WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER
This can be one of the easiest decisions to make but it can also be the hardest.
There are a couple of things to consider when trying to find the right photographer for you. Think of it like shopping for a pair of shoes.They can look amazing on the shelf, can be cheap or expensive but if they are uncomfortable, they will drive you mad! We are all different individuals and have different priorities when it comes to our wedding photographer.
For us personally, connection was top of that list. We wanted someone who was going to help us relax if we were stressed about something, someone who we were totally comfortable with while getting dressed, someone we would enjoy being in the company of and, someone who takes incredible photos. Our priority list would have looked something like this:
Good connection
Style that we like
Beautiful images
But how do I know if there is a good connection between us?
Well, have a zoom call with them, if possible grab a coffee. Have a chat and get to know them. Ask them about their approach on the day, how they work. Don’t tell them exactly what you’re looking for, but find out what they offer. Do they seem calm and collected, detail oriented, professional, likeable? Are you enjoying the conversation? or does it feel forced? The answer is often in how you feel.
I’m not really sure what style I like? I see everyone’s work and think it’s so nice.
Think about what you’re looking for. Do you want tons of portraits of you and your fiancé? Are detail shots really important to you? Are you most excited for the dance floor? Then look at their work. Not just a selection of their best images. Look at entire wedding galleries, if they are not on their website ask to see some. Most photographers are more than happy to share full galleries. Review all the shots, from morning to night. You will soon see if you are into their work or not and this will help you see the “style” you’re into!
“Light and Airy” VS “Dark Moody” - what’s the difference, how do we pick?
This is really down to personal preference. And usually you will gravitate to one over the other. “Light and airy” usually tends to boost the highlights, have lower contrast, slightly desaturated and can sometimes look a little “washed out”. “Dark and moody” usually leans into the shadows and darker depths and tends to have warmer and more earthier tones. Both have a fine line of being perfect or going too far. Having a look through entire galleries will help determine if they execute these aesthetics to your taste. We personally LOVE and appreciate “dark and moody” but, for our wedding photos we went with a more “light and airy”.
What about pricing and packages, how do we set a budget?
Your creative team, photographers + videographers are the ones who are with you all day. Price is based on experience, artistry and the final product. Not to mention the countless hours that goes into emailing, shooting, second shooters, editing, prints and final products. If you have a hard budget that you can’t go beyond then stay within that budget but, if your photos are really important to you then this is something you likely won’t regret investing in. At the end of the day the photos and video are your captured moments from the day!
Packages can vary. Most will have a digital only option, meaning to shoot on the day and offer an online gallery of your images. Other packages will include an album, additional hours and a second shooter etc. Usually, you can always upgrade packages later if you decide not to go with an album when booking. Be sure to include upgrading prices in your contract if this is something you’re thinking of doing.
What’s the going rate of a photographer?
There isn’t really a going rate of a photographer anymore, unfortunately that is a thing of the past. There are a variety of photographers from across the globe whose pricing range from low end budget weddings to the high end luxury market. It’s all based on location, experience and demand. In Ireland, if we were to do it all over again, we would expect to be paying at least €3,500-€6,500 for photography and the same for videography.
Who was your photographer? Were you in love with your photos?
Tara McMullen Photography, Toronto, Canada. And, YESSSS, we were and still are in love with all our photos. Her work is incredible. She never missed a beat, she put us totally at ease, helped us avoid some family drama(lol), captured the best side of us, the tears, the laughs, the hugs, the party, the details… all the things that mattered to us. We hope to renew our vows again in a few years and Tara will be there! She is an absolute gem.
I have so many more questions about choosing a photographer?!
Drop us an email or give us a call, we're more than happy to help and keep reading. The internet has a wealth of information on all of these topics.
Some great wedding platforms to have a look at :
https://www.brides.com
https://www.vogue.com/living/weddings
https://www.antibride.com.au
https://junebugweddings.com
https://www.theknot.com
https://thelane.com/category/real-weddings/
https://www.stylemepretty.com
Remember, Enjoy the process. Make time to plan and review. Have a cup of tea or a glass of wine, make a mood board and take notes. If it becomes too much, it’s probably a sign you should hire a wedding planner :)
xo