Finding a good wedding photographer and good tips for taking great pictures

Consider what you want from your wedding photographers
Have you given any thought to what you are looking for in a wedding photographer? As a couple you want some assurance that your photographers are going to meet you and your life companions needs and provide the pictures that you will love.  Have you seen their photos? Do you like them? Are you getting value for money?

Do you like what you see when you review their pictures
It may help to ask to view a group of shots consisting of around 50+ photographs from a wedding they have done in recent times. Perhaps view an album from an album or ask to speak with a couple that they took pictures of before. Whilst many photographers can take wonderful pictures they all have different styles, approaches, and ways of setting up the moment. By looking through their shots you will be able to tell if they fit with what you want. You should also take note of how they present to you. Do they display a genuine pride in what they are showing you? Start to look at the variety and creativity in their photographs. We try to create a place for fun whilst understanding that this is a very important and responsible moment in your lives and so making your day special, using fun, creativity, and good communication is the best way we know to be there for you. 

Some folks have shared with us that they ended up with a different photographer to the one that they meet and shared with
Make sure you will end up with the photographers you met with and connected with. I think this is very important as it will help you be relaxed on the least day you need any extra stress. Others also tell us that they don’t want to be “bossed around on the day”. Be aware when speaking with a photographer who is designing the day. It should be a mutual process with you and your life companion leading the way.

Ask the photographer questions about the style they use and the way they see the day unfolding. Remember they have done this many times before and they can help you to see it as an adventure.  Ask them about different options to help make the days special. Like, will we have time to get to the beach? (or other location)  What time will the sun set on that day? Where would be the best spots for these types of pictures? Will I be able to walk on the sand, or will it be to hot? You don’t want to end up with sore feet just because a photographer wanted you to run a marathon so he or she could win an award winning picture, or pass out from the heat of the day due to no shade and a gruelling photo section.

These are all very important things to keep in mind and believe us, the above mention situation can easily happen. Often the ceremony and following family shots outside the church or venue can take longer than you allowed. You will have to rely on the photographer to have some understanding of sunset times and the condition of the place you wish to have your bridal party photo’s taken. We will almost always go to the wedding rehearsal and get an idea of the lighting and the layout of the area and will visit the place for the bridal party shots if we haven’t been there before. Make sure your photographer has an understanding of these places, the best places for beach and sunset shots. What will happen if it rains? What else can you do if your wedding dress or shoes won’t allow you to get there? Will the photographers have drinks available? Remember you need to have fun and feel a genuine connection with your photographer as they will potentially be the person you spend the most amount of time with on your wedding day. If you do not enjoy the company of your photographers then this can impact on you and your life companions experience and consequently this will be reflected in the quality of your wedding photographs.

What do you get for you money? 
I have seen amateur photographerstake fantastic photo’s so I am not going to get into a“you should only use someone who has 20 years experience and belongs to an institution such as AIPP”. Sometimes young people and amateurs bring enthusiasm and new ideas as compared to someone who may have become stagnate due to repetition. All photographers have strengths and weakness, (accepting me off course, I’m just perfect) and you need to just go with your instincts. Value for money will simply come down to taste, personal preference and budget. Have a good look around.

Photographers will charge $500 to $10,000 plus. Uncle Ted, the next door neighbour or anyone can shoot your wedding day for you cheaply while a professional studio may charge outrages amounts. The great thing about being the consumer is that you get to decide where the best value for money lies for you. The most important thing to remember though is that there will be no re-shoot and no opportunity for another go out it. You have one shot at this so make sure you check out some of Uncle Ted’s photos. He may feel a little offended at the time but that’s better than becoming bitter enemies later because he stuffed up.

So…. in summary

1. Like the photo’s you see. Trust your instincts. You know what you like.
2. Be sure you get the same photographer you meet with and be sure that they have a good understanding of the times that ceremonies can take. That they are aware of the locations you want to go to. That they are aware of your comfort and safety. That they have ideas to introduce if it rains or if Uncle Ted’s camera doesn’t work.
3. Be sure you like the photographer. Do you think they will try to make your day fun and adventurous?
4. Pick what fits with your budget and the fibs you get. Trust yourself. We have seen photo’s taken for free that were much better than those taken by the well paid photographer. Mind you. There is a better chance of great photos being taken by a professional.
5. Know what you want and don’t be bossed around. Communicate with your photographer about what is comfortable for you. Do your own research and don’t be afraid to make suggestions. We love it when a couple say. “What about this idea……..”

Some tips for Uncle Ted if he is taking your photos

• Research the net. There are some fantastic pictures on the web that show many posses and shots that will give you great ideas. Type in “tips for taking good wedding photos”.
• Sit down with the couple and share what is in your mind and explore what is in theirs. Show them some of your photo’s
• Plan the day out in your head. Visit the venue and locations around the same time as the ceremony. Check the lighting and the way the shadows lay.
• Clean your camera the night before and check all your batteries are fully charged. Take spares. Borrow a back up camera or hire one.
• Allow plenty of time. Fuel up the day before and have a back up plan if your car breaks down.
• If you are taking pictures of the bride getting ready remember that this is when she is likely to be the most nervous she will be all day. She will be feeling apprehensive and may be very teary.  It is also the time that some of those around her are also.
• You will need to be encouraging, fun, and don’t force shots. Let it evolve, make suggestions during the moments between nail polish going on and the sipping of a class of wine

I will conclude with some quick tips that will help you to take great wedding photos

• Watch for shadows on Faces. Even though it is day light. Use a hotshoe flash. Avoid the built in pop up flash. Rent one if you don’t have one.
• Watch Shadows in your Image
  The main shadow to be wary of, is your own!
• Get Down Low. Try different angles.
• Watch Your Background
  Be aware of clutter or unwanted things that can ruin a great photo, such as a pole coming out of the brides head or someone holding a shopping bag.
• Try to keep the horizon as straight as possible.
• Rather than standing in the centre of the photo, have your subjects stand to one side.
• Avoid Squinting
  Have the sun facing at an angle to your subjects’. This will help to reduce the squinting.
• Try to shield your lens to avoid the sun reflecting from your lens onto your image (will look like a flare). Use a hood.
• Slow down. You may find that your anxiety may invite you to do things quickly. Take some breaths and slow down. Remember it is a fun moment and believe in your self.
• Search the net for ideas and examples. There are fantastic photographers out there