Words: Anna Kibbey Illustration: Jacqueline Bissett
THE PHOTOGRAPHS
The good news is that there are stacks of good wedding photographers out there, just keep your eyes peeled. Friends’ weddings are the perfect hunting ground, because you can see the photographer at work, rather than just the output. If you like the way they operate (generally this means that you don’t notice them much), check out their online portfolio – full albums rather than just a few handpicked highlights.
Litmus tests of a good photographer
1. Can you see the folds in the wedding dresses on their photos? Yes means they’ve got the exposure right.
2. Have they captured the details? A hand-written note, cupcakes with initials on, mum wiping her eyes, grandpa having a nap, the groom’s face as his bride arrives, cones of confetti…
3. Can they do the mantelpiece lineups as well as the reportage shots?
Like what you see?
1. Ask for references.
2. Do they work with an assistant so they can capture, for example, both the bridal party and the groom getting ready?
3. Make sure you own the pics from the outset. And does the quoted price include an album?
4. Ask how long it will take to deliver them. Many brides are dismayed when two months later they still haven’t received their pics because a photographer is shooting every weekend in wedding season.
5. Book an engagement shoot – however cheesy it may seem, it’s a useful chance to get to know your photographer and have a practice run so you make the most of the main event. If you don’t like working with them, you can pay them for the shoot. If you do, it’s part of the package.
The brief should include…
1. Descriptions of VIPs.
2. A shot list: heavy on the couple pics, light on the family lineups – because why pay a pro to shoot those?
3. Timings: don’t spend more than an hour on photography (half for the bride and half for the families) any more and you’ll regret the time not spent with your guests, who’ll need to be kept fed and watered.
DON'T FORGET THE VIDEOGRAPHER
Ask for recommendations and check out the style (in person and on film) of cameramen at friends’ weddings.
Look at showreels – a videographer’s portfolio.
Show your videographer examples of a wedding video you like the style of from Vimeo.
Your brief should include a list of the elements you definitely want included and definitely don’t.
Avoid jostling for position – get the photographer and videographer introduced from the off so they can work together.
This article was first published in Square Meal Weddings, 2015