Arguably one of the most overlooked elements of everyone’s big day, hiring a reliable photographer should be an essential part of everyone’s planning. But with so many options to think about, taking the time to find a reliable photographer and videographer can seem like one task too many.

So, what should you be looking for when it comes to hiring a stills or documentary photographer for your wedding and how can a true professional like myself add value? Let’s explore further…

However, while it’s easy to find a photographer, locating the right one for you is exponentially more difficult.

Thankfully, modern technology has made it easier than ever to find a professional that is right for your big day. Whether you’re scanning through social media, looking at Instagram portfolios, or carrying out geographic searches; some discerning checks can leave you with a healthy stack of professional candidates.

After an initial consultation, your photographer will work with the both of you to understand exactly what shape your big day is going to take. This will allow them to figure out what lenses, gear, and considerations are required. And it’s also a fantastic opportunity to have a chat with them and ask their guidance about any issues or complications you may find yourself facing.

But when it comes to finding the right professional, it’s easy to forget some of the essentials that ensure that your big day is not only captured correctly, but exactly the way that you want it.

Record of delivery -Any relationship with a photographer is based on trust and respect. However, it is also essential that you take time to check out previous weddings they have covered and the images they have captured. While a high volume of weddings is no indicator of quality, knowing they have practical experience means that your photographer can be a potential resource on the day. This can be as simple as wrangling guests for pictures, knowing to identify themselves to key members of staff, and understanding the immense pressure that brides and grooms can find themselves under and how to navigate it without adding more to the pile.

Can they handle your needs? All wedding photographers should be able to handle the conventional wedding day order of service – church, reception, dinner, dancing – but anything that steps outside of those bounds can be difficult for some to accommodate. While it’s easy to assume they are able to hike up to your wedding on a petting zoo at the top of a mountain, it’s always worth checking with them first! If there is something specific and special that you need as part of your big day, such as capturing engagement photos or wedding videography, it’s important to be up-front with them and raise it in advance.

What is their approach? Every creative professional works differently. This can be due to their chosen medium, professional background, or the composition of their business. Understanding their needs and making sure they are met on the day is as important as their understanding of how you both communicate. Of course, the opposite can easily be true. A super-laid-back photographer can blend into the background of a rigorously organised day and pick out precious shots that you never would have thought of. Conversely, a rigorously organised professional can help make sure that your long shot-list is covered throughout the day with minimal interruptions. The best of the bunch can take an approach that compliments your own style and run with it on your big day.

Cookie-cutter or custom?

When it comes to taking a good picture, style is everything. Many photographers will offer a range of options when it comes to accommodating your big day, including pre-set options or a bespoke service for those weddings that are a little off the beaten path when it comes to location and structure.

This makes choosing between a set and bespoke service extremely important.

Choosing a templated service allows you to have some of the stress taken off your shoulders. This will often include a set number of professional pictures or include the hire of extra staff. A great added extra is a drone camera. These are deployed to capture striking views of the wedding location and all your closest friends and family that were lucky enough to be able to attend. It’s amazing how much beautiful scenery may have been missed by not looking from the sky.

Deciding on a custom service can often be the better option when it comes to non-standardised weddings. This can work out to be a little cheaper than a standardised service, with many professionals working with you to make sure that your budget goes as far as possible.

The best photographers in the business can capture them honestly, warmly, and provide emotional reminders of the things that made your day truly special. This allows you to make the most of any accidents or opportunities that occur and reframe a frustrating delay like a trip or a fall as a warm memory of your eventful big day and your commitment to each other.

Along with making the most of your footage, a creative photographer can work to help get your identity across through your pictures, stylistic options and framing. A good wedding album gives viewers a trip down memory lane and will rekindle memories long forgotten. A great one tells a story about the time you spent together on that day that’s truly unique to the pair of you.

The small print – Once you have decided to choose a photographer, it’s standard practice for you to sign a contract with them. It is essential to check the fine print and understand exactly what this covers in terms of copyright for the photographs, your personal liability for what goes wrong, and the nature of the arrangement.

The payment methodology – While this will be discussed upfront, most professionals will look for a down payment. While this can be negotiated, it should always be checked up-front to avoid awkward conversations further down the line.

Confirming the arrangements – Alongside a contract, any photographer worth their salt should give you a detailed plan covering what is going to happen on the day. This can then be checked closer to the date and allow the professional to plan out their shots and make sure they get the coverage you truly need.

Checking insurance – Often a simple detail, it is strongly recommended that you check your photographer’s insurance and confirm what it covers. While it is important that they cover their equipment, gear, and mode of transport it is essential that you check they have public liability insurance. This means that if any guests are injured or property damaged, neither you nor your photographer will be held personally liable. Saying this, no professional photographer will ever put you or your guests in a situation where you feel unsafe or uncomfortable.

Their understanding – As with many things in life, clear communication is essential. Take the time to schedule a quick call or sit-down before the big day to fully validate your plans and walkthroughs. A good photographer should help suggest ‘pinch points’ or bottlenecks where things can be delayed or derailed. This will allow them to put plans in place and help make sure that you end up with the pictures that you need.

My documentary-making background places me in the unique position where I can capture the story of your day. Whether you are happy to be hands off and capture the action or if you want to ensure that I capture the reactions of your nearest and dearest, I will work with you to make sure that you end up with the coverage that you need, presented in a way that’s perfect for you.

With many weddings under my belt, I am more than prepared for every eventuality and will work to match your vision, or help you find your own unique aesthetic. My relaxed style and approach enables me to achieve results that I’m confident you will be delighted with.

If you’re looking for a photographer that matches experience, flexibility, and quality of service; I genuinely hope that you do not hesitate to get in touch.