Hi. There are so many amazing wedding photographers out there, I'm getting decision anxiety. How do you know your photographer is the one for you? Thanks!
Question Asked: 27/05/2021
Wedding Date: 9/08/2018
Answered by: 15 Experts
Sort by:
It's so important to be comfortable with your photographer, I can't tell you how may horror stories I have heard of couples that booked a photographer that made them feel uncomfortable on the day and it made them hate their photos!
I think to begin with make a shortlist of photographers whose work makes you feel emotional when you look at it and picture the couple being yourself and your partner, and then meet with them in person. You can tell a lot through a quick chat on the phone but you can tell more from a quick coffee catchup to discuss your plans for your ideal day! They will have ideas and suggestions they can make as you walk through your plan but really it's to tell if you feel comfortable with them and connect, if you have a couple of laughs and think "that person could be a friend" then you have found the one!
I also think it would be naive to not mention pricing as well, unless your photographer offers payment plans, if they are out of your budget than it makes sense to find another photographer. It's hard to try and save up extra money to cover the additional costs while you're planning your wedding so I have had a lot of couples take up the payment plan offer and it makes life so much easier!
And lastly what do their packages actually include? I have moved away from digital file only packages because from my personal and professional experience is that the digital files never end up getting used and after the initial excitement of showing everyone the photos on the computer, the USB is put away and never taken out again. Make sure that what is included in your package will be something that reflects you and your style, prints, framed artwork, albums all of them are such a beautiful way to display your photos so make sure you think about after the day and how you want the photos in your everyday life too and that your photographer has that option available.
(93) · South Australia State Wide - Located in the Barossa Valley
Posted: 2/01/2023
EASY! Just pick me :-) you will be more than satisfied with that choice! I promise!
Go with your gut feeling of what appeals to your style. If you like understated, uncontrived, elegant and timeless storytelling, thats us.
With over 10 years experience, I love shooting weddings, I think you can tell in someones work with the emotions and composition. Coming from a fashion backround and love of film, I like to put all those elements into the wedding.
Choosing your photographer is one of the most important decsions you can make. It really is a personal thing, the first step is to find images you love, then stalk that person (not in a creepy way - in an adoring fan kind of way). If you feel a connection with their style and personality arrange to meet with them - most professionals will do this obligation free at no cost. Don't get too hung up on pricing and packages - find the right person first!
I wrote a blog on this very topic ... hope it helps!
https://www.westcoastweddings.com.au/post/why-choosing-your-photographer-is-like-choosing-your-wedding-dress
How to Find the Best Brisbane Wedding Photographer
What if your Brisbane wedding memories could live on forever?
Your wedding is the happiest day of your life. As the years go by, you'll want to look back on photos that captured every amazing moment.
Moments that amazing need photos that are just as awesome. And that means finding the best Brisbane wedding photographer before the big event.
Wondering how to find the best wedding photographer before saying "I do"? Keep reading to find out!
Avoid the Salesperson
It's good to learn as much as you can about the wedding photographers in Brisbane ahead of time. When you meet for an interview, though, you need to pay attention to how they treat you.
Specifically, you want to avoid someone with a "pushy salesman" vibe. When it comes to the most important day of your life, you don't want someone acting like a used car salesman with your photos.
Choose a photographer who instead asks plenty of questions about you and your partner. This shows they are engaged and wanting to put your happiness ahead of their bottom line.
Research-Based Budget
Before things get too serious, you'll need to set a budget. The best way to do this is to dive into research mode.
Simply put, you won't know if someone's prices are high or low unless you know what the average price really is. This kind of research will also help you with other aspects of the hiring process.
For example, you can take this time to visit the websites of various photographers and e-mail them about their availability. This lets you quickly find out whether your dream photographers will even be available when the big day comes around.
Style and Substance
Photographers are like any other artists. That means that each one of them has their own unique style when it comes to taking photos.
Some specialise in the kind of moody photos that would look at home in a big-budget film. Others like to take editorial photos like the kind that grace major magazine covers. And still more specialise in the kinds of traditional styles that may match your parents' own wedding photos.
There is no answer to which style is best. Instead, it comes down to your own sense of style and preference. Just ask yourself, "Whose work would I rather see myself in decades from now?"
Good Chemistry
Earlier, we talked about the importance of making sure the photographer isn't an aggressive salesperson. You should also make sure you have good chemistry with this person.
It's easy to think that chemistry doesn't matter if you hire the best wedding photographer in Brisbane. However, chemistry is the secret to getting great photos.
Whoever you hire must be able to both organize your friends and get natural emotions out of them before snapping a picture. In all likelihood, you and your friends have similar personalities. If you don't have good chemistry with the photographer, it's likely no one else will!
Check Their Work
Your real bottom line is that you want wedding photos that look amazing. And the quickest way to verify this is to check the photographer's previous work.
They should have featured photographs on their website and their social media accounts. Additionally, good photographers should provide a portfolio upon request.
Needless to say, this is the quickest way to verify the photographer's style and to see if it matches your own. Be sure to check all the photos as many photographers are fluid and can shoot in different styles to match client requests.
Browse Their Site
You should look for more than just pictures when you go to a photographer's website. You should also look to see the last time it was updated.
Most good photographers will offer blog posts, updates, and calendar dates that help keep their customers informed. And the mere presence of these things also shows prospective customers that the photographer takes their work seriously and stays on top of their photography business.
Frequent updates, then, are often the difference between a dedicated photographer and a bored freelancer.
Get That Guarantee
Finding a good photographer is a bit like finding a romantic partner. After a while, you need to look out for signs that they are really serious about your partnership.
In the case of a photographer, what you are looking for is a written guarantee. This will stipulate how many photos you get, what the exact cost is, and whether you get extra features like digital versions of the photos.
Guarantees are important because they are a contract you can enforce. If you do not have a guarantee from a photographer and they violate an oral agreement, there may be nothing you can do about it.
Keep in mind you can (and should) look at guarantees from multiple Brisbane photographers before hiring someone. This lets you shop around for rates while also finding out who offers the best benefits.
Masters of Lighting
Want to know the most important component of a good photo? It's actually the lighting.
And just as they have different styles, different photographers have different kinds of lighting they may specialize in.
If you know you're planning on an outdoor wedding, find a photographer who specializes in outdoor lighting. And be sure to tell them when the wedding is scheduled. After all, 4:00 pm lighting is very different from 10:00 am lighting!
Trust Your Instincts
We have one last bit of advice when you're trying to find the best wedding photographer in Brisbane trust your instincts.
As we've said, it's important to get a good price, secure a guarantee, and check their previous work. However, the real test is whether you have a good feeling about this person or not.
You went with your gut when it came to falling in love. Trust your gut again when it comes to hiring a wedding photographer!
The Best Briabanes Wedding Photographer: Happily Ever After
Now you know how to find the best Brisbane wedding photographer. However, do you know how to contact them right now?
John specialises in weddings and other event photography. To see how he can preserve your special day forever, just give him a call today!
Firstly you are blessed with choice. There is so many amazing photographers, so heres my TIP's to choosing the right photographer is a sea of fabulous.
1. Choose local (so many advantages to choosing a local photographer)
Knowing the local area is such an important asset, especially if weather tries to crash your day. I am based in the Hunter Valley and am so lucky to have lots of connections with vineyards that are happy to lend a hand (and some shelter). Knowing what's happening in the local area also helps to avoid road closures, concerts (casusing massive delays). Locals always know the little spots no-one else does.
2. Style
Research throughly (troll their instagram feed) and look for consistency, you dont want your wedding to look like everyone else's, you want it to look like your celebration. Ask to see some full weddings, family portraits are really important but rarely make it onto the social feeds. There's much more to your wedding photography than the 1.5 hour location shoot.
3. Ask Questions
The right photographer will be happy to chat with you about everything related to your wedding. Remember your photographer is usually the one supplier that spends the entire day with you. We have so many helpful tips that can make your planning seemless and we also work with GREAT wedding industry professionals and can help you find the right vendor.
4. Feel Comfortable
You will know, when you know! It's a feeling and when you find it you'll know.
If your getting married in the Hunter Valley and would like our 5 Tips to Wedding Planning During COVID, here it is
https://www.3lphotography.com.au/hunter-valley-wedding-planning-during-covid19-5-tips/
My top 3 tips for choosing your wedding photographer:
1. Look through their previous work on social media & website ?? Is the editing consistent? Do you like their style?
2. Read their bio & about me page/blog ?? Having a photographer that you really vibe with will make it A LOT easier to relax and feel comfortable during your session ??
3. Try not to price shop too much ?? Focusing on finding the cheapest photographer is a sure way to end up disappointed in your photos. Value your special moments by valuing the work of a skilled & passionate photographer who will care just as much as you when documenting your story ?
Hello :)
So I can make this really simple for you:
- Find a photographer that does work you like. At the end of the day is as simple as spending time on instagram and their websites checking them out.
- Once you have a small list of photographers in your area that you like aesthetically, go with one you like as a person. You'll spend a lot of time with them on your wedding day so the way you gel with them as a person, and the way you can see them working with your family and friends is the most important thing.
Once you find one you like, and who's work you like, STOP LOOKING! Tick that box off your 'to do' list and have a wine.
Hello lovely Bride!
CONGRATULATIONS!! Isn't is so awesome to be in the planning stage! Sucha a greatr adventure, with a lot on your plate!
So absolutely - There are so many amazing artists!
Main things to consider, and some big q's to have answered are-
Ultimately it comes down to who you trust to capture your memories how you see them.
Start creating a pinterest that also helps a lot to visualise what you want for your day + Get together a budget with your fiance.
Then take a few video chat calls with a couple of photographers you really really like, seem like they have the right experience level, and then go from there!
Dont hesitate to reach out with any questions! info@ heweddings.com
Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask your own question and we'll have our experts answer it.
Ask a questionHi! I'm Chelsea and I can help you find suppliers for your wedding. Would you like some help today?
Hello! This is a fundamentally very important question to ask. Things to take into consideration are:
- Have you looked through the photographers online albums, or social media and seen enough of their wedding work to say, yes I will be happy with that and it is what I want.
- Some people value a set budget, and have a budget in mind, others value the experience and the final work that is produced no matter the cost, and some want both. Ask yourself what is at the top of the list.
- There are so many styles of work out there from all the amazing photographer artists, from simple photos in true colours with enhancements, all the way through to incredibly use of natural lighting, lighting equipment and artistic work produced in post-production on amazing editing software. Again, ask yourself something like this, ''do I want true colours, boho look, moody photos, earthy tones, muted colours, high contrast photos, super styled, amazing location only photos''. Pinterest is a great resource to use and to find the words for the style you're envisaging and want to have from a photographer.
- Will you feel comfortable with your photographer? Do they offer to chat in person, on the phone, or via video for as long as you need to asnwer all your questions. Do they seem to click you with? Definitely start with people's personal bio on the websites and social media, then meet them.
- Hunt down reviews on google, facebook, easyweddings, and any other place you can find for that photographer to see what others have felt of the experience.
- Lastly, what is on offer from the photographer in the package you are looking at? Do they meet this need for you, or if you ask them will they do it for you?