Congratulations ! if you are reading this it is likely you are about to embark on one of the most important decisions of your wedding, " who will photograph the most important day in our lives to date ! ".
Infact you may ask why you need a professional photographer at all ? Afterall uncle Harry has a rather swanky new digital, is a whizz on a pc, and has taken one or two great snaps while on holiday last year !
Ok, so i make light of a situation that does in some cases truly happen and usually ends in tears, family feuds, and couples with little to show considering the amount of time and money spent elsewhere.
So where do you begin ? afterall you know when you have the right dress, suit, flowers etc but wedding photography is trying to imagine what you may look like in those photographs, a tricky thing to do especially if you are not used to being photographed. If you look at a good photographers work you will see they have relaxed the couple so the images look matter of fact, and very natural. Ask to see a whole wedding, and not just "hot shots" this separates the average, good and really outstanding wedding photographers as he/she will have to achieve consistency over what could be a twelve hour day.
You should always look for qualifications.The two main photographic bodies in the UK are The british Institute of Professional Photography or BIPP Or the Master Photographers Association, or MPA.
A qualified photographer will have these letters after their name with a pre fix of "L" licenciateship, A associateship or the highest qualification in professional photography "F" or Fellowship. By choosing someone with these credentials you are hiring a professional who has had their work put before assessors of a qualified association, and essentially avoiding rogue traders. Your photographer should also have indemnity insurance, covering both you and him/her of any eventuality. Another good idea is to take recommendations from friends, or perhaps have an engagement portrait made to see if you like the photographers approach.
Quite often couples will try to judge a photographer purely on price alone, (pity the dad with three daughters !) but i would suggest it is much more important to know the value of your wedding album and what it means to you. Prices vary depending on the quality of your photographer, but expect to pay around £2000 upwards for a really great photographer. Times have changed and the quality of wedding albums. Compare your parents album with what is available today and you will have a smile on your face every photographer worth his salt can capture at ease.
Different studios will have various ways of pricing, and aftercare in relation to creating your album.The best advise is go and meet your photographer if you like the look of his / her work ,and chat through your ideas. Do not try to book over the phone, you may not be right for each other.
At my studio we start with the groom in the morning, go onto the bride and can cover the wedding right through to the dancing. Our albums are very special indeed using the latest in design ideas, modern covers and quality Italian binding. Afterwards once relaxed, brown and weight regained from the honeymoon we invite you to our studio for a viewing, offer ideas and suggestions to ensure you
a book you are proud to show to your family and friends.
We are amongst the highest qualified studios , and have won UK WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR twice since 2004. It would be a pleasure to discuss your requirements. Do contact either myself or Kelly Hearn who will be able to answer any questions regarding your big day you may have.
And whatever you decide have a fabulous day you will to remember it forever.
milesOsmiles X,
Simon John FBIPP FMPA
Supplied by Simon John.
You can visit Simon John's website at www.simonjohn.co.uk
