secret aims to make the connection between clients and high-quality professionals seamless and immediate. Click on the image that impressed you and go straight to their website to find out more about booking for your special day
Compare photographers’ personalities and styles
“After that it’s best to have a good look round your local area (and possibly beyond) to get an idea of prices and packages; make note of those companies who fit your budget. The best piece of advice I can give is to contact a few and try to get a face-to-face meeting. This way you can ask all the questions you may have whilst getting to know that person. There’s nothing worse than booking a photographer who has quite a grumpy or serious personality when you’re a rather happy and spontaneous couple yourself (it works the same vice-versa too!). Make sure you find out if this photographer is fully insured, if they carry spare equipment, or if there’s an option for a second photographer (if you think you may require one). It is also best to find out what their photographic style is; is it contemporary reportage? – traditional posed? – or perhaps a mixture of the two?”
Book them!
“Once you have decided on your favourite photographer, make sure you book them as early as possible because although there are many to choose from, you’ll find they get booked up very quickly, especially for weekend or summer weddings.”
What happens now?
“After you have booked, your photographer will probably have their own favoured way of going ahead. I personally like to meet the couple face-to-face again and go through all their plans for the day, find out exactly what they are looking for me to do, and get a list of shots they want in particular. Do you want a certain person in a couple of shots (aside from the family shots), or a certain pose they may have seen whilst looking at my website galleries? If possible, I try to have this meeting at the main venue so we can have a look around and decide in advance where they want to have their group and couple shots taken.”
Images from Envision Photography
Lindsay really gives some excellent advice here. Choosing your photographer basically comes down to three deciding factors – the area that you live in (or are marrying in), the photographer’s personality, and their style. Once you are satisfied with these three elements, then you have your perfect photographer.
Related Posts
Let your photographer capture your natural beauty
Wedding photographer Will Dennehy : Building a relationship with a couple
Some gorgeous, natural photos from wedding photographer Hayley Ruth.
Should I provide a meal or anything else for my wedding photographer?
Wedding photographer Steve Hillman and his military wedding experience
