The 10 Biggest Mistakes Brides Make When Hiring Wedding Photographers

14 July 2008

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Picking a wedding photographer can be a risky choice, after all how often do you come into contact with a specialist photographer in everyday situations. For your special day making the wrong choice can ruin the rest of your life memories and you only get one chance to get it right.

Selecting the right photographer can be daunting and stressful. Its surprising how many people regret not taking more time over the decision, and often the people who do have fallen into the same traps.

Things to bear in mind:

1. All Photographers Are Not The Same

No two people are the same so why asume photographers are the same, each will have their own strengths and weaknesses.

There is a multitude of kinds of wedding photography, such as traditional, opportunist, even studio, and bridal portraiture. And within each field there are many disciplines.

If you want group shots and formal pictures of the bride and groom, look at photographers who show examples of that type of work. Don’t waste your time talking to a photographer who only shows candid images.

All styles are right, as long as your choice fits in with the day you want. So research to find photographers who offer exactly what you want.

2. Don't just buy on price 

Buying the cheapest or most expensive is not the ideal approach. In any market, you will find companies at both ends of the scale, and plenty in between.

The key word when it comes to any purchase is value, and the same is true of wedding photography. You want to get good value for money.

Going for the cheapest photographer may cause more problems than it solves:

Cheap wedding photographers don’t gaurantee to put right a mistake. You could end without pictures because they messed up. Or you only get a few pictures when you were expecting stacks.

You get what you pay for, low price usually means low quality. The best wedding photographers charge in the region of £8 - 10,000 per wedding. The one who charges £250 does so because he knows his work is not the standard £10,000.

If he values his products and service so low then he as an expert on his own work should be correct, so take heed.

Then there is presentation, £250 will get you a supermarket album, not something you will be proud to show you freinds and family.

Extras. What starts off as a bargain may end up very expensive if additional payment is required for so called extra's. You could end up forking out for things you hadn’t considered, like having a weekend wedding, paying in instalments, or even getting your choice of albums.

A cheap £250 deal can end up costing £1000 plus, so read the small print make sure you know what you’re paying for.

3. The Right Gear Isn't Everything.

Many photographers have state-of-the-art equipment, but that does not mean they know how to use it.

Without the knowledge and creativity to use it they may as well be using a disposable camera.

4. Asking Friends or Relatives to Take Your Pictures.

Fine but don't expect professional Results.

When it comes to family and friends offering to cover your wedding, it is best to refuse these offers.

The professional photographer makes it look so easy, that is because they are professional, having photographed many weddings fine tuning their skill.

Wedding photography is a demanding service, stressful and fast paced. Most if not all amatuer wedding photographers cannot cut it at the required level. 

There is nothing wrong with booking an amateur, just don’t expect professional results from them.

5. Allow Enough Time For Your Photographer To Do Their Job

Allow time for it in your schedule - make sure you know how much time your photographer needs, so discuss this with your photographer once you have booked one.

Do you want any special photographic requirements outside the standard traditional pictures with your parents, best man, and bridesmaids, but what about your cousin flying in from Australia that you really want a few pictures of.

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