Weddings

 

There are so many wedding photographers to choose from, especially in Derbyshire and Sheffield, so how do you go about selecting the right one for you? After many years as a professional wedding photographer and getting to know so many couples, I’ve learned enough to offer a little advice and guidance on the subject. So here are some suggestions to help you narrow down the choice and get exactly the kind of wedding photographs you want.

Before you start the search for a wedding photographer, it is very helpful to talk through and agree on a few important things with your partner:

Decide together on your priorities and what you want to achieve. Do you want a unique and highly artistic set of pictures, or a fun magazine style of reportage? Is it important to have a gorgeous album you can hand down through the generations? Will you want to frame a few beautiful, timeless and elegant portraits to hang on the walls and to give as gifts? Do you need a collection of professionally produced prints, or high quality digital wedding photographs on a DVD?

Decide how you’d like the wedding photographer to interact and behave. Building a good working relationship with your photographer is vital, so what qualities are important to you?

On the day, do you want an invisible observer or a supportive art director? A Derbyshire and Sheffield photographer with local knowledge? Someone friendly and fun who can put guests at ease? Someone with whom a bride could feel comfortable as she gets ready in the morning? Someone strong who can cajole a lively crowd for group shots? You probably won’t want a bossy, self-centred type who gets on everyone’s nerves!

Agree on the style of wedding photography that suits you both. There are several distinct wedding photography styles:

Traditional wedding photography. A structured and formal style which results in highly controlled images. The subjects are usually posed or directed by the photographer.

Reportage wedding photography. This is similar to photojournalism in that the photographer hardly interacts at all with the subjects. This storytelling style enables the photographs to document the day.

Candid wedding photography. The photographer has a more active role, seeking out natural, non-posed pictures. It goes beyond simply documenting events by focusing on the heart and soul of the wedding. The results are emotive and revealing.

Fashion wedding photography. Taking its cues from the world of fashion, this is the creation of highly stylised images. The bride and groom are posed in striking ways, in naturally artful settings, with more than a hint of attitude.

Beware photographers who say they can give you all these different styles. They are usually diluting their identity and trying to cover all options rather than relying on their individual strengths. My style is very distinctive, as you can see for yourself on the ‘Galleries’ page.

As well as all of the above subjects, there are several more important areas to consider when choosing your wedding photographer:

Professionalism. There can be a huge difference between professional wedding photographers and amateurs. The true professionals will have the highest grade of equipment, plus a whole range of back-up cameras, lenses and lighting. They will also have proper indemnity and public liability insurance. They are prepared for anything and you won’t run the risk of disaster on such an important day.

Ability and experience. Experience really does count because this is a time when you need someone confident and knowledgeable to rely on. Checking out a wedding photographer’s body of work and the feedback from their clients will give you a good idea of their abilities. Above all else, choose someone whose work stirs your heart and soul.

Budget considerations. It may be tempting to accept the cheaper quote but don’t forget that you usually get what you pay for. Your beautiful wedding photographs will be the permanent record of the day, images that you can fondly look at, again and again to bring back those wonderful memories. It’s a worthwhile investment.

Trust your own instincts. Lastly, make sure that you and your partner feel totally at ease with your chosen photographer, whether they are Derbyshire or Sheffield photographers, or based elsewhere. If you don’t think they are listening to you, or have any doubts at all, trust your instincts and find someone you’re more comfortable with.