After your partner has finally got down on one knee and asked you to spend forever with them, you enter the engagement stage. In the near future, you will be tying the knot! As exciting as it is, you likely only have a few months to prepare for the big day. Planning a wedding is no easy feat. You have to check your finances, come up with a list of people who you want to invite, make and address invitations, book your preferred venue, hire a wedding planner, and of course, hire a professional wedding photographer to capture all the memories.
Although the former tasks may seem more pressing, choosing a wedding photographer should be a priority. In addition to taking photos on the big day, you may also want them to do an engagement shoot.
Hiring a professional wedding photographer can be easy if you have a friend who is in that line of work. On the other hand you may have other newlywed friends who can refer you to the photographers they hired for their big days. But what if you have no idea where to start? In such a case, you will need to begin by checking the online profiles of prospective wedding photographers to see who suits your taste and personal preferences. Here are five things that you should do when searching for a professional wedding photographer:
Check Their Social Media Accounts
The easiest way to start looking for the perfect wedding photographer is to check their social media accounts including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. These social media platforms, especially Instagram, are hubs for visual content. If you have already come up with a list of prospective photographers, you will be able to narrow it down with a glance at their social media profiles. Their professional accounts are usually curated and set for the public to view for marketing purposes. The pictures that they have taken for past clients are displayed on their accounts for the world to see and scrutinise. Through this, you will be able to narrow your list and come one step closer to choosing the perfect wedding photographer for you.
Read Their Online Reviews
Not yet satisfied by a glance at their online accounts? You probably shouldn’t be. What better way to research further than to read online reviews? Through the reviews that past clients leave, you will be able to get feedback on how these professionals work. You will be able to find out if they work professionally or if they are difficult to deal with. The pictures may say a lot about the professional skills of a photographer. However, it doesn’t say as much about his or her work ethics. These soft skills make a lot of difference to your overall experience with a photographer, as you don’t want to be dealing with someone who gives you nothing but headaches prior to and on the big day.
Take a Peek at Their Blog
Most professional wedding photographers have blogs serving as an avenue where they can showcase their captured wedding photos. The good thing about a blog is that it can be quite comprehensive and it can give you a good indication of a photographer's level of skill. Not only is there likely to be a wide array of pictures displayed, but there may also be a description of the photography process. You can also view the comments and feedback that people leave about the services that the photographer rendered and how satisfied they are with their wedding pictures.
Check Their Portfolio
Amateurs often simply post photos on their social media platforms. The real pros, on the other hand, have comprehensive portfolios to showcase photo collections of clients they may have served. Chances are that they will give you a wide array of photo theme options that you can choose from. A look at a prospective photographer’s portfolio will certainly make a difference in your final choice.
Meet Them in Person
Finally, if all else fails, why not send a photographer a message and ask to meet up with him or her in person? Getting to know a prospective professional wedding photographer is a must. Ask if you can grab a coffee with two to three photographers on top of your list. You can interview them and ask relevant questions as well as take a closer look at their portfolios. Then, if you’re happy, you can make an agreement and seal the deal.
Professional Wedding Photographer
To ensure that your final wedding album comes out as perfectly as possible, you will need to work with an experienced professional. Lee Hawley Photography is one of the most reputable wedding photography services in the UK. Contact him today and see what he can do for you.