Choosing a Wedding Photographer

One of my favourite gals is wedding photographer Mary Doggett – and I asked her, what should couples consider when choosing a wedding photographer for their humanist wedding?

I have worked with Mary on so many weddings, and I trust her. She takes the most incredible shots (see gallery) but I am oblivious to her presence. That is a real skill. . Admittedly she does occasionally stand on a chair or perch precariously on the edge of an ornamental fountain – and that’s not necessarily in the best traditions of health and safety – But in search of the best angle……… well (almost) anything goes!

Mary’s advice on choosing a wedding photographer:

Meet them! Whilst most wedding photographers are just the nicest people you’ll ever meet (I would say that I guess…), why chance it!? Make sure you meet them ahead of the day to give them the once over and check you like them and you’re both on the same wavelength.  Let’s face it, they’re going to be with you A LOT on the day, so if you get on well, that makes for better images and a less stressful day.

Don’t just squeeze into a photography package because it is the one that fits your budget. Instead, arrange to meet the photographer and actually tell them what you’d like, and see if they can flex to meet that! And if a photographer doesn’t want to hear your requirements in detail, it may mean that they won’t be very helpful or flexible on the day either! 

Be a wheeler dealer. Say your package includes an expensive-looking photo album, but you’d rather just have the electronic image files, talk to your photographer about changing it! They may be open to swapping providing the album for a couple of extra hours on the day or offer some money off which you can then spend on one of the other gazillion things you need to pay for.

Visit the venue with your photographer ahead of the day. This will give you a chance to plan exactly where you will have your couple images shot and should allow the photographer to gauge the best time of the day to shoot them, given the light direction and quality. Also, if the photographer has not shot a wedding at your chosen venue, ask them if they will be doing a recce there ahead of the day. If they say they won’t have time or it’s not necessary, ask why! As a customer, I would see that as a bit of a red flag! 

Arrange a pre-wedding shoot. This is the single most important tip! The day can be overwhelming for you, so get used to as much of it as you can ahead of time. Let your photographer explain how he or she will help you to pose for photos, and check with them how they can help you relax if you’re nervous or hate having your photo taken. 

What if something goes wrong?

Go with the flow on the day. If the weather is dodgy, your photographer should have a plan B which has been shared with you. Maybe there will be a curveball that neither of you could have predicted, then remember, perfect weddings are so dull and not at all memorable.

IF something unpredictable happens, then don’t worry. Turn it into a positive! Look royally overjoyed, and if I’m shooting your wedding, (please) start dancing on the tables. Maybe singing Gloria Gaynor’s I WILL SURVIVE! All your guests and I will definitely love you for it.