Call: 07879 403618

An Introduction to Wedding Photography

Use this handy guide to help you think a bit more about what you’d like on your wedding day.

Before you meet your photographer

Think about how you’d like your wedding photographs to be presented – eg. in a book, printed album, framed shots or digital format perhaps to upload to Facebook or your tablet/laptop.

Feel free to collect images of weddings you like to show the photographer. A good photographer will be able to tailor his style accordingly and advise you of what is realistic and how it might be achieved at your venue.

Be aware some photographers will be specialists in a particular style. This may suit some of your needs but will it suit the whole day?

Do you want a photo of the whole wedding party? When might this fit into the schedule? Is there space for them all to gather together (and get in shot)? Will you need a venue visit with your photographer to check? (This will usually be at an extra charge.)

It is important to get the balance between photography and the wedding right. You want to enjoy the day and not just be on a photo shoot.

When choosing your photographer

Think twice about asking a friend or relative to do your wedding photos. It may be cheaper or seem nice to have a familiar face, but how would you feel if they were not what you hoped for?

You are a bride/groom – not just an employer. It helps if you trust your wedding photographer so that you can relax and have fun, not feel you have to manage someone during the wedding.

Consider a photographer who offers additional options, such as an engagement shoot, newly wed shoot or leaving for honeymoon pictures.

Ask the photographer if you can see a sample wedding so you can get a sense of what to expect.

Build time for photography into the day. Be realistic about the amount of time you want to give over to photos.

Book your photographer well in advance. It is common to pay them before the day.

When discussing the finer details with your chosen photographer

Agree a specific list of the important people in the wedding party. Inform the photographer in advance so they can check all the key photographs have been done. Don’t forget the obvious people – parents often get missed out this way!

Work out how many formal shots you want. These photographs will take time and organisation and you don’t want to end up wasting time on the day taking photos you won’t use.

Tell your wedding photographer how you feel about having your photo taken: do you love or hate it? They can then keep this in mind on the day and, if necessary, do a practice shoot with you in advance.

Be realistic about how long you need the photographer. Consider you may need to pay extra for the photographer to stay longer if you are running behind.

Agree with your photographer in advance what is and is not included in the price. For example, will you have free access to the final selection of wedding photographs or will guests have to buy them separately from the photographer? It is common within the photography industry for photographers to retain overall ownership.

Listen to your photographer – you are paying for their experience. But equally they should be listening to you.

Before the Big Day

Tell the photographer about the little details of the wedding that you want recorded, such as wedding favours or table decorations. They can photograph them before the guests arrive.

Consider nominating an usher/friend/relative to be in charge of your wedding photography list so they can help round up the guests for specific shots. They can also assist the photographer and let them know which guests you’d most like in your shots.

And finally, don’t be afraid to ask your photographer on the day to shoot specific things that you had forgotten to mention in advance or that you particularly enjoy!