So your venue is booked and you've heard that the next important thing is to book your wedding photographer. Well, I agree.


But let's address that elephant in the room first: yes, you're reading this on a wedding photographer's blog. However, the guide I'm about to share can be applied anywhere, to any budget, any style, and perhaps even to any type of service that you book. What you read might even help you decide that I'm not the right photographer for your day, and that's more than OK. This is not about getting a booking for me. It's about getting everything perfect for you.

Find the ones you LOVE


This might seem obvious but the twist is that you're going to completely ignore prices and packages. Don't worry, we're not going to break the bank. But at this stage, you're just following your heart and finding photographers whose portfolios and info pages resonate with you. Here are some tips to help identify who to bookmark:


  • Consistency - look for work that repeatedly impresses you. You don't want anything to be captured by fluke. They have to know how to repeat their style on command so you get what you expect and more.
  • Diversity - look for work that shows a variety of couples, venues and moments. You want to see that people have experience and have proven they can deliver again and again - not just a handful of particularly photogenic occasions.
  • Personality - A photographer's personality will come over in the copy on their site. Get a vibe for what sort of person they are and if their approach will be what you're looking for.


A note on location: Within reason, I advise not worrying about where the photographer is based. Many are used to travel and include a certain distance in their standard packages. You don't need to limit yourself to someone near your venue.

Define your budget


This sounds like planning 101 but let's give it some context. We've got a list of photographers whose work we love. Your budget to hire one will be defined by what you've put towards the venue and what you're allocating to other expenses. Now take whatever's left and get ruthless.


Go through that list of photographers and cut all that are above budget. Remember to bear in mind what package you'd like to book in this process. This is the only time you need to consider what their costs are. From here on out, it doesn't matter whether a photographer is well under budget or pushing the max because you know you love their work. You should be free to choose who will do the best rather than who saves a few quid. So, onto the next step!

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Enquire


Now you should hopefully have a more manageable list. Perhaps even narrowed down to two or three. That would be ideal! So, we now go through their requested channels to get in touch, but be sure to give as much info as you can...


  • Identify the package you would like when possible and familiarise yourself with what it includes. And note questions!
  • Let them know your date, venue and expected number of guests if their forms don't already ask.
  • Let them know why you're contacting them, specifically. Don't make this a generic e-mail as you may get a generic reply. It doesn't have to shower them with praise, but it should let them know you're genuinely interested and not just window shopping.


And be prepared to engage with everyone you message. We've narrowed it down to a shortlist to make this manageable. But just as you would like someone who is engaged with your day, photographers want clients who are engaged with their service.

Interview


So, let's say two of your three photographers are available. Now you have the chance to find out who these photographers really are. By either messaging back or by setting up a quick video call, phone call, etc - this is your chance to interview.


Above all, you're gauging whether you can fully trust this person to deliver a great service and whether they are someone you'd be happy to have with you on your special day. But here are a few other things to check:


  • Any package queries such as hours, travel expenses or delivery time that may not have been initially listed.
  • What's their emergency plan? Do they have contingencies in place to replace them, have spare gear and have a backup system to be sure your images are safe? (You need a yes to all!)
  • Do they like dogs? OK, this is just what I'd ask, but meaning are they similar in temperament to you and your guests as a whole? If you'd like them to direct people, do they seem confident? If you'd like them to be candid, do they seem relaxed?

Book!


With a little bit of luck, like picking rings, the venue, and more; you'll know deep down who is right for you. At that point, they should make it very easy for you to secure your date and you've successfully booked your photography!


If, however, any part of the booking process doesn't feel right, question it. A lot of photographers require a contract to be reviewed. They can include some strange-sounding terms on copyright and more that can be quite confusing. Check out my blog on photography copyright for info, but any photographer you book should be more than happy to explain these terms to you. Any hesitations, don't be afraid to drop out.


Finally, for the photographers you didn't choose but enquired with; please, please, please let them know! It's OK, they won't get upset. It's far better knowing an enquiry has closed than to be "ghosted" and they will likely wish you all the best for the day!