As a good friend constantly reminds me, I’m the wrong side of 30. Most of my friends at my age have the 2.5 family household. Some of them don’t particularly like other people’s weddings. I love them!! It’s an absolute hoot. But not all wedding photographers are like me, so for potential bride and grooms here’s my top ten list for…

…You know you have a good Wedding Photographer when:

1. He turns up early and has already taken 100 shots of your house in every detail.
2. You realise that there is someone else going around busier than your bride’s maids & your parents.
3. He has a camera so big that is has it’s own gravitational pull
4. Nothing distracts him away from his equipment, not even the lure of beautiful bride’s maids
5. He walks with a limp because of sustained injury from carrying 2 cameras, 4 lenses, 3 battery packs, 2 flashes, 1 tripod and a hernia
6. He has a personality that can gather people together; from the rowdiest of guests to the most gentle of children
7. He is the only one who is not having anything to drink AND is taking “shots” on the dance floor
8. You see him seemingly looking at nothing, then realise he is actually lining up a great shot of your parents.
9. Children keep asking him why he needs a camera that big!
10. and finally, by the end of the evening he has a grin on his face because he has had so much fun capturing the greatest moments of the greatest day in your life so far!!!

Portfolio.

There are literally millions of wedding photos out there, but does the gallery you are looking at present anything different? It is important that you like it, but also that it stimulates your mind. Do the images provoke how you would visualize your wedding day? Is the photographer creative in his/her approach; that is crucial, because what you are paying for is someone who can see your wedding as you would see it and also how your guests would see it. A photographer, like myself, must be the eyes of the day but also see things that you couldn’t see. As a friend of mine and I would always say, “What’s the angle? Where’s the story?”.

Character/Personality.

I have met many photographers from all walks of life. When you speak to photographers, do they speak with an enthusiasm that is infectious? So when they talk about your wedding day it is as important to them as it is to you. When they talk do they speak with complete authority and confidence, so much so that you feel safe knowing he will capture the best of you and frame every beautiful moment?

Package offer.

Does the photographer offer a fixed rate for everything that is included and is there flexibility in the packages he offers? If you are after albums, how are the albums produced? I personally prefer fixed rates so everyone know what they are getting; if the couple want tailor it a bit then of course there is some sensible adjustments allowed. For albums, I go with one of the best out there, Jorgensen who are based in Australia.

Experience.

Experience is important but it is almost impossible to tell by looking at most professional portfolios. The best thing to do is call them and an really quiz them for ideas, past clients, locations etc. Remember, you are asking this individual to document one of these most important days of your life; if they know what they are doing then their experience will shine through.

It’s all in the detail.

It is important that you fully understand the terms and conditions before handing over any money. There is no trading standards when it comes to Wedding Photography as they are as diverse as there are the number of brides. As an example, some photographers shoot only for a certain amount of time and are inflexible with those hours. How I choose to operate is capture the day as far much as I can after the quoted hours based on the ‘vide’ I feel about the venue, the guests and the happy couple. Typically 5-6 hours is about right.

Get written confirmation of your quote

It is one thing asking the photographer questions regarding costs although it is alarming how many times I have to remind the couples I talk to get a quote either written or emailed so they have some reference; otherwise it is just a guessing game and unprofessional.

Location, Location, Location.

There are three key factors in defining a stunning photo from the thousands of average ones that are out there; lighting, the subject and location. Make sure you ask the photographer if he is local because he may know some great locations that would make a beautiful setting for your wedding album.