Things to think about when choosing a Wedding Photographer

So, you have booked the venue, decided on your colour scheme, argued over the guest list, visited a number of Wedding Fayres where you have gathered more information than you can possibly remember, and you are now about to embark upon booking your photographer. 

So, how do you choose - after all, there are so many. 

Well, the obvious questions to ask yourself are: "What sort of photography do I like?" , "Do I want formal photographs or reportage - or a mix of both?"; "Do I want the photographer to cover bridal preparations?" and so on ...

However, one of the questions we ask our brides and one which, surprisingly, not many have thought about, is how they would like their images displayed after the wedding.

In today's world of Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and many more, it is tempting to just choose a DVD of your images and upload to your social network. But you have to ask what is the real value to you? Yes, you will have a handful or so of images on Facebook, but the DVD will undoubtedly be put away in a drawer and forgotten over time.

Our children love looking through their grandparents’ wedding album and old photos. The photograph below is Tina's Grandad and Uncle Howard boxing in the street circa 1940. No, I know it's not a wedding photo, but you've seen enough of those lately!

Unfortunately, Tina never met either her Granddad or Uncle, but they have a pride of place in our living room. In just 20 years’ time your DVD probably won’t run on anything. How will you show your children your photos? How will they show their children?

If you value the time and effort you are putting into your Wedding Day, then you should be treasuring -and showing off - your wedding images. For generations to come.

Ask your photogapher about Albums, Books, and wall displays. 

At ColourStone Photography we have a wide range of products, all produced to an exceptionally high standard, for you to diplay your favourite images.

And now ... some friendly advice when looking for your Wedding Photographer

Do ask about insurance. All professional photographers should have public liability and professional indemnity insurance. If you are getting married at a National Trust or English Heritage venue the photographer will need additional public liability insurance.

ColourStone Photography has public liability insurance of £5m and professional indemnity insurance of £75,000. Not only does this protect you and us, but it also enables us to work at any English Heritage or National Trust venue.

Don’t book your wedding photographer without seeing their work or meeting them first. It is true that “a camera does not a photographer make.” Anyone can buy expensive equipment and think the camera will do the work – it won’t. A combination of technical expertise and good equipment will result in the best images. And if your photographer says “Don’t worry, we can fix anything in Photoshop” – run! Whilst some re-touching is carried out by most professionals, you can’t fix bad shots and over-exposure!

Ian regularly invests in training courses and equipment, to ensure he is up to date with latest trends, equipment and techniques.

Do ask about their style and approach. You don’t just want to know about their style of photography to make sure it’s what you want, but how do they approach your wedding guests to get the images you want. You need to know they are assertive enough to get the group shots you want – but in a polite and friendly manner, not by being bossy and obtrusive.
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“Ian was flexible to our needs and finances. On the day he took photographs at the bride's home prior to the wedding, church, local beauty spot, reception. Always pleasant, smiling and very patient. The whole day was covered by him in a very professional but relaxed manner”. Testimonial by Sue Brayshaw, Mother of the Groom.

Don’t book a photographer who is unwilling to put in some extra leg work. Some photographers will just turn up on the day, without visiting the venue and without meeting or at least speaking to the wedding venue organisers. The results will reflect this.

We will visit the venue and even try to attend your rehearsal. We take pride in our work and are prepared to go that “extra mile” to get the best results possible.

Do ask about back-up equipment. All professional photographers should carry a back-up camera, spare cards, batteries, flash, lenses …. In fact everything they need times two!

We have everything we need times at least two!

Don’t book a photographer who thinks their “artistic vision” is more important that your wishes. Some photographers, believe it or not, select the images and create your Album without you having a say.

We do all of our own re-touching, and your images are placed into a secure gallery on-line for you to choose from. The Album is designed personally by Tina and a proof sent to you to check and change if you want, before the order is sent off to the manufacturer. So, you have our personal service right up to the delivery of your Album – and beyond!

Do ask if they are a member of any professional body – any professional photographer should be. This, amongst other benefits, enables them to call upon other professional photographers at very short notice if there is a problem and they can no longer carry out your booking. Thankfully, it doesn’t happen very often – but it does happen!

Ian is a member of the Society of Wedding and Portrait Photographers.

Don’t automatically jump to the lowest price! What are you getting for your money? Most professionals will shoot in a format called RAW. This is so they can produce the ultimate quality from their images by personally converting each raw image and adjusting the colour, contrast, density etc. The amount of work done by the photographer after your wedding can run into many hours – that is one of the differences between the images Uncle Harry may take and a professional photographer.

Whilst we appreciate everyone has a budget to work to, please don’t skimp on your photography. We are passionate about capturing your day – not just a few images. Your wedding day will cost you a great deal of time and hard earned money – and the only thing to capture the effort you have put in, and your beauty on the day, will be your photographs.  We offer flexible packages which will hopefully suit your budget, so please remember – YOU deserve to treasure YOUR day forever.

Do confirm exactly what is included in the price. If you have a quote for 5 hours and the day runs over a little, will the photographer stay? If you have a quote for half a day, what exactly is “half a day?”

We are always flexible and only ever shoot one wedding per day. If you decide you want us to stay a little longer, we can. We won't charge extra if the day is a little longer than expected. 

Don’t book a photographer you can’t relate to. This sounds obvious, but if you don’t get on particularly well when you meet, this won’t magically change on the day. You need to build a rapport with your photographer – the better you know him/her, the more relaxed you will be, and this WILL be reflected in your images.

ColourStone will keep in touch with you from the time you book and especially during the few weeks leading up to your big day. We make sure we know what you want and expect from your images, and will encourage your input on the day. We offer a pre-wedding shoot which will help you see how Ian works, and help build up the rapport between you. All this means you can relax and have fun with the camera on the day!

Do ask how long your images are archived for. If you have not paid for the DVD and want some images to celebrate your wedding anniversary, for example, are you going be able to get them?

ColourStone Photography currently archive images for 6 years, after which time we get in touch with you to see whether there are any further images you want. You can purchase the DVD of images, or additional prints/Albums etc., at any time during that period.