Tog Minefield

Hi MrsP2b2014,

We're in Sussex but went out of the county for ours. It is a minefield but like with many things, when you find the right one, you'll know.

It's finding the price point that may become a problem. Although for a single shooter £1200 (especially in November) is a good budget.

I get asked with some frequency which photographer I'd pick if I was getting married, and I have to say that I feel exactly the same way you do!

I really do not know! Then again, I am not looking... But I suspect that if I was I would still be stumped, and with the additional worry of having to (possibly) upset some of my photographer friends if I did not pick them. Not that they would say anything, but I suspect they'd wonder why they were not chosen.

My only advice is go with your first impression, initially with the photos, then meet the photographer and let your first impressions of the person, him/herself, help with the final decision.

Good luck on your search! I am sure you will find the exact fit for your needs.

Andrea de Gabriel

I was about to say that I think Chris is in the area, but he beat me to it!

Many photographers are willing to travel though, so if you do find somewhere along the line that there is one you love don't be put off if they're outside the area. It's worth getting in touch with them anyway ?

Best of luck finding someone!

I agree with Chris.

The hardest thing is finding a style you like. Have you got a certain theme in mind?

Most will travel so look around the UK to broaden your choices and you might see a few you like that you can decide upon! You have a healthy budget and some of my couples do what you have mentioned by getting the album after the wedding.

I'm in Sussex, what venue is it that you are getting married at. It is a minefield, there has never been so many new photographers to choose from, as others have said you will know when you find the right one.

It is a much harder decision than the venue, there's such variation between togs but most people do eventually stumble across one that fits the bill so don't worry, you've got plenty of time, there's no rush, just keep looking! Also you don't have to stick to your area, google using search terms based on your style as most togs will travel all over the UK, that will open up the options for you.

Hi everyone,

thank you for your replies!

We have chosen Nutfield Priory for our venue.

We like a mixture of styles, ideally we are looking for reportage but with a few creative/fine art shots AND a few traditional shots to keep our parents happy.

Do you think this mixture of styles is going to be hard to find? Should i be pinpointing one style?

I will definitely try looking at Togs from around the UK too!

Thanks again.

I don't think you'll have a problem finding someone who can offer you the mixture of styles you are after - lots of photographers present themselves as one type for the sake of convenience i.e. documentary, traditional etc. but in fact can cover lots of the bases (so for example I don't tend to show or promote the formal group photos in my blog but of course they are still in there for the couple as most people still want at least some of these). It may well be though that they are stronger in some areas than others, such as in the use of lighting for those stylised 'wow' images so that's where the real research comes in. Perhaps that would be a useful starting point: identifying which of the styles you listed is the 'most' important one to you, find photographers who really nail that aspect first, and then look at what they can do on the other fronts to make them stand out from the rest and help you narrow the search down. Hopefully you will find it fun rather than a chore to look through the options out there. Good advice above - you've got a good amount of time and a solid budget, and as others have mentioned lots of photographers will happily travel so no need to restrict yourself to the immediate area which will open many more options for you. I'm sure the right one will be out there for you. Good luck.

(Fab-looking venue by the way!)

No you should be able to find an experienced photographer that covers all of that, I think almost every reportage photographer will do the formal /family photos, it's just some don't/can't do the creative side of things. Nutfield Priory is lovely by the way, I was there in February.

No that won't be hard to find at all I think as it fits what most photographers do anyway! A lot of fine art photographers will shoot reportage during the day anyway, the fine art element will be retained in their editing. I think Chris Giles has shot at Nutfield Priory recently, and one of our friends is a regular photographer for Nutfield Priory.

MrsP2b - I was a Nutfield a few weeks ago, great venue.

If I had any advice it would be to keep your guests outside as much as possible as the view is lovely and makes for great photos.

Aloha! Go with your gut girl, you'll know it when you see it. What was that childhood saying you have to kiss a lot of frogs to find your prince...so I would sit on google and go through peoples websites. See if anyone grabs you!! Oh and drink wine too, may help?!

I'm finding it a minefield too, but also trying to reconcile budget as well, time seems to keep slipping by, my date is may 2014, while venue hunting the date wasn't set, so once that is sorted tog hunting has the added pressure of your date getting nearer and nearer! Hopefully you'll find someone thanks to the tips from the togs

Thank you all so much for the advice!

I'm having another browse tonight...with wine (thank you Laura..I don't know why I didnt think of this before).

I will let you all know how I get on!

xx