The London Wedding Photographer Guide to Choosing the Right Photographer
I feel your pain
A thousand photographers websites and you still cant decide.
They all seem to say the same thing, award winning this and unique that.
So how on earth do you find the one? The one that after the honeymoon tan begins to fade, makes you cry with joy as you see your amazing, incredible most fantastic wedding for the first time?
Give me 5 minutes of your time and I will give you some tips to ensure you will delighted by your photographer.
There are essentially 2 approaches to shooting a wedding.
A documentary/reportage style, and a traditional style.
The documentary/photojournalistic approach is where your photographer is a fly on the wall.
Capturing the day sympathetically, creating moments that make your heart skip, or brings a tear to your eye, every time you look at them.
The more traditional approach is where the photographer will take a series of posed pictures. This tends to be favoured by parents & grandparents. It can be time consuming for you and your guests. If you prefer this style, a photographer that is patient and good with people is essential. You don't want your wedding to be remembered for the shouty photographer who made everyone look miserable.
A blend of both styles can be succesfully achieved by the right photographer. Genuine moments captured, and the ability to make people relaxed when having their picture taken, is the mark of a skilled individual.
Be aware that most photographers will offer a reportage style of shooting, yet most of their work appears to be series of posed pictures. Ask to see more examples of the style that you want from the photographer.
Other essential factors to consider.
Light.
Does the photographer understand how to use light?
Are there pictures of people with black holes where their eyes should be?
Does the light add drama and contribute to the narrative of the picture?
Can the photographer deliver when the light is bad?
What if you are getting married in the depth of winter in a Scottish castle with tiny windows and candles being the only sources of light?
Do you want someone who can enhance the mood of your amazing venue, or someone who hasn't got the skill to pull it off?
Consistency.
Can they produce the same standard of work in all conditions?
It's great having a series of pictures on a website of people who look like models
in an amazing location on a perfect summers day, but what happens if something happens unexpectedly?
What if it rains and all of your guests are confined indoors and the light is dark and unflattering? A skilled photographer should be able to produce the same standard of work in all conditions, under all circumstances.
Personality.
Your photographer should put you at ease. Who wants a bossy boots barking orders at people. Are they flexible in their approach? Will they at least try to accommodate your wants and needs, or are they set in stone and its their way or nothing?
I hope this guide makes things a little easier in your search for your perfect photographer.
Good luck!!
