CHOOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER

CHOOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER
Print this page
Return to list
Add to my notebook

Finding the right photographer for your wedding day is vital. Photography can be powerful and you want to make sure that your wedding photographs move you when you first see them and move you in the same way when you look back on them in years to come. Below are some top tips to help you find the right person to take the magical photographs you deserve.

SUMMARY OF USEFUL TIPS WHEN CHOOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHER:

  • Research photographers in your local area
  • Look through galleries of photographs these photographers have previously taken
  • Consider how the different photographers’ images make you feel
  • Decide on the style you like, for example, you might want a combination of formal photographs and more relaxed shots
  • Select your top two or three and meet them
  • Make sure your final choice is a person you can communicate well with – they will be following you around all day so you need to feel comfortable around them
  • Make sure your photographer has public liability and professional indemnity insurance


LIST OF PICTURES TO BE SURE TO GET ON THE DAY

At the church:

  • The arrival of the groom, best man and groomsmen
  • The arrival of the groom’s parents
  • The groom and best man waiting at the top of the aisle
  • The groomsmen showing guests inside the church
  • Informal shots of guests arriving and in the pews
  • The maid of honour and bridesmaids arriving and stepping out of the car
  • The arrival of the bride and her father
  • The bride’s arrival into the church, readjusting dress etc.
  • The bridal procession walking down the aisle
  • The look on the groom’s face as the bride walks in
  • The signing of the register – formal poses of the bride and groom
  • The bride and groom with those witnessing the signing of the register
  • The bride and groom leaving church – smiles and kisses etc.

Outside the church:

  • Formal ‘kissing shot’ of the bride and groom and guests throwing confetti
  • Group shots of the bridal party
  • The bride and groom leaving in the car

At the Reception Venue:

  • Guests chatting with drinks before the bride and groom arrive
  • The bride and groom arriving and shots of them in and by the car with champagne
  • Group photos with the car before it leaves (with the venue in the background)
  • Poses of the bride and groom walking around the garden or grounds holding hands
  • Individual shots of the bride outside
  • Individual shots of the groom outside
  • The groom with his closest friends
  • The bride with her closest friends
  • Main Group photos in the courtyard, perhaps taken from an upstairs window
  • Final couple photos reflecting and walking over to the entrance whilst guests go in for the wedding breakfast

Start of the Meal:

  • Shots of the entrance area and main room set up
  • Photo of the cake and close-ups of the centre pieces and table names
  • People coming into the wedding breakfast room
  • Entrance of the bride and groom – lots of photos and guests standing and clapping etc.
  • The speeches, top table, and reactions around the room
  • The cutting of the cake

Remember, this list is only a guide and every wedding is different. It is your day and you must decide on the moments you want captured. Hopefully the above will help you.

 

Image credit: Pixabay