Recently, an old work friend reached out to see if I was free to photograph her wedding .. <3
I guess that it is easier to reach out to someone you know or have seen at another wedding you have attended, because then you straight up know what their personality is like, how they carry themselves , and the type of work you have seen them produce.
Anyway, unfortunately I am not free on her wedding date and so she was asking me advice and recommendations for other photographers.
My advice was that I can recommend others I like in the industry, but at the end of the day, I told her there are other factors to consider. For example what is her budget, what matters most to her on her wedding day and what type of style is she after?
Not only that, but I advised her it is best to get in touch with a few different photographers and see which one they feel the gel with the most. After all, your photographer is with you a large percentage of your day.
You want to carefully choose which photographer you go for, as your photos are one of the only things that is left after your wedding day (but I don't have to explain that to you, you're smart - you already know this)!!
Another point to consider is a photographer may show the most incredible photos, but if you don't get along with their personality, when you look back at the photos, all you may think about is how the photographer was acting - rather than thinking about how you was feeling being in the moment of your wedding! Basically, you want to make sure you do not pick a photographer who may be likely to add any stress to your day! You want to know that you will feel comfortable around them! (For this reason I will only work with couples who I really get along with)! :)
Make sure your photographer has links to full galleries; you don't want to see a load of amazing photos that they have carefully curated especially for their website, just to realise that they aren't as strong at taking decent photos during the more stressful parts of the day (sometimes things happen really quickly, do you believe they will have the expertise to get the camera ready for the less predictable moments? Do you believe they will be able to photograph well during all types of different weathers)? Etc!
Do you know how long the couple shots will take? Do you know how long the 'stand in a line' family formal photos will take?
I am more for the couples who want to enjoy their day fully and not be taken away from the action for hours on an end, so my couples know they will take 5-10 mins of couple shots here and there.
I am more for the couples that don't want to be stood forcing smiles for ages and so we get the group photos done as fast as possible so that we can get back to the natural photos! Woohoo!
Let's have some FUN during the photos and keep everyone engaged!
Let's say NO to boring!!!
I hope this little post helped in one way or another! If you would like to see if I am free to photograph your wedding day then please get in touch as soon as you have your date booked! :) (Or some get in touch before they have their date confirmed just to make sure I can attend)!!!
Follow my journey over on instagram
www.instagram.com/photographybyroberta
Much love to you all, may you all create the most magical wedding days <3 x
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