Phothtographer woes!

Hello.. We've booked a photographer called Chris Barry. Take a look at chrisbarry.co.uk - we've been impressed with his portfolio and he was great when we met (athough obviously haven't had our wedding yet).

Is there anything specifically that you are worried about? It is such a big decision and normal for couples to ask questions/worry that they have picked the right supplier from all of the choices available.

Have you talked to your photographer about your concerns?

If you have definately decided to use someone else, I am sure there will be someone along shortly with recommendations. When is your wedding?

TG

I'll have a look at Chris Barry - thanks!

Our friends had the same photographer that we booked and have just had their pics back but we don't think they are particularly good. They don't even look professional. (not that I would tell my friend that!). x

What date is the wedding?

We cover all over the UK and have packages to suit all budgets. www.LMRPhotography.co.uk

Lou

x

Hello Hanhan, first off I am a professional wedding photographer with a comprehensive & varied background in fashion and music photography, but dont worry, I am not planning to use these forums for blatent self-promotion. However I am a member of the BIPP (British Institute of professonal Photography) so might be in a position to advise things to be careful of when booking a wedding photographer, questions to ask and pitfalls to avoid. I will try not to get in a position where I recommend or not recommend photographers by name as that would be bad form. But by following the tips below, it may put you in a better position when selecting someone to capture your big day.

First off, what are the worries you are having regarding your current photographer? You say you have booked him(or her), does this mean you have paid a deposit? Chances are if you have its doubtful you will see it if you cancel now.

Next up, if you are thinking about getting a photographer from outside the area, make sure you dont get stung for travel fees, a lot of photographers will give you the first 25 miles included then charge anything upto £1 per mile thereafter. Remember they will include travelling to and from the venue, so it could quickly mount up.. the more reputable photographers will either include it in their price, or agree the travel upfront.

Thirdly, and most importantly, make sure they have Public Liability and Professional indemnity insurance, this cannot be stressed enough. If, god forbid, they couldnt turn up for whatever reason, had an accident at the venue, or had an equipment malfunction (or even lost the flash cards for the camera) then if they had no insurance you would be pretty much scr*wed. Do not be afraid to ask them and dont be afraid to ask to see it..

Fourthly. If possible look for a `tog who is a qualified member of one of the major organisations - in the UK the main ones are the BIPP, the MPA and SWPP, with the BIPP & MPA being the more desireable of the three. You can check their credentials on the organisations websites.

Finally, meet up with them before booking, check their work, ask for references, get some dates nailed down for the after sales service, I have heard stories of some couple waiting over a year to get their albums. If you are not 100% comfortable with them then dont book them for the sake of it. There are a LOT of cowboy photographers out there who have just bought a DSLR camera, shot a relatives wedding and immediately think they can make it as pro photographers.

Like I said, I wont self-promote here, but would like to help couples out with some sound advice as this trade I am in is getting a bad rep with all the wannabies who are starting up.. If anyone else has any questions then ask away, I will only be too glad to help..

All the best, Mark Simms LBIPP - www.eyecandyphotographic.co.uk

You wont be dissapointed with Chris.

Thanks so much for all your help. What's your web address?

If anyone else has any recommendations I would be really grateful. xxx

For your area, try googling Andrew Daykin, Julian Porter or Shootinghip(Rob). Teri and David Murukami may also cover your area.

Try www.markleuty.co.uk, he covers all round Surrey and Hampshire and Berkshire.

Don't know if he covers your area, but we've just booked Mark Lucas who is highly recommended on the photographers pages here. Might be worth an ask. We've been impressed so far, although obviously haven't got married yet!

Good luck!

Ali x

Sorry to hear that HanHan,

You can try www.mikegarrard.co.uk he's based in the Wycombe area and that's who were having but he's usually quite busy. Also depends on your budget!

Good luck finding a new photographer.

Poosie x.

Hi, we are from Reading, and we have just booked http://www.lisagriffinphotography.co.uk/prices.html to cover ours. She was recommended by someone on here a while back.

We also met with a lovely guy, martyn Boyce and he would have been my next choice for sure, he was a bit more traditional but I really liked him.

There was someone more local who we met with but we didn't think his pictures looked very professional either.

HTH

Lol Clare xxx

I second Peter - try Andrew Daykin

Alison x

Sorry to hear you having problems, I'm a professional wedding photographer, and Henley is a nie easy location for me.

Have a look at my work on my website - www.photographybyriddell.co.uk

We cover this area

Feel free to have a look at our website

http://www.inframeweddings.co.uk

All the best

t xx

We've just done some work with Mark Lewis (www.marklewisphotography.co.uk). He's based in Windsor but will travel. We were really delighted with the results.