How to start finding a Photographer (advice/tips from HIBs too pls)

Hi SG

I know what you mean, we had no idea where to start when we did, but we decided that we wanted just the images and we are doing albums ourselves, so reproduction rights was a huge thing for us.

Best thing to do is look at the various photographers in the area, chose a style u like, and see who does what, and go from there, and make appointments.

I know its hard, but speak to people, tell them what your budget is and what you want, and you may find they will do it. but in my experience, saying u just want the images etc without albums is best

things to ask: insurance, what if they fall ill, do they have cover, what equipment are they using, do they just use one camera, or a couple - in case one camera dies, is it just one or 2 photographers.......cant think of anything else. The guys we are using are a little above your price range, but i can reccomend them - well so far!

www.aj-imaging.com or .co.uk, sorry cant remember which

Good luck

D xx

Damiana - thanks for all of those tips, hadn't thought about doing the album ourselves, my SIL is really good at stuff like that...hmmmm

I will print off your tips and put it in my *cuttings* box which has all torn out articles and things to help me!

x

Probably worth talking to the hotel too, as I'm sure they'll be able to recommend a few. Can't remember whether or not you're from Cardiff originally, but have you got any friends/family locally who might be able to help you out with recommendations?

I'm in the same position as you. So far I've spent all afternoon on Google! God, my eyes!

We can tailor make to suit budget and needs, maybe we can help?

www.LMRPhotography.co.uk

Lou

x

I can personally recommend www.LMRPhotography.co.uk.

Lou and Matt are fab?

Cheers ladies, will be on tonight so may well PM you

Back to work grrrr

xx

Please don't flame me but I think for the budget you have in mind you are being unrealistic to expect to get everything you want.

You actually want an awful lot in your package: evening coverage is normally extra, albums are expensive, as are additional mini copies of albums. Also, very few photographers will give away copyright of their images but what you should be able to get is a CD of your images with reproduction rights which basically gives you the right to print copies for yourself. I am going to be honest and say that I think even with double the budget you might struggle to get everything you are asking for.

Have a think about what is most important to you. If your budget is totally unflexible then you need to think about what elements of the photography are really important. Albums add a lot to the cost of a package so if you can do without these you will save money. Also, if you want reprints for friends and family, won't they just pay for these themselves? A lot of photographers put the photos into an online gallery which is also a shopping cart so friends and family can buy reprints direct from the photographer rather than them all having to go through you (which is a hassle). Also, can you manage without the photographer in the evening.... maybe just have them attend until you sit down to eat?

However, if you really want everything you mentioned, then I would strongly recommend to up your budget. Try to think about what other things you would be prepared to cut back on. Or, alternatively, maybe ask family members if they would consider contributing towards your album as a wedding present? To give you an idea we would charge over £2,000 for what you want but we are at the higher end of what is out there.

In terms of find a photographer, you can try the internet - look at some sites and pick the ones whose photos you like the best, try to shortlist to no more that 10 and then contact them and ask them for a quote (or see the pricelist on their website if they have one). Alternatively you could try local wedding fayres, or ask your venue for any recommendations. Finally, having looked at a few, shortlist 3-4 (max 5) and arrange meetings to see them (make sure you have had a quote within your price range first otherwise you will be wasting yours and their time). Meeting up is really important because it gives you the chance to ask more detailed questions about what is included in the packages, to see their albums in person, and to find out if you actually get on with the photographer (which is important because you will spend a lot of time with them on the day). Make sure your OH can make this meeting too, particularly if he is camera shy because it will be even more important that he finds someone he clicks with who can put his mind at ease.

Sorry, I know this isn't very positive but hopefully the advice will set you on the right track.

Hi Snapdragon - thanks for your reply, I would never flame someone (I assume flaming is a bad thing, no idea what it is) as everyone is entitled to their opinion and if you put up a thread you can't always expect positive responses - so thank you for your honest response.

TBH I know our budget is very low - but my OH doesn't believe me, so I am trying to see if we can get anything for £750, before resorting to paying for more. I have found a couple of places but not really compared like for like (here come the spreadsheets!)

I do think we will end up paying over £1k but I suspect this will involve a lot of rows with H2B so I want to present him with a shortlist so he can see what he will get for his money. However as he hates having his piccy taken he doesn't want to spend the money - he doesn't see it the way i do, which is that they are permanent keepsakes of our day. Hmmmmmm

I just wanted some advice as to where to look - I think I am just going to have to make myself sit down and do a good couple hours trawling through google and making notes comparing.

The hard thing about making appts is that we are in London and wedding is in Cardiff - so was hoping I might find someone at a wedding fair - either in Cardiff or at the National Wedding Show. Any thoughts? Suggestions for people who aren't near their venue?

Thanks again for the advice, I will bear it in mind.

SG45 x

Just bare in mind when you are comparing packages that you should not just be comparing what you get product wise but also the quality of the photographs (expensive photographers are often more expensive for a reason and that can often be to do with quality and experience as much as what products are included).

Also, if your husband is camera shy it is worth trying to make sure you get someone with experience who will know how to handle this. A good photographer will be able to make most people look good despite the challenges (we should know as my husband hates having his photo taken too but is a photographer himself so can at least understand how people feel about this!). I know this might add more to the cost but trying to find a photographer who offers a pre-wedding photo shoot might be a really good idea for you. We started doing this a couple of years ago and found that it really made a difference on the day to how a couple relax into the photos, particularly the groom. Often the photographer starts the morning on the day of the wedding with the bride so she gets chance to relax into having her photos taken before arriving at the ceremony, however, a groom is often confronted by the photographer for the first time at the ceremony (when he will be nervous anyway). Having a shoot a few weeks before the wedding gives you chance to get used to your photographer and having your photo taken and also, when you see the photos, should give you some confidence that the photographer really can get a great photo of you!

Finally, in terms of location, either look for photographers around Cardiff on the internet and then plan a day in the area when you can see several in one day (Sunday will be a better option than Saturday as many will have weddings on a Sat). Alternatively, lots of photographers are prepared to travel, especially those that exhibit at the National Wedding Show because at a big show like that they should expect to get brides from a bigger catchment than the local area. Some will include travel costs in their package prices, others will charge a small amount but only usually enough to cover travel costs. So looking at this show will be a good option too. But also bear in mind it is not a cheap show to exhibit at so generally doesn't attract photographers at the lower budget end (we should know, we are exhibiting at the NEC show and it is not cheap!!).

Choosing a photographer can be very confusing and it is difficult to determine qality just from a web site. I would suggest meeting with at least three to give you an idea of the variation that is out there. I have to agree with the other post that you seem to be wanting everything but don't have the budget for it. An open discussion with a good photographer will helpo you work out what is important and they should be able to taylor a package specially for you.

By the way we are based in London and would cover Cardiff without any travel costs.

http://www.pixcellence.co.uk

You could also try entering the hitched photo competition and try winning a photo package for free!

https://www.hitched.co.uk/Competitions/

Clwyd - wedding photographer for Pixcellence

Hi All

Thanks for your replies - can i just point out that i do know my budget is unrealisitc - I am just trying to prove a point to my H2b!

In terms of packages, the only reason I don't want to do the reproduction myself is because surely a photographer's printer is better than mine??

Also, what would a small package consist of then - roughly - just so I have an idea?

Thanks!!

Becky x

I err towards traditionally printed images, even though I shoot digital...better for longevity and archival purposes. There are records of photographers producing images on "home printers".......unless they are the right type, avoid.

It sounds like you want a photographer who is good at natural shots - which is great as that's all the rage right now . We actually got a sports photographer who does weddings as well. He has promised to zoom in on unsuspecting guests and get us some great pictures - his albums looked great.

I think there are a few things to bear in mind. First, the style of photography which you've obviously got some ideas about already. Your next stage is to go and look at some actual albums - try to see whole albums rather than just odd snaps here and there. Any photographer will be able to produce a few good snaps, but seeing an entire album of good snaps shows you've got some consistency.

For me the deciding factor was personality. I met a few photographers, whittled it down to the one's whose style was what we wanted and price within our budget but in the end we went for the one who made us both feel very relaxed and comfortable - which is important when you're having your photo taken and aren't enthralled by the prospect (your H2B is not alone)!

The photographer is going to be a big part of your day - you want someone who is going to get the job done and be nice while they're at it. You don't want someone who is going to impose, shout at you & your guests (it does happen) or make you feel uncomfortable. When I met the photographers I just sort of knew who I would like to have hanging around at my wedding and who I wasn't 100% sure about. I think you definitely need to meet them, not just see their websites.

Maybe once your H2B has met a few photographers and found one he actually likes, he may be more amenable to increasing your budget !

Good luck with the searching!

Pen

Just a quick reply to some of stupidgirl45's questions.

Yes, generally prints will be better from the photographer themselves. Actually a lot of photographers still use traditional labs but will make sure their computers are set up to their chosen labs profiles to get the best possible quality when printing. Some photographers will print their own but you need a seriously good and big printer to do this and the same thing applies about calibration. If you do decide to get a CD and reproduce yourself see if your photographer can recommend a good lab to use... won't necessarily be the cheapest though. For big prints for special frames, gifts, etc I would still recommend going back to the photographer.

Also, hard to say what is in a small package but the cheapest out there tend to be 2-3 hours coverage (normally from arrival at church, ceremony and some groups and couple shots afterwards) with a basic album with 30-40 photos, 1 to a page. However, this sort of coverage is sometimes offered by more old school photographers (sometimes shooting just on film with a set number of rolls included in the package) and style wise it might be a bit traditional for what you want (before I get contradicted, I am not saying this is always the case with cheaper packages so you will just need to ask).

You could definitely get a photographer for £750 or less but I would be surprised if it would include everything you want so you are going to have to start working on your husband to persuade him!! Could you tempt him along to a local wedding fayre, even if you have no intention of booking anyone there it might mean you can at least chat with some photographers and he can get an idea of the different options out there.

Hi Snapdragon - and everyone,

Thanks for being soooo helpful and answering my questions. It is good to know we could get something for our current budget, so I just have to decide how much coverage we want. Originally I didn't even want a photographer but recently I;ve changed my mind a bit as the pics are so important to me now. Its just a case of persuading the H2B. I think I need to make him understand that these are permanent memories.

However - as much as you all disagreed with the spreadsheet - its the only way to get him to look at stuff initially (he's a mathmatician) and then go on to the websites to look at the quality of the pics. It also provides him with a rough price comparison.

I think the engagement photos seem a good idea to relax him but equally I am not that fussed - as long as he meets the photographer before hand.

So thanks again for your advice- please do reply back or PM me if you think of anything else. Oh - and can I see your site - I can't remember if you already posted it

x

I'd echo a lot of what everyone else is saying. What you are asking for will cost a lot more than £750 if you get a good quality professional. I think you need to figure out where you want to compromise: the budget, the amount you get or the quality of the photographer.

I would actually disagree with Snapdragon when she says it would cost around £2000 with her but she's top end price-wise. It would cost the same with Rob and he's certainly not top end price-wise. I know of plenty of photographers where that type of package (excluding copyright which I'm coming on to!) would cost between £3000 and £5000. To give your H2B a clue of what he's asking fr... it's a bit ike saying he wants a brand new ferrari and he has a budget of £1K. Not going to happen I'm afraid.

Also why do you think you want copyright? Hardly any reputable photographer is going to give you copyright no matter how much you pay. And I'm not too sure why you'd want it? You say it isn't so you can reproduce the photos, which in any case wouldn't require copyright only a right to reproduce.

*waves hands in surrender*

Yes I know my budget is unreasonable. Can I please point out that I am doing this to prove a point to my H2B!!!!!!

I am not under any allusions as to what I might get for my money but I just wanted to double check so that I am fully prepared when I have a massive row with H2B over the price of photographers!!! *lol*

Re: copyright, I don't want anybody else to see my photos or use them in their websites - even the photographers. How do I ensure this without having copyright?

Hi Stupidgirl45

So you can have a nosy our website is:

www.burgessphotography.co.uk

Our prices are on the site so you can get a rough idea. If you think spreadsheets are what will work with him then go for it. Just make sure you get a range of prices and quality so you can explain the difference to him!

Lucylu, I agree with you about the pricing, I was just trying not to scare the OP too much by just stating that we would be over £2000 for all that, in reality we would be closer to the £3,000 mark and also wouldn't offer images with copyright, only reproduction rights.. Also I agree that in the scheme of photographers out there we are not high end, we are more mid-range, but versus a lot of the posts I see on here about photography budgets we would appear to be high end in this market IYSWIM ?

Re: copyright, I don't want anybody else to see my photos or use them in their websites - even the photographers. How do I ensure this without having copyright?

Sorry, don't know how to quote so the above will have to do!

You could get the photographer to write something into to your contract about not using the images. I always think it a shame if we have to do this because normally the only time we want to use images is if we think they are great shots in which you look fab and we want to use for marketing or entering competitions.

Also, just think about how this would work if you also want an online gallery. While most people can password protect the galleries there is nothing to stop people you know passing on the password.

Print the thread out, give it to your H2B and point proven!

Re the copyright issues - would you be prepared to book a photographer with no photos on their website, who couldn't show you a portfolio or sample album, who had no qualifications (you need to submit photos to get them), had won no awards and wasn't a member of a professional organisation? I'll bet you wouldn't and quite right too! Not many people are people are prepared to hand over good money based on nothing more than a photographer saying "I'm good honestly. Trust me" But that's why photographers retain copyright. Because unless they can use the photographs they have taken they won't get any further bookings and will go out of business. And unless you would be prepared to book a photographer with no qualifications or awards, no professional memberships and no photos to show you then you are being a tad hypocritical.

Personally I would be very wary of using a photographer who will give you copyright - it is generally viewed as being something that goes against most photographers' ethics and is certainly counter-productive to establishing or maintaining a business. TBH I would be rather wary about a photographer who puts aside their ethics and the long term stability of their business for one booking. It would make me wonder exactly how much they needed that one booking and why.

If you still feel realy strongly that you do not want your photographer to use their photographs from your wedding then I guess all you can do is ask them. But unless you have a really exceptional reason then I would brace yourself for them to say no. Again I think this may be something you need to compromise on.

Okay, I realise the copyright thing is unrealistic now!

Thanks for all your help - am going to spend a couple of hours this weekend doing some research, bearing in mind what you have said.

I'll let you know how I go! And if I have any more questions I hope it would be okay if I could ask you - as you've been so helpful (both of you - Snap/Lucy)

SG45

No probs! But if you want any technical questions answering I'll have to pass them on to Rob - he's the photographer, I just "help"!

Lucylu, just wanted to say, great reply on the copyright thing and explained so much better than I could have. Totally agree with what you have said.

SG, feel free to ask away with any more questions!