Image might not be everything - but when it comes to your wedding photos, it's important. Very important. When the last crumbs of the wedding cake have been devoured, the petals of your bouquet have wilted and the wedding dress has been banished to its zipper bag - the significance of your wedding photos will well and truly hit home. "It's a cliche, but remember that your images are the one thing from your wedding that are going to last forever," says photographer Alan Law (alanlawphotography.co.uk). And it's oh-so important to ensure they reflect the day as it unfolds. "When you look at your wedding photos, you want to be completely transported back to the day: to remember the feelings, the emotions, the things that you laughed about, the moments that made you cry. Your photographs should capture all that for you, and they should do that in the most beautiful way," says Helen Lisk (helenliskphotography.co.uk).
Alan Law
These photos will serve as a precious memento of your wedding from the haze of those first days of married life through to old age. "Your wedding photography is probably one of the most important investments you will make in your lifetime and investing in the right photographer for you is key," says photographer Emma Solley (emmasolley.com). So we implore you: give very careful consideration to your choice of photographer.
GETTING STARTED
Although it's easy to get distracted by the frenzy of frocks, flowers and favours, you should start researching photographers as early as possible during the planning process. "Sourcing a photographer is your next step after you have confirmed a venue," comments photographer Will Dolphin (willdolphinphotography.co.uk). Many photographers get booked over a year in advance - particularly on popular dates.
Adam Gibbard
But where do you find your imagery inspiration? Obviously, Wed Magazine is an excellent place to start. Pore over copies of the magazine and check out the photography directory and real weddings on our website. Browse wedding blogs and photographer's websites. "Most venues will have a list of preferred and recommended suppliers, so have a look at these as they will know the venue," says Will. "Also, gather any personal referrals from friends and family."
Get a feel for the style of photography you like: do you like reportage photography, whereby the photographer captures the story of the day in a photo documentary style, or do you prefer a more traditional approach? Do you prefer relaxed shots or posed images? Do you have a preference for colour or black and white? Do you like photos with a warm glow or a dark grainy aesthetic? What about sharp in-focus images over images with blurred backgrounds? Your answers to these questions will help you formulate your favoured photographic style. "You need to make sure that you share the same aesthetic as the photographer you choose; there are lots of different styles out there, it is important that the one you choose is right for you," advises Ethan Elliot (ethanelliot.com).
Ben Photography
You also need to consider the style of wedding you're planning. "If you're looking to create a cosy and intimate winter wedding, then you need a photographer who can capture this kind of atmosphere, rather than just a bright and sunny July afternoon," explains Sarah Toomey (sarahlaurenphotography.com).
Once you have a clear idea of the style you like - that will work beautifully for your wedding - make a shortlist of your favourite photographers who fit the bill.
Adam Gibbard
MEET AND GREET
Then it's time to meet them. Your photographer will probably spend more time with you on your wedding day than any member of your wedding party, so it's important that you strike up a good rapport and feel at ease in their company - it all adds to the comfort and fun factor on the day and, ultimately, better photos. If it's really difficult to meet up face to face, arrange to chat with them via Skype or over the phone.
"It's so important to make sure that you get on with your photographer and visa versa. Having a good rapport with your photographer will definitely lead to having better pictures from your day," advises Adam Gibbard (adamgibbard.co.uk). "Get a feel for whether they are right for you; things you should be looking for are affability, professionalism and charm; your photographer will need to interact with you and your guests, and you want someone who is going to be comfortable in social situations," says Ethan Elliot.
Nick Bailey
Meeting your photographer is also a good opportunity to view an extensive selection of their work. "You really need to see some whole weddings rather than only the ones the photographer really likes and adds to their portfolio," says Ben Tyler (benphotography.co.uk).
After the initial meeting, try and build up a rapport with your photographer during the run-up to the wedding. "I would always recommend spending some time with your photographer, meet up with them a few times before the wedding and chat through your plans for the day," says Ben Tyler.
Ethan Eliot
MONEY MATTERS
If you're going to scrimp on anything, don't make it your wedding photography. "As with all elements of wedding planning, deciding how much to invest in photography will always be a delicate balance," says Sarah Toomey. "The photographer you choose will help you create beautiful and lasting memories of one of the most important days of your life - although wedding budgeting can be difficult, our advice would always be to spend as much as you can possibly afford."
We're not endorsing running up mammoth credit card bills that will take you until your tenth wedding anniversary to pay back. 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!
Khalile Siddiqui
Remember, you're not paying for one day's work. "There is a lot more that goes into the preparation and delivery of a good wedding shoot than simply turning up on the day," affirms Ethan Elliot. In many cases, you're paying for pre-wedding preparation - whether it's a venue visit, pre-wedding shoot or planning concerning the timetable for the day - the wedding day itself and the post-production process. Then you have to factor in the equipment, expertise and experience of your chosen photographer, and their competence in handling whatever the day throws at them, be it poor light or logistical hiccups. It's a high-pressure gig. If you value your images, you're putting a lot of trust on this person's shoulders - and that's worth paying for. As Helen Lisk comments: "Spend as much as you can afford to and book the photographer that you genuinely love. You won't ever regret it".
Savvie Photography
QUESTION TIME
Ensure your wedding is in safe hands by asking your potential wedding photographer these key questions:
What packages do you offer? Look at the various options, including albums, and take note of the exact price for each, looking out for any extras that will increase the price.
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.
Savvie Photography
Are the images provided as high-resolution files with reproduction rights? Find out whether you'll receive the images on a disc from which you can print copies, or whether you'll need to order prints through your photographer.
What time will you start and finish? Decide which shots you require: for example, would you like a record of getting ready, the first dance and the evening reception? Find out what stage of the day is classified as the end of the working day in your package, and take a note of costs for any extra hours.
Will there be a second shooter? If not, and you'd like images of both you and your fiance getting ready, you'll need to ask whether it's possible for your photographer to travel between venues to capture key moments.
Ashley Hampson
Do you offer pre-wedding shoots? If so, find out whether it's included in your package, or whether you'll need to factor the extra cost into your budget.
What happens if you're ill on the day? Your photographer should have a contingency plan, which is usually a trusted colleague to stand in.
Have you photographed the venue before? If not, ask your photographer if he/she will visit prior to the wedding. Even if it's just a few hours before the ceremony, it will be important to scout locations and assess the light.
Are you insured? Your photographer should have professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
Savvie Photography
SHOOT AND CLICK
We're big fans of pre-wedding shoots here at Wed. Not only is it a brilliant way of building that all-important rapport with your photographer, the session will help you increase your confidence in front of the camera. Take it from a camera-shy type like myself. I was dreading facing a galaxy of camera lenses on my wedding day. Despite some initial awkwardness during our pre-wedding shoot, I was amazed how quickly I relaxed and found myself fooling around naturally with my husband in front of the camera. Not only did the session give us an insight into how our photographer works, it gave him an opportunity to note the way we interact with each other. The experience was instrumental in melting away my camera nerves and, on the day itself, I actually enjoyed my moment in the spotlight.
Nick Bailey
Choose a location for the shoot that has personal resonance for you; perhaps wear your favourite outfit; bring props such as balloons or funky signs; you might even take your dog along - anything to increase your comfort factor. "You will see the flattering results before the wedding and this should build your confidence that you are photogenic and your photographer will do a good job," says Sarah Falugo (greenphotographic.com). Not only will you have fun, you'll feel more relaxed about having your photograph taken come the wedding day - and you'll have some gorgeous images to boot.
Ethan Eliot
PHOTO NOTES
Listen. Your photographer will know what makes a great shot. Take heed of their advice, particularly where it comes to locations and timing for capturing certain moments.
Communicate. Tell your photographer which shots are important to you. If you want group shots, it is wise to organise a list and charge a member of the wedding party to organise your guests. If you're planning a surprise during the course of the day that you'd like captured, share the secret with your photographer so that you can relax, safe in the knowledge everything will be recorded.
Alan Law
Consider key moments. Certain shots, such as the confetti shot, will take a little preparation to capture perfectly. The more confetti you have, the better the shot: think a big handful per guest. Opt for white petals, which look effective in photos, or tie in the confetti with your colour scheme. The location and timing is also crucial. My husband and I actually exited the church and went back in through another door to allow all the guests to get into position outside the church armed with confetti.
Be flexible. If you're running behind on the day, which makes it impossible to fit in all the planned photos, pick a few favourites and move on. Similarly, if light conditions happen to be perfect just as you're about to tuck into the starter - go capture it. Those images of you and your beau bathed in a warm, golden light will be far more important than a steaming hot goat's cheese dish - believe me.
Urban Sugar Photography
Be adventurous. Go with the flow on the day and don't be afraid to be a little spontaneous. If rainy skies put pay to your visions of sunny, barefoot on the beach shots, grab some umbrellas and welly boots - and venture out into the elements anyway. Those impulsive moments make for cherished images.
Enjoy yourself. The more fun you have on your wedding day, the better your photos will be - simple as that.
Urban Sugar Photography
words Rebecca Matthews
Copyright WED Magazine 2013
