I had a meeting with Jeff from Yellow Pages this morning, to discuss advertising (which is very expensive!)
It set me thinking about my competition. According to the NI Census Data www.northernireland.gov.uk
There were 8300 Marriages in Northern Ireland in 2006. Assuming a Wedding photographer shoots a modest 50 weddings per year (almost 1 per week) there is enough work for 166 photographers. That may seem like quite a lot, but searching wedding photographers in northern Ireland in yell.co.uk returns 376 photographers! With so much choice how do you choose?
Tips on choosing your Wedding Photographer
My advice is to choose your photographer very carefully.
First and foremost make sure you get on well and can have a laugh with them.
Do you like their style?
Wedding photography styles vary from super-traditional-everyone-posed, to fly on the wall, as-it-happens photojournalism, with variations in between. Watch out for silly or really cheesy shots – it doesn’t have to be this way!
Image quality
Consider the technical quality of the photographs. Exposure, sharpness and composition should be great. If you are looking at a sample album this is the photographer’s best work!
Professionalism
A good wedding photographer will be able to help you plan the timings of your day. They will know how long things will take, and will be able to keep an eye on the clock for you.
Only employ someone who has full Public liability insurance, back-up equipment, and is a member of a professional body like the SWPP. Ask who will cover for the photographer in the event of an emergency.
Remember:
When it comes to wedding photography, you really do get what you pay for.
