Finding a Wedding Photographer
There are so many rookies out there, who've splashed out on a flashy camera and are more than willing to take you on an expensive ride. To help you find a professional wedding photographer, who is right for you, we've been chatting to Julia Evans, and have come up with some questions which will sort the gold from the gravel.
With so many wedding photographers out there it is easy to get lost in the sea of choice. Especially with such easy access to high quality cameras, you have to watch out for the rookies who have just splashed out on some flashy equipment and want to take you for a rather expensive ride.
We’ve been chatting to Julia from Julia Evans Photography to find you the top wedding tips from the wedding experts, and here are a few of her key questions you have to ask when looking for your wedding photographer.
-How long have you been photographing weddings?
You don’t want to be used as a test pilot or ‘guinea pig’, you need your photographer to have plenty of experience. Julia said, “so many people can go and buy a nice camera and call themselves a professional, so you ought to ask if wedding photography is their full time job. A good indication is if they are part of the BIPP (British Institute of Professional Photographers) and the MPA (Master Photographers Association).
-Are you covered?
Most professional wedding photographers will be insured. Julia explains, “Most professional photographers will have ‘professional indemnity insurance’ to cover themselves. Asking if they have this will give you a fair indication about how serious they are about your photographs.”
-Ask to see their weddings from start to finish Most photographers will try and show you a selection of their best photographs, so asking to see a whole wedding day will give you a better idea of the style and consistency of the photographer. Neil Thayer, a wedding photographer based in Bath gave his top tip – “Look at their portfolio and make sure it is all their own work.
Make sure that you have the photographer's mobile number
-Will you be there?
If you are using a photography company, ask if the photographer you are talking to will be the photographer at the wedding. Some wedding photography companies have a wide range of staff, some of which may not be suited to you and your wedding.
-Can I talk to the brides?
Ask for references. If you can get a telephone number of one of the photographer’s last couples. You will get a more accurate portrayal of the photographer. Knowing how the photographer works, e.g. if they are a bit too blunt when organising friends and family photographs. Paul Cudmore, a winner of Wedding Photographer of the Year, told how “a guest told me at the last wedding she went to, the photographers were blowing whistles at them”.
-Got your number?
Make sure that you have all of their details, not just office numbers but mobile numbers to make sure that you can get hold of them if any emergencies arise.
If you want to get in touch with Julia, just visit her website.
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