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Wedding Guide - Choosing the right photographer, Uncle Bob, style and when to book...
Hello. I wanted to create this guide to help explain what you should expect from a wedding photographer, not just me but whoever you choose, to help you understand why it's so important to hire a professional.
Being a wedding photographer is something you probably won't know much about and why would you? Hopefully after reading this guide you will understand some more of the details.
Photography is a skill, some say an art. There are degree courses and qualifications to be achieved but, once you know the technical aspects of how a camera works and the principles of what makes a good picture, that's when you learn how to be a good photographer.
It takes many years to master the skill and like every professional you never stop learning.
Why do I need to hire a photographer? My Uncle Bob has a camera he can do it.
It's tempting I'm sure to save some money and consider this option. Remember what I said above about how many years it takes to become confident to call yourself a professional. Photography isn't just about ability, it's about working with the right equipment.
A photographer's favourite element is light and being able to shoot properly in a dimly lit church, inside a venue with difficult lighting or in a field in the middle of summer where there's no shade not only requires years of practise but you can't do it unless you have professional equipment and know how to use it.
To get a little technical, we use what we call "fast glass", or lenses that have a wide aperture. We work in f-stops and the lower the f-stop the more light a lens will allow into the camera and the less chance there is of a blurry photo. I have lenses that go as low as f1.8. These lenses cost over a thousand pounds each.
They are essential, trust me. if I didn't need them I wouldn't spend that amount of money. I would never risk ruining a couples day with amateur equipment.
That's just then lenses. Then come the cameras themselves. They are capable of working in low light, shooting up to 12 frames per second, super fast focusing and weather sealing.
I shoot with two cameras that cost £4000 each, plus I have a third as a spare.
Does "Uncle Bob" have a backup in case something goes wrong? It's a lot of pressure to put on someone to shoot your wedding with insufficient equipment and skill. Please don't risk it.
Style
You may see wedding photographers describe their style as photo journalistic, documentary or candid. What that basically means is they photograph the natural moments of the day in a chronological way which provides you with a story in pictures. That doesn't mean they won't do formal or staged photography as every wedding needs, and has, a little bit of that. i.e. the Family Group shots.
When you make the initial enquiry, usually by email, facebook or phone, try and get a feel for the type of person you are talking to. Will that person suit your wedding style? This is something you may not be able to tell until you meet them face to face or look at more of their portfolio. I would estimate about 50% of my couples want to meet before booking me. It's no trouble and we normally meet at a local coffee shop or I go to their home, whichever is easier.
When you meet your photographer, they should provide you with a printed portfolio showcasing their style. Ask questions about their style and make sure it suits what you want. Most photographers can adapt to your preferences but you may feel some are to elaborate if you are a more understated person/couple. Or it may be the opposite.
When to Book
You shouldn't feel pressured to book but you need to remember that good photographers book 2 to 3 years in advance. You may be lucky and get a photographer at the last minute if they have had a cancellation. I get 2-3 enquiries a week where couples are looking for a photographer for their wedding in a couple of months time. It is unlikely I can help. So book early!
Photographers are busy people and work on a first come, first served basis. Once you have decided on your photographer, you will need to secure their services with a deposit and sign a standard contract. Then you can concentrate on all the other things on your list!
