It’s important to find a photographer who understands your vision and has a style that matches. Narrowing down a list of photographers can take time and resources.
Your photography style will also impact the types of clients you choose to serve. This will have a significant impact on your testimonials and referrals. For more information, find out more at wedding photographer in Dorset.
Experience
Your wedding photographer’s job is to capture the moments you’ll look back on for years to come. They’ll help you plan your photo timeline to make sure you don’t miss anything important. They’ll also be able to suggest ways to get the best shots and work with you on your lighting.
A wedding photographer must have systems in place to stay sane, especially if they’re shooting multiple weddings per month. This isn’t like the simpler portrait world where you book a client online, meet them for their session, and part ways. A wedding photographer is often connected to their clients by phone or email for 12 to 18 months surrounding their event.
They must decide if they want to be a solo wedding photographer basing their brand on their own style, or if they want to build a multi shooter studio where they’re the creative director. Either way, they must learn how to market their business.
Style
A photographer’s style will dictate how they capture the day and what photos you end up with. The two main styles are traditional and photojournalistic. Traditional is the style most people have seen in their parents wedding albums and involves very posed images with a strong emphasis on family portraits.
Photojournalistic (also known as documentary) photographers tell the story of your wedding day as it unfolds. They use the natural light and are very aware of what is going on around them, anticipating moments before they happen.
When evaluating a photographer’s portfolio look for photos that stand out to you and determine how they match the style you are looking for on your wedding day. For example, do you like tight close-ups of details like shoes, perfume, flowers, lace or stationery? If so, a photographer with a photojournalistic style may be right for you. Alternatively, do you love dramatic photos that play with stark lines? If so, a photographer with
Budget
The price of a wedding photographer is a big consideration for couples. There is a range of prices, and it’s important to know what your budget is before selecting a photographer. A skilled professional can capture your day beautifully, but it is a costly investment.
Photographers must pay for equipment, website hosting, business insurance and more. They also have to make sure they can earn enough of a salary to cover their costs and stay in business. Many photographers will offer add-ons like engagement sessions, extra hours and second shooters.
Location can also impact pricing. The cost of living in cities like New York or San Francisco can be more expensive, and some photographers may have to tack on travel fees for out-of-town weddings. Some photographers will also charge for photo albums, framed prints or other accessories. These additional items are a nice way to display your favorite photos after the wedding, and can be great gifts for family and friends.
Communication
The success of any photography shoot depends on effective communication between the photographer and the client. This is especially true for wedding photography, where the photographer is capturing intimate moments of one of the most important days in a couple’s life. Good communication with the couple helps the photographer understand their needs and preferences, manage expectations, and ensure a positive experience for both parties.
This can include scheduling a consultation to discuss the couple’s vision for the day, sharing must-have shots, and discussing the timeline. It also involves communicating with the venue and ensuring that there is enough space for group shots or that anything that might obstruct the photographer’s view is removed ahead of time.
Additionally, good communication with the client includes responding to emails quickly and being empathetic to their needs. While it’s possible to automate responses with client management software, it’s important that the replies feel personal and that the photographer takes the time to listen to the client’s concerns.