When you look at a wedding photographer, you’re hiring more than just a person who knows how to take a pretty picture. They’re tasked with preserving memories and performing a kind of emotional alchemy.
When choosing a wedding photographer, choose the one that resonates with you and who’s style matches your own. Consider looking at complete wedding galleries on their blog and making sure they include an engagement session in their packages.
Location
A wedding photographer is a professional who captures the moments that are important to a couple on their special day. They are also responsible for editing and retouching the photos to make them look their best. They may offer a range of services, including wedding albums and prints.
Some photographers will include high-resolution digital files in their packages. These are usually supplied on CD, DVD or USB stick. Clients will then have the right to use these photographs however they like. However, this option is not available for all photographers and those who do choose to provide these files will typically charge a premium.
Some of the most popular locations for wedding photography include parks, beaches, and architectural sites. For example, the New York Public Library is a picturesque location that offers many different backdrops and vantage points. It is also an excellent choice for rainy-day photography, as the library is equipped with shelters to protect couples and guests from the elements. Check out more at dorset wedding photographer.
Lighting
While natural lighting is a popular wedding photography style, it can sometimes be tricky. Depending on the time of day, direct sunlight can cause harsh shadows or unflattering highlights. In this case, a photographer may use techniques like diffusing light with reflectors or using an off camera flash to create a softer look.
Another aspect of lighting is a photographer’s editing style. Some photographers have a more minimal editing approach that gives a natural, realistic look, while others may use filters, special effects or even airbrush skin tones.
When viewing a potential photographer’s work, pay close attention to the details. Do you see a lot of purposeful compositions with multiple elements, such as heels next to stationery or jewelry with perfume? This is a sign that the photographer is interested in capturing the small, personal moments that make your wedding unique. Also, consider whether they are a natural-light or flash wedding photographer, as this will affect their shooting methods and style.
Style
The style a photographer uses will have a huge impact on the photos they take. Ask to see a full gallery of images from a wedding to get a feel for their style.
Look at how natural or posed the photos are and how much manipulation is done to them. A dark and moody style uses a more dramatic aesthetic with deeper shadows and higher contrasts while light and airy photos are more romantic and soft with lighter tones and blown out skies.
Photojournalistic or documentary photographers focus on capturing the real moments of your day as they happen. They are similar to a news reporter covering a big event and tend to be less involved with directing the couple to do certain things.
Experience
A good wedding photographer should have many years of experience shooting events in their chosen style. They should also have a solid portfolio that includes both posed and candid shots.
Photographers also spend a lot of time researching and learning about weddings, getting to know their clients and their needs in order to provide them with the best services possible. They may attend workshops and other training in order to learn new skills or techniques.
On the day of a wedding, photographers are there from start to finish. They need to be able to manage the bride and groom, their family members and all of the other vendors and guests.
In addition, they need to have a backup plan for when things go wrong and a system for delivering images to their clients in the event of an emergency. Some photographers are self-employed and therefore must be able to manage their business finances, invoices, payments and taxes.