Tips on Selecting a Wedding Photographer


Your wedding is a day you want to look back on with smiles and not regrets. Your wedding photography is a major part of that. You want someone skilled and understanding to create the best physical memories for the day. Here are the top tips on selection a wedding photographer for your big day.

Find a Professional Full Time Photographer

There are many people who say they love to take photos. These hobby photographers may charge less—and some friends may do it for free as a wedding gift—but you want the best possible wedding photographer for your day. This means booking someone who does this full time, rather than having other jobs and commitments.

A full time photographer offers you a range of benefits a friend or “weekend warrior” can’t. You’ll have someone who takes the job seriously, with contracts, business rates, and the right equipment. The full time photographer will be far more reliable, as this is their livelihood and job, not just a favor or gift for a friend.

When you hire someone full time, they also have the time to get your wedding photos finished professionally and quickly. A person with other commitments will only be able to work on the editing on the weekends, which means you’re left waiting months for the finished product; if you get it at all!
Full time photographers will be skilled in digital and hard copy prints, including choosing the right paper and albums. You’ll get good memories that last forever.

Avoid Natural Light Photographers

Talk to wedding photographers about the equipment they use, especially when it comes to lighting. Some photographers will make themselves sound important and skilled by saying they are a “natural light” photographer. This is fine for hobby photographers, but not for professional ones. What the “natural light” comment means is they don’t know how to use flashes and strobes.

When you get someone with the right equipment, they get the best light possible. It doesn’t matter how dark it is in the venue or what the weather is like on the day, a professional photographer will be able to make the most of it. You’ll have beautiful, glamorous shots, which is something natural light photographer can’t offer you that. They need the lighting to be just right from the sky, which leads to dark and dull photos.



They Have Backup Equipment

Anything can go wrong on the day. A photographer should always be prepared to make sure you, as the client, don’t miss out.  Find out about backup equipment your wedding photographer will have. This is especially the case for cameras and lights. The last thing you want is to find out your photographer can only get halfway through the day.

Photographers should have two full frame cameras and spare lights to start the day. Having extra cards will also be beneficial, so there’s no need to limit the number of photos that can be taken on the day. This way, you’re guaranteed the perfect shot, especially when you have young guests who aren’t interested in standing for long periods of time. Extra cards will also mean dual images just in case something goes wrong with one card!

Find Someone with a Range of Photography Skills

While you want to find someone who has trained in wedding photography, you also want to find someone who has other photography skills. Look out for those with events experience, as these types of photographers will always be able to act calmly under pressure. Events get crazy and there is always something going on that isn’t planned for. A good photographer won’t get into a flap because of this!

It’s also worth finding a photographer with commercial, architectural, and boudoir experience. Commercial photographers will know how to edit photos well and work within the demands of the client, so you get the end result of your dreams. You’ll also have someone who has the right clothing for your venue. Architectural photographers understand different perspectives and can capture some of the best candid moments.

Meanwhile, boudoir photographers will be more comfortable taking beautiful shots of the “getting ready process” and not be shy around half-dressed ladies. You and your bridesmaids will get some of the most flattering images during this stage of the day, which will give you all positive and confident memories in the future.


Your wedding day is important. Make sure you get the best wedding photographer available.

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