Selecting a Wedding Photographer

Every step of the wedding planning process can be a daunting one. From saying yes to the dress to building your bouquet, selecting a wedding photographer is yet another task you’ll want to get perfect. You only get one shot at capturing a gone-too-soon flurry of memories, and you won’t want to regret the outcome. As a wedding photographer, I may be a bit biased but selecting a wedding photographer is possibly the most important selection you make besides your wedding venue.

The Best Questions to ask when Selecting a Wedding Photographer

Shopping for a wedding photographer who suits your budget, aesthetic, and schedule is challenging. After narrowing down your shortlist of contenders, don’t forget to ask yourself the following questions.

Are wedding photos worth it?

The value of professional wedding photography ultimately depends on personal preference and circumstance. If having high-quality, memorable photos of your wedding day is important to you, then investing in a professional photographer may be worth it. On the other hand, if you don’t place as much importance on photography or have a limited budget, you may not need to prioritize it.

Consider how you plan to use the photos after the wedding. If you envision displaying them prominently in your home or sharing them with friends and family, investing in a professional photographer may be worth the cost. However, if you think the photos may only end up on a USB drive and rarely seen, you may want to reconsider the expense.

It’s also worth considering how important appearances are to you in your social circles. If you want to ensure you look your best in your wedding photos, hiring a professional photographer who can make you feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera may be worth the investment.

Ultimately, whether or not professional wedding photography is worth it depends on your personal priorities and circumstances. Consider your budget, your desired outcome for the photos, and how important the photos are to you before making a decision.

How much do top wedding photographers charge?

As a rule of thumb, you’ll want to select your wedding photographer amongst the first 3 suppliers as soon as possible. The other two being your venue and celebrant – and perhaps your videographer. The best wedding photographers book out at least a year in advance and if you love their work it’s best to lock them in as soon as you have made your choice.

An average wedding photographer in Adelaide, Australia according to the annual Easy Weddings survey of bridal couples is just shy of $3000, so pricing of photographers should be around, or just above that figure for someone who truely knows what they are doing and who you can trust.

How Long Do I Need My Photographer for?

The duration you need a photographer for depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some photographers offer whole-day packages, while others offer more affordable hourly services.

Consider which events you want to be documented, such as the wedding ceremony, reception, and any pre-wedding preparations. If you want a comprehensive visual record of your special day, it may be best to opt for a whole-day package that includes coverage of all events.

If you want your wedding album to tell a complete story, including the lead-up to the ceremony and the reception, then having a photographer with you all day may be the best option. This allows them to capture every aspect of your wedding and create a cohesive visual narrative that tells the story of your special day.

Another benefit of having a photographer with you all day is that they have more time to get to know you and your personalities, which can result in more personalized and meaningful photos. If you’re worried about feeling uncomfortable in front of the camera, consider scheduling an engagement shoot with your photographer beforehand. This can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera on your wedding day.

Ultimately, the duration you need a photographer for depends on your priorities and budget. Consider which events you want to be documented, how comprehensive you want your wedding album to be, and how much you’re willing to spend before making a decision.

How Comfortable Are My Partner and I With Being Photographed?

Some couples will hire a wedding photographer simply because it’s custom to do so. If you’re camera-shy, having a photographer hover around you all day might take away from the overall experience of becoming a newlywed even though a good candid and natural wedding photographer will do their best to become invisible during the day.

On the other end of the spectrum, some couples love being photographed and might even consider an engagement shoot. Which category do you and your loved one fall under?

This all being said however, If I had a dollar every time I heard that a couple is not good in front of a camera I’d probably be on a yacht in the bahamas somewhere.. The trick to taking nice candid photographs is simply having the couple do something while you’re taking your photos.

What Other Products Do I Want from My Photographer?

Nowadays, wedding photographers offer more than just their service. They’ll also print your photos in an album, provide a photo booth for guests, produce wall art, or even offer hybrid shooting where they also produce a short highlight video so you save money on a separate videographer.

Think about what products you must have versus those that are merely nice to have. Alternatively, you might be entirely satisfied to receive a digital copy of your photos—nothing extra. Selecting a wedding photographer that offers exactly what you want is important. You don’t want to be stuck with albums or prints you’d never use, but it’s also important to select a wedding phtoographer that do offer such things as an option.

Have I Received Any Recommendations?

If a married friend is suggesting their previous photographer, it’ll likely be for a good reason. Look into their portfolio and give them a call—you might even get a discount thanks to the friend referral.

Make sure they suit your own personal style though. Plenty of people opt to have a photographer that shoots in a current ‘trendy’ way that may age or rub you the wrong way to look at. You have to remember that these photos you’re having taken need to speak to your own personal style and allow them to store your memories in a way you’d want to look at them

How do I look good in wedding photos?

Looking good in wedding photos is a common concern for many couples. While every wedding photographer is unique in their methods and aesthetic, there are some general tips that can help you look your best in your wedding photos.

First and foremost, it’s important to feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. If you’re feeling nervous or self-conscious, it may show in your photos. One way to feel more at ease is to practice posing and expressions beforehand. You can also schedule an engagement shoot with your photographer to get more comfortable in front of the camera.

Another tip is to pay attention to your posture and body language. Stand up straight, keep your shoulders back, and relax your arms at your sides. Avoid slouching or crossing your arms, which can make you look tense or defensive in photos.

Makeup and hair styling can also make a big difference in how you look in photos. Consider hiring a professional makeup artist and hairstylist to ensure you look your best on your wedding day.

Finally, communicate your preferences and vision for your photos when selecting a wedding photographer. Do you prefer candid shots or posed photos? Are you looking for a vintage or editorial style? Your photographer can adjust their techniques and approach to meet your preferences and ensure you get the photos you want. Be sure you compare what you’d like with your potential photographer’s portfolio of previous work.

Remember, the most important thing is to enjoy your special day and be yourself. If you’re relaxed, happy, and comfortable, it will show in your photos and help you look your best.

While reliving your Big Day in your head might bring about nostalgic feelings, being able to reminisce over a collection of photos provides a different experience. Don’t rush your decision when it comes to selecting your wedding photographer, the memories will last you a lifetime and the process of selecting a wedding photographer will allow you to hold onto those memories in exactly the way you want.

At SvenStudios, we capture every moment of your Big Day with passion, romance, and joy. We are consistantly rated as some of the top wedding photographers in Australia and our packages come full of value. Keen to travel anywhere too, so when selecting a wedding photographer, keep us in mind!