8 Tips to Find a Wedding Photographer that’s right for you.
How hard is it to find the right Wedding Photographer for you?
Choosing your wedding photographer is arguably one of the more important things to consider when planning your wedding; and because I genuinely care about your wedding day, I’ve created this shor list of my 8 top tips, that can help you through the process of choosing the best wedding photographer for you!
1. Google Maps
See who the wedding photographers are in your local area and check out their client reviews & testimonials to see what other people have said about them.
Use search terms that are within your area, (e.g. borough, local town, etc.) . For example “Bexley Wedding Photographers” or “Wedding Photographers in Welling” This can also help you when meeting your photographer, as your not only showing you’re support for local businesses and the community, but it’s also much easier for you to arrange face to face meetings and consultation.
If you’ve already shortlisted a group photographers that you like, then enter their business name (not the website URL) into google.com to see their ‘google business page profile‘ and references too.
It’s important to remember that testimonials left on independent sites such as google or Trustpilot are written directly by the clients and therefore much more likely to be verified as genuine; rather than the reviews written on the photographers website – Although these are a good starting point too. Check how far back the reviews go too; a photographer that has been in business for a longer period of time can give you an idea how trusted and experienced they are.
- Charlton House Wedding Venue | Weddings in Royal Greenwich LondonGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:22:05+00:00
- Tudor Barn Eltham Wedding Venue | Weddings in Royal Greenwich LondonGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:24:28+00:00
- Mehndi (Henna) Ceremony at Indian Wedding in LondonGraham Baker Photography2018-03-20T12:11:23+00:00
- Old Royal Naval College Wedding Venue | Weddings in Royal Greenwich LondonGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:59:00+00:00
- Old Royal Naval College Wedding Venue | Weddings in Royal Greenwich LondonGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:24:08+00:00
- St Clement Danes | Royal Air force Church London | Wedding Photography by Graham BakerGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:22:54+00:00
- Devonport House Wedding Venue | Weddings in Royal Greenwich LondonGraham Baker Photography2018-03-20T14:00:05+00:00
- The Bingham Richmond Upon Thames Surrey – Greater London WeddingGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:57:14+00:00
- St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel | Fun Bridal Prep! | Wedding PhotographerGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:21:57+00:00
- Tudor Barn Eltham Wedding Venue | Well Hall Pleasaunce Royal Greenwich | Weddings in Royal Greenwich LondonGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:58:50+00:00
2. Check other local listing sites too
Not all the best wedding photographers are listed on Google maps. There are lots of other listing sites with independent reviews and links to individual websites for you to look through too.
For example Yell.com, Bridebook, Wedding Wire, Best Photographers and many more.
3. Ask your friends
If you know a friend or family member that’s been married recently and ask them about their experience.
If they have beautiful photographs that appeal to your tastes and style and they told you that they enjoyed their wedding photography, follow up by checking their website and getting in contact.
Let the photographer know who recommended them – Many good photographers offer incentives for referrals; both to you and the referrer.
- Westenhanger Castle Wedding Venue | Weddings in Hythe KentGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:23:44+00:00
- Winters Barns Wedding Venue Canterbury | Weddings in KentGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:23:21+00:00
- Sunset at the London Golf Club – Wedding Venues in KentGraham Baker Photography2019-08-12T22:32:42+00:00
- The Ferry House Inn Sheerness Wedding Venue | Weddings on the Isle of Sheppey KentGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:55:13+00:00
- Black Wedding Dress – Tim Burton Inspired Red and Black Styled Wedding at Rowhill Grange KentGraham Baker Photography2019-06-01T14:18:30+00:00
- Rowhill Grange Hotel & Spa Wedding Venue | Confetti Shot!Graham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:23:15+00:00
- Getting Married at Cooling Castle Barn | Weddings in KentGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:57:54+00:00
- Wedding at Broome Park Golf and Country Club CanterburyGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:55:44+00:00
- Bilsington Priory St Augustine’s Wedding Venue Ashford KentGraham Baker Photography2018-03-16T15:16:17+00:00
- Natural Wedding Photography at the London Golf Club – Wedding Venues in KentGraham Baker Photography2019-09-10T10:49:17+00:00
- First Dance Cooling Castle Barn Wedding Venue | Weddings in Rochester KentGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:22:13+00:00
- Rowhill Grange Hotel & Spa Wedding Venue | Weddings in KentGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:25:18+00:00
- Cooling Castle Barn Rochester Wedding Venue | Getting Married in KentGraham Baker Photography2020-06-20T13:39:53+00:00
- The Orangery Turkey Mill Maidstone Wedding Venue | Weddings in KentGraham Baker Photography2018-08-19T19:50:55+00:00
- Westenhanger Castle Wedding Venue | Weddings in Hythe KentGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:24:50+00:00
- Cooling Castle Barn Kent Wedding Venue | Getting Married in KentGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:55:02+00:00
- Cooling Castle Barn Wedding Venue | Weddings in Rochester KentGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:25:10+00:00
- St. Augustine’s Bilsington Priory Wedding Venue Ashford KentGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:58:03+00:00
4. Ask for recommendations on facebook and other social media websites
Be careful though!
There is nothing wrong with you asking for advice on Facebook, especially if you are bargain hunting.
However, it’s very easy to become overwhelmed with the number of responses from people recommending many different photographers. As well as less experienced photographers bidding themselves for your attention too.
The danger is that the more established and experienced wedding photographers are going to be ‘lost’ in the price mix and you end up being disappointed as well as potentially finding it difficult to sort through so many options. Especially if you’re short of time.
As said nothing wrong with this if you have the time to sort through all photographers (from the good to the bad) that have posted their details.
Personally I don’t bid for Facebook wedding photographer requests/recomendations myself because of the reasons above. I provide a professional service and won’t compete on the ‘price war’ against inexperienced & cheap photographers. That said, other vendors (who I’ve worked with), friends and family will frequently nominate me on Facebook recommendation requests so I will of course express my gratitude and comment on the posts in those cases.
5. Have a clear idea of what you want and research; and research some more!
As well as checking local listings and google the internet is full of amazing resources to help you research your wedding photography. Wedding sites, blogs and social media are all great places to search. Before you do though I always recommend writing out what your ideal wedding would be like before starting. That way you can focus on what’s important.
- What are the current trends?
- What is your style?
- Create a mood board of your ideas to keep your ideas together in one place (Pinterest* is great for this)
Search social media (Twitter, Instagram) using #Hashtags that are relevant to your needs. For example #bexleyweddingphotographer #kentweddingphotographer
This is also a great way to look for other ideas and inspiration for you too.
* Just a note about pinterest. While this is a great place to collect your ideas together and resource for inspiration and ideas, don’t always expect your photographers to re-create identical photographs for your wedding. While some don’t photographers don’t mind doing this, my question to you and the photographer would be “why do you want to be like someone else?”
A good professional photographer may go through your board with you in order to really understand the ‘feel’ and look of your wedding as well as a way to share ideas to take inspiration from rather than copy something exactly.
- Lythe Hill Hotel & Spa Wedding Venue | Weddings in Haslemere SurreyGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:21:30+00:00
- South Lodge Hotel Wedding Venue | Weddings in Horsham West SussexGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:21:44+00:00
- Fitzleroi Barn Wedding Venue | Weddings in Pulborough West SussexGraham Baker Photography2020-09-22T23:10:11+00:00
- Littleton Park House Shepperton Studios Wedding Venue | Surrey Wedding PhotographerGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:22:20+00:00
- Fitzleroi Barn Wedding Venue | Weddings in Pulborough West SussexGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T13:18:41+00:00
- The Bingham Richmond Upon Thames Surrey – Greater London WeddingGraham Baker Photography2019-02-04T08:57:14+00:00
6. Don’t be swayed on price alone
This is an important one – Do you think that a cheaper photographer can provide you with the same quality and experience than someone who has been photographing weddings for over 10 years?
As with most things in life, the expression of you get what you pay for is often very true, so please be beware of photographers offering packages that seem cheap and attractive on price. More often than not the price will come at the cost of quality.
The expression an offer too good to be true is also one that usually ends up costing more in the long run.
Digital photography has enabled just about anyone to become a photographer. The market is saturated with amateur, low priced and even dubious photographers offering cheap packages; and more often than not, this ends up with the client being dissatisfied with the service and the resulting photographs. This also ties in with the point about asking for recommendations on Facebook. One of the worst thing someone can do is write “Can someone recommend a reasonably priced photographer?” or “I’m looking for a photographer who won’t cost an arm and a leg?” while I’m sure there are some good photographers who will respond (or others will recommend) the vast majority are going to fall into the cheap/inexperienced photographers. So again my ‘be aware’ of this stands again.
I do get it of course. everyone has a price point / budget to work within but it’s important to set your expectations early (going back to the point about researching what you really want from your day). I know when I really want something of special value I’ll always find a way to get it.
Ask yourself these questions
- Do their fees appear reasonable for the level of service you would expect?
- Do they have good reviews and testimonials (indication that clients value what the photographer provides)
and finally the most important question… “what are your memories worth to you?“
6a. Uncle Bob.
Although this isn’t strictly about the ‘price’ it’s worth mentioning about using a friend or family member to do photograph your wedding to save costs.
‘Uncle Bob’ is just a fun expression in the industry for a friend or family member with a decent camera, a camera enthusiast or hobbyist, (or even a ‘pro’ photographer but only shoots newborn babies) who may have offered, or you could ask to photograph your wedding. While this may seem an attractive prospect of saving costs on your wedding photography – it may well cost you in the long run.
Wedding photography is more than just turning up and taking a few good photographs with a click of a finger. You have to liaise with other professionals/vendors at the wedding, you may have to organise people into groups, dealing with the lighting situations as well as being in the right place at the right time for the key aspects of the day. Then there is the editing and potential presentation (album designs etc) of all the photographs to follow up too.
Hire a professional…
7. Can’t decide on your shortlist?
So you’ve used some of the advice above and you’ve narrowed it down to just a handful; and now you need to choose.
What are the pros and cons of each photographer?
- Do they provide engagement and practice sessions?
- Do they have plenty of information about the how they work?
- Are they upfront and clear on their starting prices?
- Do they fit with your price point?
- Will they allow you to break up payments to spread the cost?
- Are they insured?
- Do they provide you with a contract of service
- Are they flexible to your needs?
- Do they have good testimonials and reviews?
- Are they affiliated or qualified with any professional trade bodies? For example The Guild of Photographers or The Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers.
Make a list of what’s important to you and your wedding day.
8. Use your Instinct
Do you value beautiful photography and your memories?
Then before you decide on your wedding photographer from the shortlist, make sure you book a call with them and ask to meet them. Some will even be able to arrange a video meeting on services such as Skype, Zoom, etc.
You will need to feel confident in their abilities as well as feeling relaxed with their personalities.
I always recommend having at least some face to face contact before making your decisions. As a photographer, I’m always disheartened to hear of clients choosing one photographer over another based on price without actually meeting them and giving the photographer a chance to show their value.
Meeting them gives you the opportunity to really question them, I say give the photographers as hard a time as possible with questions – The professional ones who are assured and experienced will welcome it! Not only that it will show the photographer that you’re serious about your wedding memories and have done your research. Feel free to base your questions on my FAQ’s
Speaking face to face is the only true way to give you that ‘feeling’ that they’re the right wedding photographer for you.
I hope you found this short guide useful!
You can also find more information that can help you decide, via my frequently asked questions section; and of course, if you’ve any further questions or need any advice, or have a tip you would like to share and help others, then please get in contact and I’ll assist you in any way we can.
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