How exciting that you’re engaged! Raise a glass in toast! What do you think is going to happen now? There are likely hundreds of photographers competing for business in your area.
The task of choosing vendors has proven to be stressful for many a future bride. It’s all become a blur as they sift through dozens of local photography sites and dozens of pricing options.
You’ve planned every detail of your big day down to the last detail-the dress, the suits, the flowers, the cake, and the band. Every bride and groom deserves to be able to relive the romance and excitement of their wedding day with the help of photographs that capture the moment in a way that will stand the test of time.
It’s not easy to find the right wedding photographer, but hopefully these pointers will help you narrow down your options. Looking for a wedding photographer in Melbourne? Look no further. Vines of the Yarra Valley has compiled an ultimate list of wedding photo companies to help you choose.
Choosing Your Wedding Photographer
The photographs you take at your wedding will be among the most meaningful you’ve ever taken. These photographs are irreplaceable keepsakes that you will cherish always and share with future generations. And that’s why picking a photographer is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for your wedding day. It’s not like there’s any kind of deadline or anything.
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential photographers, it’s time to set up interviews, either in person or via video chat if they’re located far away. All you can really learn about them is what’s on their website, so it’s important to meet in person to make sure you click.
You’ll have the chance to share your thoughts on different methods of photography, learn more about the services they provide, and form a basic impression of the person. Viewing an entire gallery from a real wedding they’ve shot is the best way to get a feel for their work, rather than just seeing a few select images. Think about it as if those were photos taken at your wedding and focus on the emotions they convey. Do you value them highly? Do you think it would look nice in your living room?
Next, we recommend finding out as much as possible right away. You should find out ahead of time if there is a major sticking point. Included among these are possible examples:
- In what timeframe can I expect a response from them? Producing and editing your photographs requires a significant investment of time. Make sure your photographer can get your highly anticipated photos back to you in a reasonable amount of time.
- Can we count on them to be our on-site photographer on the big day? Some photographers will schedule multiple weddings for the same weekend, and then delegate one of those events to another photographer (or perhaps a member of their team). Will this person’s style be compatible with that of the desired photographer?
- Their cost is reasonable. What return can you expect on your money? If you’re happy with the quality of their work and want more prints than what comes in their starter set, ask how much each additional print will cost. The price may also depend on whether or not you want an engagement session, how many hours of coverage you want for your wedding day, whether or not you want digital files, whether or not they archive their images, and whether or not you want an online gallery and social media sharing.
- In the day’s events, there were also second shooters. Is there a second photographer present, or do they work alone, on the big day? Does that cost anything extra? Spending money for travel? Will they need to go anywhere, and if so, is that cost factored into your estimate?
Personality Matters
From preliminary consultations to the big day itself, you’ll be spending considerable time with your wedding photographer. You can count on them to be there from the moment you put on your wedding dress until the moment you are whisked away on your honeymoon. If you know for sure that your personalities, ways of communicating, and shared goals mesh well, that will help. You don’t want your photos to reflect a couple who looks tense or unhappy. Your photographer’s job is to put you at ease and make you love being photographed.
The photographer at your wedding is someone the bride and groom are placing a great deal of faith in. It’s crucial that you feel at ease in their company in order to get the best photos and a truthful account of the most important day of your life.
When meeting someone for the first time, it usually takes less than 5 minutes to determine if you click with them. Initial impressions matter greatly, so it’s great news if you’re able to click with someone right away. Your wedding photos will reflect your level of comfort with your photographer, so it’s important to feel relaxed around them.
Do not forget about your visitors. Let’s say you’ve found a photographer for your wedding who is all of these things and more. If everyone is relaxed and having fun, the photographer will be able to blend in and get candid shots of the day rather than a staged one. Keep in mind that it is next to impossible to fake a genuine smile in a photograph, so pick your photographer carefully and make sure you meet with them at least twice before committing to a booking.
Photography Style
It’s possible that you and your photographer will have different ideas about how the day should play out in terms of photos. While you might be wondering, “How can they be different? They’re taking photos of MY wedding!” different photography styles play a huge role in determining the final look of your edited photos and even the way the photographer captures the shot.
Photographers can vary greatly in their approaches to posing their subjects. Those photos where everyone in the family is smiling broadly at the camera? Look at some wedding pictures from your parents or grandparents. You’ll notice some striking similarities. They are timeless in nature, and will be appreciated by people for many years to come. Many photographers maintain some elements of this style while also introducing new ones.
Editing Style
Since our parents’ time, the wedding industry has undergone significant, and, in my opinion, positive, shifts in how vendors are chosen for the big day. The most memorable and heartfelt weddings are those in which the couple uses their wedding as an opportunity to express their individuality through art. That the wedding photographer’s approach to coverage mirrors the couple’s own is only natural.
You can find your personal style by first identifying your personal tastes rather than trying to define a specific style. Do you adore eye-popping, brilliant pictures? Do you adore a weathered, antique appearance? Do you prefer black and white photos because of their stark contrast? Consideration of timelessness is crucial.
In addition, the photographer’s editing style can give you a glimpse into their level of expertise right away. If the photographer’s portfolio contains images with wildly varying degrees of editing, it’s safe to assume they haven’t settled on a signature look. Keep an eye out for uniformity. Maintaining a constant tone and style while editing speaks volumes about the editor’s professionalism and competence.
Raw Files
Do yourself a favour and ignore this section if you have no idea what a RAW file is. Know what they are, and you’re probably not looking for a professional. With a few commercial exceptions, no serious professional would ever think of releasing their raw files to the public. This is because the photographer’s editing style is an integral part of their overall brand.
Clients who purchase a digital image library in.jpeg format may find that making any changes to the images they’ve purchased is a violation of the licence terms. Why spend the money to hire a photographer if they won’t be able to do what they’re paid to do? However, some photographers charge exorbitant fees for everything they offer, including the RAW files.
Image Quality/style
First and foremost, you should evaluate a photographer based on the calibre of their body of work. A talented wedding photographer will provide clients with a range of options that capture the unique personalities of the couple and convey the joy and excitement of the big day. Make sure the photographer’s portfolio reflects the aesthetic you’re going for.
Inquire about seeing the photographer’s full body of work (and not just the highlights they’ve chosen to showcase on their websites) to ensure a high level of consistency in their photography.
Bear in mind that photographers use a variety of editing methods. If an image has been heavily edited, it’s probably because the photographer is trying to hide the quality of their work.
Above all else, the photographs should reflect your personal taste as a couple. Whether you’re after a more casual and laid-back approach or a daring and modern one, it pays to do your research and compare prices.
Value for Money/cost
Although this is an important consideration, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor in your wedding plans. The highest quality is not always associated with the highest price, and the lowest quality is not always associated with the lowest price.
The photographer you hire should have no problem being upfront about their rates, and you should know exactly how much you can spend before making any bookings. You both value your time and want to avoid wasting it, so having a direct conversation from the start is essential. Wedding-photography-paul-Willetts
Your photographer should be willing to work with you on pricing and services to create custom packages that meet your needs. Each couple will have unique needs, so it’s important that your photographer is flexible enough to create a custom package just for you.
Make sure you enquire about any optional extras. Editing, value-added tax, album artwork creation, and even travel and lodging costs are sometimes charged as extras by photographers. All fees should be itemised in the quote before signing a contract.
Experience
A photographer’s level of expertise will have significant bearing on how the day is scheduled and structured. It’s common knowledge that photographers frequently double as event planners, photojournalists, and even babysitters. Being a wedding photographer involves more than just taking pictures. It’s easy to miss crucial moments if you lack the experience and ability to work effectively under pressure.
A wedding photographer who is familiar with the location is a better bet. Although not required, your photographer should demonstrate a willingness to meet at the forum on a regular basis to discuss the day’s schedule, logistics, and the best places and times to take photos. In addition, the photographer should consult with the host or wedding planner to establish a timeline for the entire event.
Be sure to enquire about their level of experience in the field as well as the number of weddings they have covered. Even if they have only been selling for a short time, this will give you a good idea of the knowledge and expertise they have gained. Also, even if a photographer has been around for a long time and has a wealth of experience, you still want to make sure that their aesthetic is up to date and suitable for a modern couple. Looking for the best Wedding Photographer in Melbourne? Check out our ultimate list here.
Word of Mouth
Word of mouth and referrals from satisfied customers account for the bulk of my business. If your loved ones have had good experiences with a particular photographer, you can expect to have the same reaction. And once more, this shouldn’t be the deciding factor, but rather the last piece of the puzzle.
Please consult with those who have recently planned a wedding to find out about their photographer and any other helpful hints they may have. If you want to hear from past customers, a good photographer will always be able to provide you with testimonials.
You’ve Hired Your Photographer! Now, What?
When you finally decide to take the plunge and hire a photographer, you should be completely honest with them about your expectations. Share with them the moments that mean the most to you. You can get a sneak peek by letting them know how to. Should the groom be blindfolded or simply turned around for the ceremony? Perhaps you’re looking for a snapshot of your mom’s encouraging help as you get ready, or the expression of a special relative. They will be ready to take this important picture for you even if their style is more documentary.
Don’t give your wedding photographer a Pinterest board full of ideas or a laundry list of must-have shots, though. If you appreciate their approach, you can relax knowing that they will capture unforgettable moments on camera.
Photographers have a wealth of experience and insight to offer, so take advantage of it by soliciting their opinion. This is, after all, a portion of what you are paying for. Asking them for their thoughts is a great way to get reliable insight from people whose job it is to document the event in question. There’s a good chance you’ll love these pictures.
Don’t Feel Pressure to Hire a Friend or Family Member.
Your cousin, who recently launched a side photography business, has offered to shoot your wedding for free, or a friend who took photos for her university newspaper has extended a similar offer. It’s difficult to say no when you consider the money you could save or the special way in which they will be a part of your big day. However! Assessing the potential downsides and upsides can help you make a more informed decision. Analyze one’s own approach, tools, and competence in comparison to that of a professional. There are no second chances on your wedding day, so don’t skimp on anything.
When you pay a professional, you’re getting a lot more than just their time. You can count on high-quality prints, sharply focused images, expert editing, knowledge of lighting and angle techniques (so you look amazing in every shot), and much more. Consider also the benefits of working with a seasoned expert who is equipped to deal with any issue that may crop up. The best wedding photographers are able to maintain their composure in the face of any intensity of feeling on the wedding day.
In fact, the quality of the work produced by some photographers justifies a higher price tag. Rather than a payment, think of this as a long-term investment. After all, these pictures will be handed down from one generation to the next. Here at Vines of the Yarra Valley we have compiled an exclusive list of Melbourne Wedding Photographers to help capture your special day.
FAQs About Wedding Photograpy
What is cinematic wedding photography?
A Cinematic Wedding Video is telling a story. We do this through a mix of speeches, images, and music. The film is shot differently as the best wedding cinematographer in India will shoot in high-quality short clips. This is because they are shooting to tell a story, not just document every minute of the day.
What is candid wedding photography?
It captures people when they are not aware of their picture being taken. Hence, the name candid. The photographers click pictures without staging a scene. Hence it is natural and brings in the sense of realism. The photographer moves around the wedding area and catches people as they go about the wedding rituals.
What is traditional photography at a wedding?
Traditional Wedding Photography involves taking pictures of the participants of the wedding by setting up poses or taking simple images of the events. The photographer will instruct you to sit in a particular place, stand against a specific backdrop or pose in group pictures.
What is editorial style wedding photography?
Editorial wedding photos can easily be described in elegance and detail. This style of photography focuses on creating high-end, luxurious, and artful shots. It has a distinctive element of sophistication and grace to it.
What lens is best for wedding group photos?
24-70mm. The 24-70mm f/2.8 is the perfect standby lens for wedding and event photographers. It’s wide enough for most interiors yet ‘long’ enough for impromptu portraits and couple shots.
Conclusion
Finding a good photographer is crucial to the success of your wedding day. Hundreds of photographers in your area are vying for your attention. Finding a good photographer can be challenging, but hopefully these tips will help you narrow down your options. Start with the basics by inquiring about the company and the services they offer. Determine in advance if there is a major point of contention between you.
The photographer at your wedding is someone the bride and groom are placing a great deal of faith in. The goal of any professional photographer should be to make you feel comfortable and even look forwards to having their camera in your hands. The look of your edited photos will depend greatly on the photography style you used. The photographer’s approach to editing is a key part of their overall identity. Maintaining a constant tone and style while editing speaks volumes about the editor’s professionalism.
The most memorable and heartfelt weddings are those in which the couple use their wedding as an opportunity to express themselves through art. Capturing the unique personalities of the couple in a variety of beautiful ways is the job of a skilled wedding photographer. Before hiring a photographer, check their previous work to make sure it fits with your vision. While it is essential to keep costs in mind, the cost of your wedding should not be the deciding factor. Photographer should show a commitment to meeting regularly at the forum to plan out shoot details such as location, time, and logistics.
Ask them how many weddings they have worked and how long they have been in the business. What you’re really paying for when you hire a pro, though, isn’t just their time. Analyze one’s own approach, tools, and competence in comparison to that of a professional. Don’t cut corners because there won’t be a do-over on your wedding day.
Content Summary
- There are likely hundreds of photographers competing for business in your area.
- It’s not easy to find the right wedding photographer, but hopefully these pointers will help you narrow down your options.
- The photographs you take at your wedding will be among the most meaningful you’ve ever taken.
- And that’s why picking a photographer is one of the most important things you can do to prepare for your wedding day.
- Once you’ve narrowed down your list of potential photographers, it’s time to set up interviews, either in person or via video chat if they’re located far away.
- You’ll have the chance to share your thoughts on different methods of photography, learn more about the services they provide, and form a basic impression of the person.
- Think about it as if those were photos taken at your wedding and focus on the emotions they convey.
- You should find out ahead of time if there is a major sticking point.
- Make sure your photographer can get your highly anticipated photos back to you in a reasonable amount of time.
- The price may depend on whether you want an engagement session, how many hours of wedding day coverage, digital files, image archiving, and an online gallery and social media sharing.
- From preliminary consultations to the big day itself, you’ll be spending considerable time with your wedding photographer.
- Your wedding photos will reflect your level of comfort with your photographer, so it’s important to feel relaxed around them.
- different photography styles play a huge role in determining the final look of your edited photos and even the way the photographer captures the shot.
- Look at some wedding pictures from your parents or grandparents.
- That the wedding photographer’s approach to coverage mirrors the couple’s own is only natural.
- You can find your personal style by first identifying your personal tastes rather than trying to define a specific style.
- In addition, the photographer’s editing style can give you a glimpse into their level of expertise right away.
- Maintaining a constant tone and style while editing speaks volumes about the editor’s professionalism and competence.
- This is because the photographer’s editing style is an integral part of their overall brand.
- First and foremost, you should evaluate a photographer based on the calibre of their body of work.
- Make sure the photographer’s portfolio reflects the aesthetic you’re going for.
- A wedding photographer who is familiar with the location is a better bet.
- When you finally decide to take the plunge and hire a photographer, you should be completely honest with them about your expectations.
- Share with them the moments that mean the most to you.
- Don’t give your wedding photographer a Pinterest board full of ideas or a laundry list of must-have shots, though.
- Photographers have a wealth of experience and insight to offer, so take advantage of it by soliciting their opinion.
- Assessing the potential downsides and upsides can help you make a more informed decision.
- Analyse one’s own approach, tools, and competence in comparison to that of a professional.
- There are no second chances on your wedding day, so don’t skimp on anything.
- The best wedding photographers are able to maintain their composure in the face of any intensity of feeling on the wedding day.
