Crafting The Perfect Wedding Photography Review: A Step-By-Step Guide

Writing a review for your wedding photographer is one of the best ways to thank them for their services. Wedding photographers work hard to make your special day memorable, so it's only fair to leave a review that recognises their efforts. When writing a review, be as specific, informative and personal as you can. Talk about how you found your photographer, what you booked them for, why you chose them, and what concerns they addressed. It's also a good idea to mention how the experience made you feel, how the photographer communicated with you, and how the process of working with them went.

How to find a wedding photographer

So, you're getting married! Congratulations! One of the most important decisions you'll make is choosing your wedding photographer. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you find the perfect photographer for your big day.

Step 1: Start With Your Budget

First things first, how much do you want to spend on a photographer? There are many affordable options available, and it's important to find someone who fits within your budget. Do some research to get an idea of the average cost of wedding photographers in your area, and decide how much you're willing to allocate for this.

Step 2: Decide on Your Vision

Now for the fun part – start looking at different wedding photographers' portfolios and make a note of what you like. Do you want candid, classic, black-and-white, creative, or contemporary photos? Are you after a more natural, timeless look, or do you prefer a bright and airy aesthetic? Perhaps you're drawn to darker, moodier images? Deciding on your preferred style will help you narrow down your search.

Step 3: Consider Their Style

Think about the style of wedding photography you want. Most photographers can adapt to a range of tastes, but many specialise in a certain style. Some prefer a behind-the-scenes, documentary approach, capturing candid, spontaneous shots. Others prefer a more traditional, posed, and structured approach.

• Reportage/photojournalistic/documentary: Capturing candid and spontaneous shots, focusing on reactions and emotions, with an authentic feel and no posing.
• Traditional/formal: Classic posed shots of the couple and wedding party, usually more time-consuming but resulting in beautifully lit, well-composed photographs.
• Contemporary: More dramatic and unique shots, combining fashion or editorial photography with reportage.

Step 4: Get Recommendations and Read Reviews

Ask friends and family for recommendations, especially if they've recently got married and you loved their wedding photos. You can also ask your wedding venue, wedding planner, or caterer for suggestions, as well as checking social media and online reviews. A reputable photographer will have plenty of testimonials and reviews, and should be happy to put you in touch with previous clients.

Step 5: View Their Portfolio

Ask to see a full wedding album, not just a highlight reel. This will give you a better idea of the photographer's style and consistency. You'll want each photo to be of equal quality and to fit your vision, including their approach to group photos and low-light conditions.

Step 6: Arrange a Meeting

Your photographer will be spending the whole day with you, so it's important to make sure you get along. Meet them in person, ask questions, and see how you feel around them. Do they put you at ease? Do they understand your vision? The more relaxed you are around your photographer, the more natural and comfortable your photos will look.

Step 7: Consider Their Experience

While not essential, it can be helpful if your photographer has shot at your wedding venue before. They'll know the best locations and lighting conditions, and may even be able to recommend the best times for certain shots. However, an experienced photographer should be able to adapt to different venues and conditions, so don't let this be a deal-breaker.

Step 8: Narrow Down Your Shortlist

Consider price and package options, as well as what's included in the contract. How many hours of coverage are included? Is there a second shooter? Will you receive prints or albums? How long will it take to receive the proofs and final retouched images?

Step 9: Book an Engagement Shoot

An engagement shoot is a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera and build a rapport with your photographer before the big day. It also gives you a chance to see how they work and get a feel for their style.

Step 10: Pro Tip – Ask Your Photographer for Wedding Planning Tips

Your photographer likely has years of experience and can offer valuable advice on things like the best times for photo sessions, types of shots to capture, and even vendor recommendations.

Remember, the most important things to consider when choosing a wedding photographer are their style and how well you connect with them. Take your time, do your research, and trust your gut!

What to look for in a wedding photographer

When looking for a wedding photographer, there are several key things to keep in mind.

Firstly, it is important to find a photographer whose personality aligns with yours. This is someone you will be working closely with in the lead-up to your wedding and on the day itself, so it is crucial that you feel comfortable with them and are able to communicate easily.

Secondly, the photographer's style should match your vision for your wedding photos. Do you prefer bright and airy images, or something more dark and moody? Do you want posed and editorial shots, or a more candid and documentary-style approach? It is worth looking through the photographer's portfolio and blog posts to confirm that you love their work.

Experience is also an important factor to consider. An experienced photographer will have the skills and knowledge to handle any challenges that may arise on the day and ensure that you receive high-quality photos.

In addition, it is beneficial to choose a photographer who offers packages that suit your needs. For example, do you want a photographer who provides digital files only, or would you prefer a package that includes a physical album?

Finally, pricing is an important consideration. Wedding photography can be a significant expense, but it is important to remember that you are investing in memories that will last a lifetime. A higher price tag often indicates a more established and professional photographer who understands the cost of doing business and can provide a superior client experience.

By considering these factors and trusting your instincts, you will be able to find a wedding photographer who is the perfect fit for your special day.

How to write a positive review

Writing a positive review for your wedding photographer is a great way to thank them for their hard work and help other couples make an informed decision. Here are some tips on how to write a glowing review:

Be Specific and Detailed

Great reviews are specific and informative. Talk about the photographer's working style, personality, and the services they provided. Did they go above and beyond to make you feel comfortable? Did they help with things outside their remit? Did they blend into the background and capture candid shots, or were they more directive? Share anecdotes and specific examples to illustrate your points.

Share Your Experience

Describe your experience working with the photographer from start to finish. How did you find them? What was your first impression? What was it like to work with them on the day? Did they help you feel at ease? Did they capture the emotions and special moments of your day? Did they make you feel like a friend? Share your story to give a sense of the photographer's skills and personality.

Highlight Their Skills and Talents

Talk about the photographer's technical expertise, creativity, and unique vision. Did they have a good eye for detail and composition? Were they able to find the perfect shot, even in challenging lighting or venue conditions? Did they make you and your guests feel comfortable and look beautiful? Did they capture the joy, fun, and love of your wedding day?

Mention Any Standout Moments

Did the photographer do something that particularly touched you? Perhaps they helped you put on your shoes, stayed longer than planned, or sent a thoughtful gift. Maybe they made your elderly aunt laugh or managed to get 150 people into an impromptu group photo. Share any moments that stood out to you and made a difference to your experience.

Describe the Final Photos

How do you feel about the finished photos? Did they capture your wedding day beautifully and authentically? Did they exceed your expectations? Are there any specific shots or details that you particularly loved? How did you feel when you first saw the photos? Did you notice anything new or unexpected? Share your reactions and any compliments you've received.

Provide a Summary and Recommendation

Summarise your experience and recommend the photographer to future couples. Would you work with them again? Are they worth the investment? Did they offer true artistry and unique photos? Did they help bring your vision to life? Are you grateful for their hard work and talent? Let other couples know why they should choose this photographer.

How to write a negative review

While it's always nice to be able to leave a positive review, sometimes things don't go as planned and you need to give feedback on a negative experience. Here are some tips on how to write a negative review of a wedding photographer while still being fair and constructive:

Start with the Positives

Even if there were more negatives than positives, try to find at least one good thing to say about the photographer or their work. This will help to soften the blow of any criticism and show that you're trying to be fair and balanced in your review. For example, you could mention that they were punctual and always arrived on time, or that they were friendly and easy to get along with.

Be Specific

Instead of simply saying that the photographer was "bad", be clear and specific about what went wrong. Did they miss important moments that you wanted to be captured? Were the photos blurry or poorly composed? Was their equipment lacking or outdated? Providing specific examples will make your review more helpful to both the photographer and potential future clients.

Stick to the Facts

Avoid making vague statements or accusations that can't be proven. Stick to the facts and provide verifiable information about what went wrong. For example, instead of saying "The photographer ruined my wedding", you could say "The photographer arrived two hours late and missed the ceremony, as well as the first dance and cake cutting."

Provide Constructive Feedback

If there were things you wished the photographer had done differently, suggest specific ways they could improve. For example, if you felt they were too intrusive during the ceremony, suggest that they could have been more discreet and tried to blend into the background more. If you felt they missed important moments, suggest that they should create a shot list with the couple beforehand to ensure they capture everything that's important to them.

Be Kind

Remember that your words can have a big impact on someone's business and reputation. Try to be kind and respectful, even when providing negative feedback. Avoid using offensive language or making personal attacks. Focus on the specific issues you had and how they could be improved, rather than insulting the photographer or their work.

How to write a helpful review

Writing a helpful review is a great way to thank your wedding photographer for their hard work and share your experience with other couples who are planning their weddings. Here are some tips on how to write a helpful review:

• Be specific and informative: Talk about the specific things your photographer did that made your experience great. Mention the photographer's working style, personality, and any unique touches they added to make your day special.
• Share your story: Write about how you found your photographer, what you booked them for, and why you chose them. This will help other couples understand if the photographer is a good fit for their needs.
• Describe your concerns and how the photographer addressed them: Were you worried about feeling awkward in front of the camera, or did you have specific requests for your photos? Share how the photographer made you feel comfortable and ensured your concerns were addressed.
• Highlight the photographer's communication and working style: Effective communication is key to a successful collaboration. Mention how responsive and organised the photographer was, and how they made the process of working together easy and enjoyable.
• Share your feelings about the experience: Talk about how the photographer made you feel during the photoshoot. Did they make you feel at ease and bring out your best self? Share how their presence and guidance enhanced your experience.
• Provide feedback on the final photos: Describe your reactions to the finished photos and how they made you feel. Were there any particular shots or moments that stood out to you? Share how the photos captured your special day and turned it into lasting memories.
• Be thoughtful and honest: Write your review with care and honesty. Share your genuine thoughts and feelings about the experience, as this will be valuable for both the photographer and future couples considering their services.
• Keep it concise: While it's important to provide details, try to keep your review concise and to the point. Focus on the key points that will be most helpful to others while expressing your thoughts in a clear and straightforward manner.

Frequently asked questions