How to capture the day for posterity

YOUR wedding photographs will be a lasting reminder of your special day so it’s important that you have a good think about what you are looking for.
By Amy Westby
Published 8th Apr 2011, 11:59 BST
Updated 14th Dec 2016, 19:47 BST

Budget, theme and style will all come into play and once again research is vital if you want to make sure you get the right photographer.

If you find the right wedding photographer who is passionate about their work, you'll be able to enjoy the moments for many years in photographs that capture the excitement, love, and passion of your wedding day.

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There are two main types of wedding photography: traditional and reportage.

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    Traditional photography features posed individual and group shots of family members and the bridal party. The photographer will ask for a list of group shots in advance for after the ceremony to make sure you get all the shots you require.

    Reportage: This is more of a journalistic style of photography where the photographer will take natural shots of everyone and everything. This way it captures the candid, emotional shots and the story of the day. The photographer should be unobtrusive and offer an option of traditional shots to finish off the day.

    Don’t forget to make it clear if you want a selection of unposed pictures of you and your husband at a certain spot / area of the venue. You may wish to stop off somewhere in between the service and reception for a photoshoot and you will need to give full details of this to both the photographer and chauffeur depending on your transport.

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    Not all photographers will automatically do this. It is important to give them all your ideas and be specific about requests ahead of the day.

    Questions to ask:

    • What packages are available and can a tailor-made package be created?
    • Are prices by the hour or in a package? What is the price range?
    • Exactly what is included in the price?
    • Does it include an engagement shoot?
    • What is the photographer’s style or speciality?
    • How many photos will they take and will there be two photographers covering the wedding?
    • Who will take the photos- can you meet them in advance?
    • Will the photographer require a shot list and or will they be expected to know what to take?
    • What type of albums do they provide? Will the prints be in black and white or sepia?
    • Do they retouch photos and if so is it included in the price?
    • Does the photographer include a disk with all the images on? Is this an additional cost?
    • Will you get to select the proofs for the album?
    • What is the back up plan in case of illness or severe weather?
    • Are there any extra fees or costs, such as travel, accommodations, etc..?
    • Will the photographs appear on the photographer’s website?
    • How can other people purchase shots?
    • How will the pictures be sent to you and when can you expect to receive them?

     

    Expert tips from wedding photographer Mark Tierney.

    Advertiser Brides' Club homepage.

     

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