Hands down, choosing your photographer will be one of the most important decisions you'll make during the run-up to your wedding. After all, you're charging that person with the responsibility of capturing the joy, the laughter and the love of the most important day of your life - precious moments that would otherwise be lost as the years roll by and the haze of time settles.
Tyron Mackenzie
"Your wedding photos are the best - maybe only - record you will have of your wedding. Cakes will be eaten and flowers will wilt, but beautiful photographs will bring back all those amazing memories," comments Natalie Williams of Iconik Photography (iconik-photography.com), to which Alan Law (alanlawphotography.co.uk) adds: "These are the memories and moments that will be seen by not only you, but your children, your children's children and so on."
Tyron Mackenzie
Which makes choosing the right person for the job a daunting task. Today's wedding industry is teeming with talented photographers, whose work is constantly evolving to the meet the vision of the discerning bride and groom-to-be, as photographer Andy Green of Harrera Images (harreraimages.co.uk) observes: "Aspirations and ambitions have soared in recent years, with brides and grooms wanting something different and beautiful."
So where do you start? What do you ask? And how can you secure the best possible record of your day? We've enlisted some top wedding photographers to provide their expert advice.
Stewart Girvan
GETTING STARTED
There's no such thing as too early to start researching. "If you want to get your first choice then you should book as early as you possibly can," advise Joanne and Sam (lifephotographic.com).
A recommendation from a trusted source goes a long way. "Ask your friends and family if they have either used someone or been to a wedding where the photographer not only shone on the day but their images blew them away," comments Khalile Siddiqui (weddingphotographyincornwall.co.uk).
Thomas Foreman
Browse wedding magazines, websites and blogs and get a feel for the style of photography you like. Do you like reportage or photo-journalistic style, whereby the photographer acts as an observer, capturing largely candid moments? Or do you prefer a more traditional approach, where the majority of the images are posed? Alternatively, perhaps you favour a highly creative approach with unconventional angles and imaginative compositions.
Also, consider the aesthetic of the images: do you like warm images full of light, atmospheric low-lit shots or timeless black and white? Perhaps you love muted vintage tones or a grainy aesthetic? Discuss which style suits you both best and your vision for the day.
Thomas Foreman
You also need to consider the style of wedding you're planning. "If you are getting married in a dimly-lit castle or spending lots of time and effort on your table decorations, then you need a photographer who can capture those details," advises Natalie from Iconik Photography. "It may sound obvious, but really look at the pictures, and think 'if these were my photographs, would I love them?'" comment Joanne and Sam from Life Photographic.
Once you've got a firm idea of the style you favour, start to pick out some favourites.
Khalile Siddiqui
MEET AND CLICK
Always meet the photographers from your shortlist or, if it's difficult to meet in person, arrange to chat via Skype. "See several photographers, even if you think you are convinced about one," advises Andy Green. Delve deeper into their portfolio and ask to see some complete weddings. "Some photographers will only present a few of their best portfolio images. What you need to see is a consistently high level of photography so that you end up with a series of great images," urges Thomas Foreman (wedding-photography-in-cornwall.co.uk). "A good photographer should have no problems dealing with low light situations like dark churches and dance floors, and should also be able to capture all the key moments throughout your day," says Helen Lisk (helenliskphotography.co.uk).
Ben Selway
Once you're sold on the quality and consistency of a photographer's work, consider your chemistry as people. After all, you're going to be spending a lot of time with this person on the most important day of your life. "Make sure you like them! You have to be comfortable and at ease." advises Ross Talling (rosstalling.co.uk). "Ask yourself: will they fit in with your guests? Are you relaxed in their company? Are they well presented? Will they conduct themselves professionally?"
After the initial meeting, try and build up a rapport with your photographer during the run-up to the wedding. "You should feel assured that you can always go to them with ideas or thoughts you may have for various shots. They should always be open to your ideas and work with you and your needs," says Tyron Mackenzie (tcmphotography.co.uk).
Stewart Girvan
RIGHT PRICE
If you're going to scrimp on anything, don't make it your wedding photography. "Whatever your budget may be, I would always advise booking a reputable photographer; even if you have to break that budget a little, it will be money well spent," comments Brian Robinson (brianrobinsonphotography.com).
We're not endorsing running up huge debts. We're saying: think carefully about your decision, and don't settle on the first photographer who simply offers you a cut-price deal. If you love their work - great. If you don't - think before you proceed!
Ross Talling
"Get the best photographer you can afford," asserts Emma Latham of Freckle Photography (frecklephotography.co.uk). "Go with your gut instinct and the style of work you love best." And remember, as Joanne and Sam from Life Photographic comment: "There are a lot of wedding expenses which only last a day, but very few which you will keep coming back to for the rest of your lives."
Life Photographic
POP THE QUESTIONS
Ask these must-ask questions before you book
What is included in the package? Look at the various options and take note of the exact price for each, looking out for any extras that will increase the price. "Be sure to get a contract which outlines all that is included," comments Emma Latham.
How long will you be at the wedding? "Many photographers offer an eight-hour session as standard. Getting ready through to the first dance often lasts between 11-13 hours and normally an extra hourly fee is quoted for time over eight hours. Ask your photographer how their system works," says Andy Green.
Life Photographic
How many images will I get? Your photographer will only be able to give you an approximate figure, but it's good to have a rough idea before you make a final decision.
Will the images be provided as high resolution print-ready files with reproduction rights?
"Many photographers include the images on disk these days. If this is the case, you should clarify whether they will be high resolution and watermark free. Some photographers include 'web ready' low quality images, which are unsuitable for printing," says Keith Riley (keithriley.co.uk).
Keith Riley
Will the images be individually edited? "This can take a long time, but it's so important; you don't want someone who just 'shoots and burns', as the images really won't look great at all," says Alan Law. "Time spent post-processing with professional software to give you the best possible set of images should all be part of the service," adds Natalie from Iconik Photography.
Have you shot a wedding at the venue before? If they haven't, ask them whether they will visit before the wedding to scope out locations and make contingency plans. "I always visit the venue prior to the day itself to locate the best places to capture special moments and try to visualise where the sun and light will be at its best for the day itself," says Tyron Mackenzie.
Brian Robinson
Do you offer a planning day or pre-wedding shoot? "This is a great opportunity for us all to get to know each other and also gives you a chance to practise being in front of the camera," advises Brian Robinson. "Having a pre-wedding shoot enables me to work closely with the couple to ensure that their nerves are kept to a minimum on the big day," adds Tyron Mackenzie.
Have you got all the necessary insurances? "A professional photographer will have insurance for their kit, public liability and professional indemnity," advises Natalie from Iconik Photography. "Find out if they carry back-up kit just in case something happens on the day."
Keith Riley
Will there be a second shooter? This is a question that stirs some debate between photographers. A good number of photographers recommend having a second shooter. "By having two photographers, you get a wider range of coverage, which means while one may be focussing on the couple, the other can focus on people's reactions," comments Keith Riley. It also works well when covering the preparations from both the bride and groom's perspective. However, others feel that the inclusion of a second shooter shouldn't seal the deal. "It's important to ask if they are also a professional and if you can see their work," says Nick Bailey (photobailey.com). "In my experience, unless you have a wedding with more than 250 guests or if you want shots of the groom getting ready and he's too far from the bridal party for the photographer to reach in time, then you probably don't need a second shooter. There's only one thing that should count and that is the quality of the photographs."
Khalile Siddiqui
BEST FACE FORWARD
Look your very best in your wedding photos with this expert advice
First things first: it's your wedding day. You're going to look radiant - but it doesn't hurt to hire a professional to help you feel the very best version of yourself. "Never underestimate the value of a great hair and make-up team. In normal everyday life most of us can make ourselves look presentable, but a fantastic make-up artist can make you look sensational," advises Emma Solley (emmasolley.com). "Ask your photographer for recommendations."
Once you've nailed looking fabulous, you need to address feeling fabulous. Consider any factors that are likely to cause discomfort, for example, the fit and style of your wedding dress. "A comfortable, easy to manoeuver dress helps to create easy and beautiful pictures as you can just be yourself," says Andy Green.
Ben Selway
Then there's the issue of time - or the lack of it. "Plan your morning with an hour longer than you think you'll need to start you off on the right foot," advises Andy. "Give yourself plenty of time for the bridal portraits so you can enjoy the experience. If you're short on time, you'll look tense rather than savouring the moment." Ben Selway (benselwayphotography.co.uk) agrees: "The more relaxed you are, the better you'll look. Anxiety transfers so obviously on faces in photos."
Then you just need to focus on savouring every moment. "Relax, breathe and enjoy yourself! If you radiate happiness your photographer will be able to capture it," says Natalie from Iconik Photography. And, after all that hard work finding the right photographer, trust their judgement. "A good photographer will tell you how to stand and position yourself to look your best - that's just a small part of what you are paying them for," says Khalile. "Most of us aren't professional models and we're not used to having our picture taken. A good wedding photographer understands this and knows how to get the best pictures of you. You just need to relax, be happy, enjoy the day and let the photographer do the rest," concludes Ross Talling.
Ross Talling
PICTURE PERFECT
Get photos to treasure with these need-to-know tips
Shooting on ceremony. "Some vicars and registrars don't allow ceremony photography or insist that the photographer stands at the back of the room. If you really value these images, make sure you speak to whoever is officiating your ceremony to find out if there are any limitations beforehand," says Keith Riley.
Get pinning. Discover the addictive world of Pinterest. "Create a pin board or find images in magazines to give your photographer a better idea of the type of shots and style you're after. Although we tend to have a signature approach or style, we are adaptable, so don't be afraid to ask for exactly what you want," says Thomas Foreman.
Alan Law
Work it. "Be prepared to work with your photographer," advises Natalie from Iconik Photography. "They will be keeping an eye on the time, weather, location and light so they can get the best possible images for you. For example, if you've asked for a sunset shot and your photographer says, 'it's now or never' they really mean it!"
Location is key. "Discuss any places you'd like to go with your photographer - also trust your photographer as well. If they offer advice on a particular place to shoot, chances are it's because they know it will look good in the photos," says Ben Selway.
Iconik Photography
Planning makes perfect. "Planning in advance helps the day run so much more smoothly. If there are to be any surprises on the day, ensure your photographers know about them," says Joanne and Sam from Life Photographic.
Go for gold. "I always love to shoot the bride and groom portraits in the 'golden hour' when the light quality is really warm and soft. If you can fit it into your day, plan to have some early evening shots as the sun starts to set," says Emma Latham.
Ross Talling
Timing is everything. "It's crucial that you allow enough time for the couple portraits. You'll need a minimum of 40 minutes," advises Ben Selway. "Stick to it no matter how late the wedding is running," warns Becky Joiner.
Boy time. Most brides are keen to capture the excitement of the 'getting ready' shots - but don't forget the groom's party. "Ideally plan an event like a round of golf or a quick bike ride - this tells the other half of the story," advises Becky Joiner of My Fabulous Life (myfabulouslife.co.uk).
Brian Robinson
Be spontaneous. "The best moments of a wedding are usually the unplanned moments that make you laugh, smile, cry, hide in your hands or all of these at once! Embrace these moments. This will make it much easier for your wedding photographer to capture a natural reflection of the day," says Dan Prettejohn.
Share your vision. "Always notify your photographer of a shot you particularly want. Most of us will shoot everything we see; however, if there's something sentimental to you that is not obvious to the photographer, it's a good idea to inform them," says Ben Selway.
Taylor and Porter
Group together. "Group shots still have a place in an album, as you can never guarantee a shot of you, your husband and both sets of parents together. They are a great reminder of who was there and how they looked when looking back 20 years on," asserts Will Dolphin (willdolphinphotography.co.uk). "Provide a list for your photographer so these can be done as efficiently as possible."
Welly weather. "Make a wet weather plan with your photographer and choose some alternative locations to shoot group and individual photos," says Tyron Mackenzie. A pair of wellies and an umbrella can also make great props for your photos.
In the album. "Purchase a wedding album. It's easy to say 'we have the images on disk, we'll put one together ourselves', but many couples never get round to making an album. It is the perfect final piece of the wedding jigsaw and will tell the story of your day for many years to come," says Brian Robinson.
Taylor and Porter
LOVE ON FILM
The wedding industry is currently seeing a resurgence in film photography as a select group of photographers, who offer a specialist film photography service, has emerged. Taylor and Porter Photographs (taylorandporter.co.uk), for example, shoot exclusively on vintage analogue cameras. "The fine art photography approach pioneered by Jose Villa has made film photography an increasingly vital part of wedding design," comments Louise Brotherton of Taylor and Porter.
What is it about film which accounts for the growing popularity of fine art film photography? "Film has a distinctive look and feel - an incredible colour palette and tangible softness," says Louise. Rosie Anderson (rosieanderson.co.uk) is also a great advocate of this aesthetic: "Film is where my heart is. What you see is what you get: real colours, real black and whites, real grain and real people with beautiful imperfections."
Taylor and Porter
This blend of authenticity and prettiness makes for a highly attractive formula. "Film's softness and timeless beauty make it a perfect choice for wedding photography and portraiture," continues Louise. "Film and a great photographer will make you look seriously good - and who doesn't want that on their wedding day?"
Alan Law
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright Wed magazine 2014
