Choosing the Right Wedding Photographer in Ireland
When it comes to your wedding day, there are many expenses involved and you will naturally try to save where you can. Cutting corners on your wedding photographer should definitely not be one of the costs you try to save on. Your wedding photos are memories that will last a lifetime. These will be displayed in your home and shown to your children and grandchildren one day. Your wedding photos will be one of the only things to fully encapsulate the emotions and excitement of that magical day!
Choosing your wedding photographer is more than finding someone to simply take photos.
I have some sound advice and a few tips for you that will help you to make the best decision when picking your photographer.
Create a checklist
Sit down with your partner and decide what style you like and what type of photographs you want. There are many different photographers who all have their own individual shooting style, not every photographer will suit the style that you want for your wedding photos. Some brides may prefer really creative and artistic style photos while others may prefer more straight forward photos that tell the story as it is without too much posing and artsy flare. Every couple is unique in what they envision for their wedding photos, make sure you know what you want and find a photographer who will match that vision to avoid disappointment.
The Portfolio Says it All
Every photographer should have an extensive portfolio that is up to date. It is great to be able to look at photos online for inspiration, but until you see a photographer’s work you won’t know his/her shooting style. Just like every couple has a specific style, so does a photographer. Not every photographer can capture the same style of images, make sure you have a thorough look through their portfolio to make sure that their style matches the style that you want for your own wedding. A good photographer should be open to questions and should be honest in terms of what they can and cannot capture for your vision. Be sure to look through the portfolio for specific images that you would want taken for you day, for example if you have always wanted a photograph taken as the sun is setting with your veil blowing in the breeze, try to look for a photo that is similar to make sure that the style is what you have in mind and that the photographer can capture it the way you want.
Communication is Key
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Even in your first meeting with your potential photographer, ask every question you can think of. A good photographer will be willing to answer every question you have honestly. If you would like to see a full set of photos from a specific wedding, then the photographer should be open to sharing those with you. Photographers love to share their work and show it off to anyone who asks. Have a look at their website and make sure that they are sharing good quality galleries, if they aren’t then that should be a red flag. If you can’t communicate effectively before your wedding day, then that is a clear sign that you will struggle to capture the moments you really want to on your wedding day. If you want something specific, you should be able to comfortably ask for it. Make sure you know exactly what you will be receiving and what is included in the package so that you can choose the best package for you.
Matching Personalities
Much like choosing your life partner, you and your photographer need to mesh well. If you don’t feel comfortable around one another then you won’t be relaxed and comfortable on your wedding day in front of the camera. The couple should build a good relationship with their photographer and be able to comfortably share intimate moments on their wedding day. A good photographer should be able to capture moments without feeling intrusive. A great way to get to know each other is to do a coffee meeting prior to the booking.
Testimonials and Research
A good photographer should have a testimonial section on their website. If they don’t have that check online reviews, wedding blogs, forums etc.. You need to do your own research! Don’t rely on things you have read or heard about, but rather do your own investigating and find the answers yourself. Your photographer should be an open book.
Your Happily Ever After
At the end of the day all you really want is what you are asking for. If you tell your photographer all of your expectations and requests for your wedding day, you can avoid any disappointment. Build a close relationship with your chosen photographer and be open and honest about what you like and don’t like. Keep your checklist with you to make sure that through the process you know you are getting what you want and what you are paying for.
Have fun with it! Your wedding day is a once in a lifetime experience. Don’t overthink your photos, leave it in your photographers hands after explaining what you want. Enjoy every moment with your partner, friends and family and try to act like the camera isn’t even there. In order to capture great moments and memories, you have to make them first!
