Choosing your wedding photographer is an important decision.
I took this decision very seriously when I got married. Our beautiful wedding album, with pictures of me and my husband, the guests, and all the tiny details we spent so long planning, still brings the whole family enormous pleasure.
To make sure you’ve got the perfect memories of your wedding day etched in print, here are some tips to help with planning your day:
- Good photographers can get booked up one or two years in advance. Make sure you start looking early if you’re planning a summer or Saturday wedding.
- Think about the style of photographs you want. Whether you’re after contemporary, traditional or reportage style, you should ensure the person you choose is professional, proficient and perfect for you.
- If you are planning a winter wedding aim for an early ceremony so there’s time to take photos before the light fades.
- Photography is one area you shouldn’t scrimp on as it is an investment in your memories.
- Book a photographer who has been assessed and is a member of a professional body, such as The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers, The Guild of Photographers The Master Photographers Association or The British Institute of Professional Photography.
- Make sure the photographer you choose has public and professional indemnity insurance. And don’t forget to make sure you insure your wedding day.
- Make sure you ask for a breakdown of the costs. The total fee will depend on how long the photographer spends at your wedding, the number of pictures taken and the type of album you choose.
- All photographers own the copyright for your images and licence usage should form part of the contract between you and your photographer.
- The photographer plays an important role on the wedding day. They need to be respectful, adaptable and unobtrusive. You need to like them!
Ravinder Crone is an award winning and published lifestyle, portrait and wedding photographer and you can see her profile here.