How to choose a wedding photographer

"good" is subjective, and it will come down to whether you like their style. I mean I can look at someone's work and think "that's a bit underexposed" but in reality that really doesn't matter because to the client's eye if it looks good then it is good. Not sure if that makes sense, but hope it does!

The only "universal" things you might want to look for is sharpness, make sure things aren't blurry/out of focus (unless it's intentional out of focus like backgrounds etc. for a soft feel)

Thanks Marianne it's hard isn't it, every lathing we look at we are doubting our judgement. It's a shame your so far away as your style is what I'm looking for. What you have said does make sense though thanks

I can flick through many websites of different things and eliminate them in a second of looking at them.

Trust your initial instincts on whether you like their style. Narrow it down and then email them with any questions you have. Shop around and further afield too as Photographers will travel.

If they are local then meet them, if they are not then Skype. I Skype all the time with a few of my brides (mainly because we just want a natter rather than talk weddings).

Echo Daffodil, don't restrict your area, thats what I did and I realise now it was completely unnecessary.

Make sure you like their style of photography first of all, that's the most important thing. Ask to see full weddings, not just the best photos that they've chosen for their portfolio.

Then meet them to make sure you get on, you don't want somebody there on the day who'll irritate you or rub your guests up the wrong way.

Also, I'd suggest seeing at least 3 photographers, don't just go with the first one you see ?

Find a selection you really like, perhaps ask for some second opinions from people you trust on here.

I'd also second asking to see full weddings, that's not so much about whether the work is good but whether they can deliver the product. Only seeing 20/500 images of a wedding everytime doesn't tell you much about what the rest will look like!

That's been my worry as obv any pics on their sites will ge their best so asking to see full weddings is good advice. Right back to searching it is then

It would be no bother for them to send you a link and password to a full gallery ?

Really? I would never have thought to do that duh. It's all new this planning malarkey

That's what Hitched is for so don't worry. Great thing is you can look at them from the comfort of your own home and meet when you've decided on the style you like.

Echo everyone else (I've learned the hard way, don't be like me).

- Ask to see full wedding photo album

- Ask how many images they will take in the day

- Meet them in person

- Do not pay anymore than you need to (not that you would, but if discount is offered to pay upfront etc, don't do it)

Im so glad I've read this thread! This is one area I am really really struggling with! I have come across 3 photographers whose style I really like, only one I have actually met as of yet face to face at a wedding fayre at our venue! She is the most expensive with packages starting at £1495, but I loved her and we just really clicked, the other 2 however are still both the same styles I love and one coming it at £595 and the other coming in at around £695 for the package we would chose. Its so hard though as I know these are the only real solid memories we will have from the day, as I would have really liked a videographer but OH is dead set against this, which is fair enough! So im thinking do I go with the lady I loved, or do I meet the other 2 that are slightly cheaper, and perhaps pick one of those, as lets be realistic we're all on a budget! Both me and my OH HATE our picture being taken and I always come out looking like a bit of a plum in professional pics (I've had a couple of shoots done with the kids)...Ive spent hours agonizing over this decision and ive still got 17months to go! hehe! Sorry to hijack the post but also like you I would welcome any suggestions or advice!! xxx

Have you requested to see a full wedding off all three? That might narrow it down for you.

Not necessarily....A local tog known to the venue/church/reception is much more likely to be given more latitude as they would have built a relationship with that place over the years.

Peter

I stay local and visit the same venues a lot, so I get know all the best spots,at all times of the year and not only that I know them at all times of the day because ive been there before.

We're looking at paying £1500-£2000 now for supply only as we can't find anyone decent for less.

But hey, I'm picky and can see every weakness. Most couples can't.

There used to be a time when people would say to look for clear detail in the dress (as sometimes inexperienced togs blow the details) but if any of you are familiar with the vintage look you can wave goodbye to those most of the time. June on a foggy day.... never thought that would be a popular look.

If you like their work and them then providing the price is within you budget that's a great start. I see images posted on here as part of brides wedding reports and I see the faults in every single one. But the bride doesn't, in fact she loves them nearly every time. So if they look good to you they'll be fine for what you need.

The smaller details are tied down contractually, so image numbers, printing rights etc are all open to discussion and are usually minor as most people are quite standardized in how they deliver things.

Customer service and eagerness is something too. Get a feel for them as a person. I emailed a 'Wedding Industry Awards winner' who charges 2k and they never replied to me. At least not since Tuesday when I sent the email. Maybe they're on holiday. Who knows. But you set up an auto reply or something.

It was mentioned to shop further afield so brides didn't fall into the trap to book one locally that they weren't happy with just because they were local.

This.

My point was generally that a lot of brides to be might think they need to use local TOGs only.

When I started out I had no idea I could book someone who was 60 miles away if I wanted to, I thought I'd be limited to my town only because thats all they would cover.

A wedding is your personal day on which you can personally tailor everything you want and can have the memories represented in the style and manner in which you like. Trust you gut instinct and follow common sense - if you are asked something you don't quite understand, ask for an explanation. If the answer doesn't still make sense either ask someone else or walk away from that supplier.

Every photographer, like every business, will try and sell themselves to you. It's why you are there (to purchase a service). If someone is starting out, they will try to show how new and fresh (even flexible) they are. If someone has been around the block they will tell you how many venues they've covered. If you need someone who's been around the block just ask and be prepared to pay a little to a lot more for their knowledge and experience. If you're budget doesn't quite extend, ask the new and fresh looking ones.

You need to work out your priorities - and look at photographers who understand those priorities. That's the hardest part (looking on-line) but in person, it becomes very easy. Ask questions that matter to you and your priorities.

The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident that your chosen provider will deliver what you want.