I just published this on my wordpress page and thought it worth including on my website. So if you know anyone still looking for a wedding photographer this winter please give them my details. I am going to include some further articles, advice about looking and finding the right photgraoher in upcoming posts.
The Wild Boar Inn black and white building with snow all around - stunning background for this lovely couple
September and yes a few people are still looking to set up their winter wedding including their photographer. Most people book their photographer at least 6 months or more in advance, but if you want the right photographer for, especially at busy times of year, then the sooner you find the right person the better.
By the right photographer I really mean someone not just excellent with respects to art and technical ability, but also someone who will get on with you and use their experience to be your anchor on the wedding day, especially if you have booked a full day. This means it really has to be someone you have a rapport with, can have fun with, and who is prepared to go the extra mile to listen to you to make sure you get the wedding photographs you would like and deserve. Your photographer has to be someone who will also will your guests, your family and friends deserve that as well.
Christmas wedding at Rufford Old Hall in Lancashire
You really cannot do enough research including into those photographers who have been recommended by friends. You may well start with their online portfolio, check out the standard of their work and short list from there, adding any that family and friends recommend from their wedding or weddings they have attended. Word of mouth and recommendation is very important but make up your own mind.
Once you have your short list arrange to meet the photographer to discuss your wedding in more detail beyond date, time and venue. I think this should be without charge or obligation and either at your venue or at the photographers studio if they have one. Key things are that they are not only friendly but also professional, with a sense of humour, a sensitive listen manor and whom you feel you can trust and put faith in. They should be very enthusiastic about being imaginative with your ideas, treating you and your day as special opportunity to photograph you at your best on a unique day. and you should also feel that pictures they take of your day will be as special as the day itself. Look at examples of their work in print as well as online and ask questions about how individual their cover of your wedding will be. Perhaps there is too much talk of 'packages' which can mean they are not as careful to listen to you as they should be. Some important basics to also remember is what kind of presentation of your wedding images is included in their offer, whether they carry professional insurance and if they are, in the cost important world, prepared to discount their price for a good reason. Quality of cause comes before price, and if you are price sensitive then perhaps it is best to be open about this. Some photographers can work to a budget and will tailor what they offer, a level of service which does not compromise quality so as to match your needs. Less is sometimes more.
So, if you are about to get married I would make a good photographer one of the things you book as quickly as you can. Please feel free to contact me via my contact page, and remember, it is without obligation! Furthermore, if you know someone who is getting married and you think they have not booked a photographer yet, and you like the sound of this blog, also feel free to share my details with your friend. I will honour a 10% discount to anyone who contacts me and books. Currently booking also get a free engagement shoot, 1 hour in the studio and two 10 by 8 inch mounted prints. I am also happy to do a location shoot in the Chester area.