I have spent over 10 years as a photographer, with the last 6 years as a professional wedding photographer.  Over the years I have learnt a few tricks of the trade that make your photo session a fun filled event. So  here are some tips that will help you in selecting a photographer for your wedding and how to get the best possible shots on the day.

What Style of Photos do you want?

It is important to decide up front what you want your wedding album to look like, photographers all have a style or technique that we are really good at.  So if you know what stye you are after, browsing all the web portfolios is far easier.

Shortlist

The biggest mistake brides make is selecting the first photographer they like, many times because the photographer claims to be very busy with so many inquiries for your date.  Don’t fall for the trap!  Select your top 5, narrow it down to 3, meet all 3, then sleep on it.   Make your decision based on photo style,  photographer’s personality, portfolio and then any other criteria important to you.

Photographers Equipment

You select a professional photographer because of their experience and professional equipment.  With cameras so accessible to everyone,  it is not difficult for anybody to take some good shots.  A pro will take some excellent shots and 100′s of good shots during your wedding.  A pro will have 2  complete camera sets, no chance for failure.  Their lenses will be fast, suited for low light conditions. But most importantly a professional photographer will know how to use there camera properly.

What to look for in a wedding photographer’s portfolio.

A photographer needs to market themselves so in order to do that we tend to show case only our best work, it is a competitive market out there.  You need to look at the bridal portraits, night time shots (can you see the candle light, or is it bright flash light), look at detail shots like rings, cake, dress, decor.  Look at a complete album watching the flow, think about what happens at a wedding, are those elements in the album?  An album should be around 100 photos at least and contain everything that tells the story of the wedding.

Price is not everything

Some photographers insist on the best possible equipment costing over R200,000 others only spend R50,000 on their camera kit.  The end result is reflected in the price that the photographer charges.  Rather decide on a budget and look for photographers in your price range, you may find someone who is a lot cheaper than everyone else and their work is fantastic, to good to be true?  Not always, it could be a young photographer starting out, someone who is actually charging a fair price for there services.  Evaluate the portfolio and the person you may find a diamond in the rough.

Engagement Shoot

This is essentially your photography trial, your photographer is going to find your “best angles”, they will work through their workflow with you and give you a crash course in modeling if needed. It is also the time to chat about specific shots you want.  At the end of the shoot you will be far more relaxed and it will show in the photos on your wedding day.   Gauteng has some great venues for engagement shoot, make sure you package has one included.

Wedding photo Lists

Make a list of all the group shots you want get a family member or friend to control the list and gather everyone together. make a list of the specific shots you want, send it to you photographer together with links to photos you like.  It will help your photographer to get a better idea of what you want.