Choosing the right wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when planning your wedding. As an experienced rustic wedding planner, I have worked with some of the best wedding photographers - and it really is worth investing in a reputable photographer. Your wedding photos will be with you for the rest of your life, so you need to absolutely love them! That’s where doing your research and finding a photographer whose style you connect with is so important.
What is your photography style?
It's essential your wedding photographer's aesthetic, shooting and editing style aligns with what you had in mind. For rustic outdoor weddings, you'll want someone who captures the natural beauty of your outdoor setting. Ask to see their portfolio or a brochure so you can get a better understanding of how they edit their photos so you can see if you like their vibe and style.
2. Do you have experience shooting outdoor, countryside weddings?
Ask your wedding photographer if they have experience capturing outdoor ceremonies and working with harsh sunlight. Ask to see examples of their work from other outdoor weddings. If having golden hour sunset shots are a priority for you, ask if this is something they can do.
3. How do you create couple portraits?
Do you provide direction for the couple photos? If you are not experienced posing in front of the camera, ask if the photographer can help to guide you into poses. Ask if their style is more natural and candid or more posed and static - this will give you an indication of the wedding photos you would receive.
4. How many photos will we receive and when?
Understanding your wedding photographer's delivery process and number of edited photos you'll receive ensures you know what to expect. Ask if they offer a photo album and printable options as well as sending digital versions of your photos.
5. What are your prices & packages?
Check what pricing they start at to see if they are within your budget. You might want something slightly different so it’s worth seeing if they can offer you a bespoke package.Ask if they have a second shooter option that you can choose from too if that’s something you are interested in.
6. Do you provide shot lists?
Ask if the photographer provides a shot list or if you can send them moments you want captured. Can they make suggestions and a rough photo timeline of the day to include all the essential photos you would like taken?
7. How do they communicate?
How will they be communicating with you before and during the wedding? Do they offer video consultations before the wedding so they can get to know you? Or is it mainly email questionnaires and email communications? Are they a stay in the background type of photographer or will they be direct and move your guests into photo positions and be bubbly and chatty with your guests?
Every wedding photographer has their own style of shooting weddings, editing photos and communicating with their couples. So it’s seeing what works best for you. If you want candid, relaxed and more authentic photos then research ‘candid wedding photography’. If you want high-end, editorial style luxe photos then search for ‘fine art wedding photographer’ or ‘editorial wedding photographer’.
When you think you might have found the one, make sure to have a meeting with them to ask all the questions above and get to know their personality to see if you click!
If you decide to work with us to plan your wedding, then we do a lot of this research for you, as well as recommending photographers we have worked with in the past. We connect you to photographers who specialise in the style of photos you are looking for - saving you hours searching though google!
To see how we can plan, manage and coordinate your special day, check out our wedding planning packages or email us at jenny@jenniferstaniforthevents.co.uk to find out more.