Finding your perfect wedding photographer takes a little time, but when the end result is the images that will be looked back upon for the rest of your life together, the initial investment of time is absolutely worth it.

Let's start off with the most important thing to remember. Choose a wedding photography style that YOU as a couple like. It’s not about what looks best on Instagram. It’s not about inspiring others or inducing envy, or even about pleasing Great Aunt Doris. It’s not about what you feel you should have or what is on-trend, but what you want.

FIND YOUR FAVOURITE WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS STYLE

Finding the style which naturally appeals to you both actually isn’t that tricky. The first stage is research - the Rock My Wedding Inspiration section will become your best friend. If you like one wedding by a specific photographer, have a look at more of their work. Get a free Rock My Wedding account and favourite the weddings you love. Also save specific images you like of details, entertainment ideas, dresses, etc onto a Pinterest board. Once this board starts filling out you will soon see a pattern emerging. It will likely radiate one or two styles more dominantly. You should also start to see a pattern of shot styles that are most important to you. Candid shots of families and friends, stunning couple portraits, formal group shots, inspiring details. Your Pinterest board is now looking surprisingly cohesive, and you’ve been pinning furiously throughout every lunch break, but what actually is this style you seem to be loving?

FILM VS. DIGITAL WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Digital is now the most common type of shooting, and you will find some wedding photographers who will shoot in both digital and film. Which you prefer is a very personal decision. Digital photography is almost without limitation; and will undoubtedly mean you are faced with a larger selection of imagery. Your digital photographer will be able to explore almost all light situations, adjusting to changes immediately. Shooting with film is, as expected, more expensive due to the time for processing, and the equipment used, however, images shot with film have a rich, organic quality to them that is easily identifiable. Remember that dark lighting situations are harder to handle on film, so think about your venue, timings, season, etc. Once you know whether you’re a film or digital kinda couple you can narrow down your style.

REPORTAGE / DOCUMENTARY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Documentary-style wedding photographers capture the day as it unfolds. They will anticipate special moments, react quickly, and capture genuine emotions as they happen. The style itself is candid, approachable, and spontaneous, so they will make everything look its best but there will be minimal intervention. Whilst documentary-style wedding photographers pride themselves on being unobtrusive they will have the confidence to direct in a quick and friendly way to ensure you don’t miss out on a mantlepiece shot for your mum. The photographer will want you and your guests to relax and have the time of your life, and your images will reflect that story.

Wedding Photographers - First Steps To Find The Perfect One

Laura Humphrey

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