Franklin Dean
Wedding photography is an important aspect of the big day, capturing memories that will be looked back on for years to come. When choosing a wedding photographer, it is crucial to consider your preferred style, whether that be traditional posed shots, contemporary, creative, fine art, or documentary/reportage. You should also decide if you want a photographer who blends into the background or takes charge of the scene. Researching and comparing photographers and their portfolios and full galleries is essential to understanding their style and quality of work. In addition, meeting photographers in person or via video call can help determine if your personalities align and if you feel comfortable around them. Other considerations include their experience, insurance, equipment, packages, pricing, and delivery times.
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What You'll Learn
Photography style: documentary, creative, fine art, traditional, or a mix
Wedding photography is a competitive industry, with many photographers offering their services. When it comes to choosing a photographer, it's important to consider the style of photography you want. Here are some popular styles to consider:
Documentary/Photojournalistic
Documentary wedding photography is about telling a story. It involves capturing candid moments and spontaneous pictures of people, decor, and action. It is not about posing or superficial shots; instead, it focuses on the emotions, relationships, humour, and tears of the day. It requires a disciplined approach, an observant eye, patience, and the ability to create a narrative.
Creative/Editorial
Editorial photography is more technical and hands-on than documentary photography. It focuses more on lighting and posing, and the photographer will often have a more controlled environment. This style is akin to a magazine photoshoot.
Fine Art
Fine art photographers tend to have a more technical approach, with a focus on lighting and posing.
Traditional
Traditional photography often involves more posed, arranged portraits. However, you can add your own signature style to a traditional photoshoot, making it less posed and more natural.
A Mix
You may want a mix of styles for your wedding photography. For example, you could have a blend of natural, candid shots and more posed, traditional portraits. Ultimately, it is important to discuss with your photographer how you want your special moments captured, be it the bridal bouquet, the first dance, or the exchanging of rings.
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Photographer's experience and portfolio
Photographers' experience and portfolios are crucial factors in choosing a wedding photographer. Couples should look for photographers with a few years of wedding photography experience. While beginners may offer lower prices, established photographers provide peace of mind with their track record and attention to detail. It is advisable to research their business history and ensure they have the necessary equipment and backup plans, such as insurance and a network of fellow photographers.
When reviewing portfolios, it is essential to examine full wedding albums or galleries, consisting of at least a few hundred photos, to truly understand the photographer's style and consistency. Blogs can also provide valuable insights, showcasing around 100 images from a wedding. Look for consistency in editing, lighting, and focus, and ensure their style aligns with your vision. Consider their approach as well—whether they blend into the background or take a more directive role.
Ask to see galleries of weddings similar to yours in terms of venue and atmosphere. For example, request photos of a farm wedding in June or a ballroom wedding in December. If your wedding is outdoors, inquire about their experience shooting in natural light, and if your venue has low-light conditions, assess their ability to capture sharp images in such settings. Ensure their portfolio includes a range of candid, posed, and detail shots, depending on your preferences.
In addition to their primary photography services, some photographers offer extras like photo booths, mini wedding films, and second shooters. These add-ons can enhance the overall experience and provide a more comprehensive memory of your special day. When reviewing portfolios, pay attention to these additional services and consider whether they align with your desires.
Lastly, it is beneficial to meet photographers in person or via video call to gauge your comfort level and ensure your personalities mesh well. Remember, you will be spending the entire wedding day with them, so choosing someone you get along with and trust is vital.
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Photographer's equipment, insurance, and backup plan
Photographers' equipment is key to ensuring that the magic of the wedding day is captured. A good photographer will have a range of equipment to suit different scenarios and lighting conditions. This may include two camera bodies, 3-4 lenses, and 2 light sources. Some photographers prefer to work with older models, such as the Nikon D5, which is known for its responsiveness and low-light performance. Others may opt for newer models like the Nikon Z8, or even medium-format digital cameras like the Fuji GFX 50 and 100.
Photographers should also have a backup plan in case of equipment failure or other unforeseen circumstances. This could include having a network of fellow photographers who can step in if needed, as well as using cameras with dual memory card slots to provide an immediate second backup of the wedding photos.
In terms of insurance, while it is not a legal requirement in most states, photographers may consider a one-day wedding photography insurance plan or an annual small business insurance policy. These plans can provide liability coverage and protect against equipment damage or loss. Additionally, insurance can provide financial peace of mind should a client sue due to dissatisfaction with the quality of the photographs.
Overall, when choosing a wedding photographer, it is important to consider their equipment, backup plans, and insurance to ensure that your special day is captured and preserved without any unnecessary stress.
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Cost, delivery times, and additional extras
The cost of wedding photography can vary depending on several factors, including location, the type of services and packages offered, and the photographer's experience and level of expertise. In the US, wedding photographer prices typically range from $1,150 to $3,000, with the average cost being around $2,000 to $2,900. Some photographers charge by the hour, with rates starting at $150 per hour, while others offer packages that include a certain number of hours of coverage, typically ranging from six hours to an unlimited amount. The scope of coverage can also impact the cost, as some couples may want pre-wedding events such as engagement or rehearsal dinners captured in addition to the wedding day itself.
When it comes to delivery times, the standard turnaround time for wedding photos is anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks. Some photographers may be able to deliver the final gallery within 7-9 days, while others may take up to 8 weeks or more. The delivery time can depend on the photographer's workflow, the number of images taken, the amount of editing required, and the number of weddings they are currently working on.
Additional extras that can be offered in wedding photography packages include engagement shoots, after-wedding sessions, photo booths with fun props, Polaroid cameras or Instax Mini cameras for guests to capture candid moments, and high-quality printed photo albums or digital files in an online gallery. Some photographers may also offer discounts on engagement shoots if booked together with the wedding package, or include photo prints or a print credit in their rates. It is important to carefully review the information about pricing and packages offered by different photographers to find the best fit for your needs and budget.
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Personality and approach
It is important to find a photographer whose style aligns with your own. Do you prefer traditional, posed photos or a more natural, documentary-style approach? Browse photographers' portfolios, Instagram feeds and websites to get a sense of their work and trust your instincts. Do the photos make you smile, cry or jump with joy? Do you find yourself wishing that the photos were from your wedding? Finding a photographer whose style matches your personality is crucial for ensuring a meaningful photography experience.
The photographer's approach to the wedding is also something to consider. Are they excited about your wedding? Do they listen to what you want and try to make your vision come to life? Are they responsive and engaged in your initial communications? These are good indicators that they will put in the effort to connect with you and deliver the best photos.
It is also worth thinking about the level of direction you want from your photographer. A good wedding photographer should be able to command a room without being overbearing. They should be able to connect with the wedding party and give polite but assertive direction when needed.
Finally, consider the logistics of what the photographer offers and what will be delivered after the wedding. Are you looking for just digital photos or do you want a physical album? Do they offer engagement sessions? Make sure you understand what is included in their package and that it aligns with your expectations.
Remember, your photographer will likely be spending a significant amount of time with you on your wedding day, so it is important to choose someone whose personality and approach resonate with you.
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Frequently asked questions
You should ask to see a few full galleries of real weddings, not just a highlight reel or hero images. Check for consistency and their ability to shoot in different conditions, such as low light or rain. Also, make sure their style is in line with your vision.
There are four main styles: documentary/reportage, creative, fine art, and traditional. Documentary photographers capture the day as it happens with little interruption, while traditional photographers take a more posed and directed approach. Creative photography involves more dramatic and unique shots, and contemporary photography combines reportage with fashion or editorial photography.
Ask about their experience, photography approach, and whether they gel with your personality. Inquire about pricing and packages, including any additional extras like photo booths or second shooters. Understand their equipment setup, including backup options, and their process for delivering photos post-wedding.
Start by deciding on your preferred photography style. Then, look through portfolios and shortlist photographers whose work stands out to you. Research their business history, insurance status, and whether they have worked at your venue or similar venues. Ask for recommendations from friends, and check customer reviews and awards for reputable photographers.
