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 a list of 8 tips, that can help you through the process of choosing the best wedding photographer for you!
1. Google Maps
See what wedding photographers are in your local area or and check out their client reviews; and 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 not only showing you’re support for local businesses, but it’s also much easier for you to arrange meeting up for your consultation.
If you already have a shortlist of photographers enter the business name (not the website URL) into google.com to see their ‘google business page profile‘ and references too.
It’s important to remember testimonials left on independent sites such as google or Trustpilot are written direct by the clients and therefore much more likely to be verified as genuine; rather than reviews written on the photographers website. 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 successful they are.
- St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel | Fun Bridal Prep! | Wedding PhotographerGraham Baker Photography2018-03-14T10:21:57+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.
- The Orangery Turkey Mill Maidstone Wedding Venue | Weddings in KentGraham Baker Photography2018-08-19T19:50:55+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 for your attention too.
The danger is that the more established photographers are going to be ‘lost’ in the ‘price war’ mix and you end up being disappointed as well as finding it difficult to sort through so many.
As said nothing wrong with this if you have the time to sort through all the good photographers from the many that are likely to respond.
5. Research the internet and social media
As well as checking local listings and google look out for relevant blogs on wedding photography.
What are the current trends?
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 inspiration for you too.
- 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
Do their fees appear reasonable for the level of service you would expect?
Do you think that a cheaper photographer can provide the same quality and experience? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for; so beware of packages that seem too attractive on price, often at the cost of quality. The expression “an offer too good to be true is usually right”
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.
Ask yourself… “what are your memories worth to you?“
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 have a studio?
- 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 prices?
- Are they insured?
- Are they flexible to your needs?
- 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 memories? Then before you decide on a your wedding photographer from the shortlist, get in contact with them and ask to meet or have chat on the phone or via a video link.
You will need to feel confident in their abilities as well as feeling relaxed with their personalities. So by speaking either on the phone or face to face is going to give you that ‘feeling’ that they are the right wedding photographer for you.
Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions!
An assured and experienced photographer will welcome them (Harder the better)!
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.