Weddings are memorable occasions that ought to be captured for future reminiscing. There is no doubt that a picture is worth more than a thousand words. Your slow but graceful walk down the aisle, the swirling emotions in your loved one’s eyes, the proud hug from your parents, and the hilarious jokes from the best man are all memories worth documenting. In the future, even when life gets difficult, you can reminisce about those special moments and bond over them with friends and family.
One of the biggest wedding regrets is having photos that are not up to your standards and even worse if the photographer didn’t capture all the memorable moments. Identifying the perfect photographer who will take note of those poignant moments is a crucial decision. You can hire a professional photographer who understands your wedding vision or approach someone you trust to stick by your side and capture every moment. Finding a professional wedding photographer can be hectic but not with the following guidelines:
1. Outline your budget
It’s no use finding the perfect photographer only to realize that they are beyond your budget. While capturing good photos is the ultimate goal, your budget is an important aspect to consider. First, you can discuss with your wedding planner the amount you are willing to spend on photography and keep that at the back of your head as you continue your search.
Many professional photographers have quoted their starting prices on their website, or you can ask the local photographers for a quick estimated starting price. You can also search for an affordable wedding photographer in Sydney. Wedding photography often takes a big chunk of the total budget, but your wedding photos are worth more. You can analyze your entire budget and identify areas you can save some funds to invest more in photography.
2. Know your style
The most exciting part of searching for a photographer is figuring out your photography style. Through several wedding photography sections, it is advisable to identify what works for you. Some styles you’ll come across include contemporary, candid, a mix of color, and classic. Create a shortlist of the photographers you’re impressed with and look them up before settling on one. Weddings are unique in all ways, so you might want to settle with a photographer with a few years of experience in wedding photography.
3. Ask for referrals and testimonials
While you may not always be sure of what is posted on social media, you can always trust your family and friends to make excellent recommendations. If someone in your circle married recently and you fell in love with their shorts, you can ask them to connect you to the photographer. You can also get recommendations from online reviews, your venue, and social media. A reputable wedding photographer naturally has numerous testimonials from previous clients. After creating a shortlist, you can contact the photographer and enquire about their availability on your wedding day and if you can read their testimonials or speak with one of their recent clients.
4. Review a portfolio
The website can tell whether the photographer is worth giving a chance, but it is not enough to trust them with the most memorable day of your life. Three to five photos are not enough to outline a story. Photos are meant to tell the day’s story with a beautiful flow and an exciting climax. You want each picture to express the day’s mood and be consistent in appearance and quality. A complete wedding album allows you to see the style of group photos and the lighting, aspects that may not be clear in just three pictures.
5. Arrange a meeting
Your photographer will be around for the better part of the day, so you must ensure that you click. Set a face-to-face meeting, review their portfolio, and assess their personality to see if it works for you. The more free and relaxed you are around your photographer, the more at ease and natural your pictures will be.
Planning a wedding is thrilling and hectic at the same time, especially when it comes to identifying the perfect photographer. Your wedding photos will tell your love story to your children and grandchildren. However, if they don’t capture perfect shots of the special moments, your wedding day may become a blur. The trick to natural-looking photos is to enjoy your wedding, be natural and trust your photographer to wow you with their handiwork.
