There are a lot of things to think about, remember and prepare for when it comes to planning your wedding. The list will seem endless and you might not know where to begin, but there are definitely a few items that should be your starting point and focus when it comes to wedding planning.
The importance of wedding photography
The most significant aspect of a wedding is the couple, and at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about and that’s all that matters. But when you talk to a lot of suppliers when it comes to planning the big day, from florists, bridal boutiques, caterers, stationery designers, the list goes on, all these people will tell you how important it is to get it right. Getting the right flowers, providing the best food, it’s all about the dress, it’s nice, you want to work with passionate people, but when preparing your wedding, are these a priority? They should be included, of course, and I’m not suggesting you should leave any of these out, but are they more important than photography of weddings?
I read and hear about many couples who have only a small budget left for their photography, couples struggling to find a photograph they like very soon for their wedding, and couples who don’t have a photographer because they can’t afford one. These couples have not given photography a great deal of significance..
Why is Hiring Professional Wedding Photographer so Important?
When it comes to your wedding, is wedding photography the most significant thing? Nope, not at all, but it should be up there on the priority list of items to look at, budget for, and book when it comes to planning your special day.
Wedding photography is important because it’s going to capture your day, it’s going to capture your memories, it’s going to tell a story, and it’s not just any story, it’s going to tell a beautiful story about your special day, a day you’re never going to forget. It’s a story you can show friends and family, your children, and grandchildren, something you’re going to have and cherish forever.
You see your flowers are going to wilt, your cake is going to be eaten quickly, your invites are going to be binned after the day, your dress is going to be worn once, those shoes are going to go back into their box, this isn’t me trying to be glum and miserable, this is about perspective, this is about helping you focus your budget on things you may not care about, like wedding photography.
A Lot of Memories in One Day
I spoke earlier about couples who didn’t place much emphasis on wedding photography, and the pecking order can easily be ignored or put down because you don’t have something on the day itself. They will produce perfect bouquets of flowers for you if you go to a florist, the cake maker will make the most delicious and beautiful looking cake for your day, the list goes on, the thing is here, these are stuff and things that will be there on your day, things that will be noticed by you and others. Yet you pay for something that you won’t see until after when it comes to wedding photography, and the best wedding photographers will go unnoticed. The guest won’t even know they’re there.
What are you Planning for a Day?
It is more than just a day when it comes to wedding planning, it is about a lifetime of memories. It’s about catching moments, it’s about capturing emotion, it’s about being able to relive the day through beautiful images, it’s about laughing at moments you never realized existed, seeing the emotion on the faces of your family and friends, and most importantly, getting a story you can handle.
If you just think about your wedding and look at your budget, make sure you optimize your wedding photography budget, it’s not about a few pictures of you and your partner looking stunning and happy on your wedding day, it’s about a beautiful wedding day story, from getting ready and smiling with your bridesmaids, to the emotion on your dad’s face as he sheds a tear and looks on with pride. Capturing the beautiful images of your day after hours and preparing days, from the beautiful flowers, your dress and location, capturing the day as it unfolds, capturing your guests’ feelings, the groom’s nervousness, all the way to the first dance, this isn’t just any story, this is your story.
Don’t regret not hiring a professional wedding photographer to make sure you catch your day and your story.
Things to Consider
Maximise your budget. If you saved a little money on the flowers, will the guests note that if you saved a little on the food, will they notice if the cake is not 5 levels high? It’s the only thing you’ll have left at the end of the day. Save a little where you can and optimize your photography budget. Read our post on The Actual Cost of Photography for Weddings.
Find your style. There are hundreds of wedding photographers to choose from, and most can travel across the country and even abroad, take time to settle on a style that you want, and find a photographer that represents that. Make sure you see more of their work and full albums, you don’t want one or two beautiful pictures, you want a beautiful story, from beginning to end, that is of high quality through out.
Book quickly. Up to 2 years in advance, the best wedding photographers get hired and booked, so find your ideal wedding photographer once you know the date and get them booked.
Also, See Best Pre Wedding Photoshoot Ideas Locations in Bangalore
How not to Choose your Wedding Photographer?
We have several articles that help guide you by looking, locating, meeting and choosing your dream photographer for your wedding, but how about things not to do!
1. They are cheap
Don’t just go for the photographer who includes a free engagement shoot, printed album, online gallery, USB pen, picture frames and printed t-shirts when selecting your photographer based on value and what is included, just because of the extra bits, they are secondary to the images that will be taken. It is so crucial that you find a photographer you love and recruit him.
You know you can trust them, you feel comfortable and at home with them, all these things can make for a smoother day and also better and more natural images. Their work suits your style. Many photographers can sell packages with previously described bits, like an engagement shoot that is becoming more and more popular, if they fit your style, you love their work, and you click with them, then this is nice, but don’t just choose a photographer based solely on value and what’s included.
2. They ‘Will Do’
There are a million and one things to think about when planning your wedding, the list looks endless and sometimes you may just think ‘will do’. You may be looking at a lot of photographers and struggling to find the time to meet them and see their work and see if you get on with them. It is important not to select a photographer only because it takes some time and seems like an endless task, take your time and make sure you not only find a wedding photographer you love, but also a person you love behind the camera. It’s so crucial and makes a huge difference to how you feel and come across in front of the camera when you find them that you’ll walk away feeling like you’ve just been talking to a close friend.
Wedding photographers enjoy what they do, they are passionate about the industry and have a passion for catching beautiful weddings, you may feel overwhelmed and many photographers will be able to understand and relate. Just make sure you find the right photographer for you, one that suits your style and one you can trust and feel comfortable with, go with your gut, then have them booked if you have no doubts! But don’t just say,’ They’re going to do it.’
3. They Have ‘Some’ Stunning Photos
Wherever you see a wedding photographer, you’ll see lots of stunning pictures, a selection of incredible images that will catch your eye and make you go wow, either here on this website or online. This is awesome and you can find a photographer that enjoys working and makes you go wow, but it’s important to note that it’s great to have a few pictures that make you go wow, but you want a wedding story that makes you go wow, continuity is the point here.
You want to make sure you see full and finished albums when viewing a photographer job, this maybe online or a hard copy, that all images are stunning and the quality is excellent throughout, and not just one or two photos that look amazing. A decent photographer can take beautiful images, and a great wedding photographer can tell a story through beautiful photos.
4. They are Recommended by the Venue
So, depending on the location, you have chosen your wedding venue and booked the date, they will have a list of suggested suppliers from catering, florists, planners and photographers. This is a great starting point, but not just going off this list and not opening your eyes to other alternatives is crucial. Check out the report The double-edged sword of a ‘preferred’ wedding photography ‘venue. For example, you might prefer styles of other photographers you might have seen here that are not on their list, you might have met a photographer from their list, but you didn’t feel totally satisfied. Don’t compromise with your wedding photographer by only checking the recommended ones from the venue, making sure you have the best photographer you can afford and the one you want.
Final Thoughts
All this planning is only for one day, one day you marry the partner with whom you want to spend the rest of your life, one day you share this lovely moment with all your loved ones and friends. Make sure that you hold on to those memories and do not look back and wish a photographer had been hired.
Photography isn’t about an expensive camera, it is about capturing a story.
Know, when it comes to your wedding images, you just get one shot and after it’s all over the pictures, the one thing that will stick with you forever is to ensure that you hire the best wedding photographer you can afford and hire the best person to capture your wedding day. When you look back on your wedding album, reliving those special moments and feelings, it is an investment that you will be grateful you made years down the line.
Wedding Photography is about special moments, it’s about being able to relive the day through stunning images, it’s about laughing at moments that you didn’t even know existed, seeing the joy and emotion on your family and friends’ faces, and, above all, creating a story that you’re going to take away with you…
Also, See Creative And Unique Wedding Invites
