Photography Videography

Castles'Togs and Filmmakers

As important as your wedding is, capturing it is almost as important! You’re likely to be so wrapped up in the excitement of the day (and quite rightly so) that reliving it again not long after will be a real delight – and a fun insight into what went on when you were off in the powder room or posing away on your newlywed photoshoot!

www.byrhea.co.uk

Whatsmore, in a few years to come when you settle down with a glass of wine to toast to your anniversary you’ll get to swoon over how picture-perfect you looked. Or even a few more years beyond that – wouldn’t it be fun to show any potential children what wedding style looked like back in the day? Do note, though, that photography and videography can take up a good chunk of your budget. It really is a (totally worthwhile) investment for the rest of your life, and choosing your supplier isn’t a decision that should be taken lightly. Add to that the fact that ‘togs and filmmakers are more in demand now than ever, and how you’ll capture the day really should be one of the first things you look at once you’ve set the date. So, whether you choose photo or film (or both, which we highly recommend) it’s so important to take all the right steps to get the end result you want and need. Lucky for you, we’ve rounded them up! Check out the next few pages for your no-nonsense guide to finding the best photographer and videographer for you…

www.deesidephoto.co.uk

Start with research

Flicking through GWD is a great start as very soon you’ll realise you’re gravitating towards certain types of images. Start saving anything you like immediately, whether you’re going creative with a tear-out-and-stick mood board or digital with Pinterest. You’ll quickly begin to see similarities in what you’ve chosen. There’s more to it, though, and one of the best ways to find the photographer or videographer for you is to ask for recommendations. If someone you know got married recently (or even not recently – chances are their snapper will still be around) and you adored their photos, ask who did them and if they’d mind you following suit. Already secured your venue? Ask the event coordinator for recommendations. Not only do they have a great network of contacts, they may well have a couple of suppliers who are regulars at the venue and know it inside out. They’re sure to have the scoop on all the best spots to shoot the newlyweds!

Explore styles

As you carry out your research, you’ll quickly realise there are a whole host of different ways to photograph and film a wedding. Do you prefer natural, unposed imagery? Something more formal? Or maybe a mixture? Look at the editing styles, too. Are you drawn to bright, colourful images or those that have more of a moody, storytelling approach? Answering questions like this will help you narrow down suppliers by style.

Sound out your shortlist

Got a few faves? Great! Get in touch and ask:

• About their availability on your wedding date • Whether or not you can see a full album/film (more on this in a moment) • If you can read testimonials – or even speak to a recent client. Ask them how the day went, if they got everything they wanted and how happy they were with the end result.

www.daniellelesliephotography.com

www.byrhea.co.uk

www.jonathanaddie.com

This might be a good time to run other things by your potentials too, like what their back-up plans are if there’s an emergency; whether or not they’ve worked at your venue before and their position on an engagement shoot if you’d like one.

Pour over a portfolio

Being wowed by three or four highlight photos or a trailer film is great but viewing a full wedding album or movie is how you’ll really know if this person’s work is going to suit you. Consider how the series of snaps/reels tell the story of the day – does it flow well? Is there consistency in terms of quality and style? It’s here you may spot little things that aren’t quite ‘you’ – you might love their candid shooting, for example, but not be keen on what they do when it comes to group photos. This is no bad thing, though. It’s what helps you narrow down your shortlist to find ‘The One’!

www.aboynephotographics.com

Ask the dreaded question

No-one likes talking about it, but everyone has to… Money! There’s no point falling in love with a supplier who you later realise you can’t afford, so it’s worth being upfront about costs early on.

Enquire about how they charge – is it an hourly rate or a package deal? – and how many of them there’ll be. Second shooters are increasingly common, and great for capturing angles a single photographer or filmmaker would naturally miss, but they obviously add a little expense.

Consider how long you want them there for. Would you like all the prep photographed, and some drone shots above the venue? Or are you keeping it short ‘n’ simple with the ceremony, the cake cutting and the first dance?

Don’t forget the little things, like factoring in travel costs and providing a meal for them (not necessary but nice to do)!

Think ahead to the end

Not usually a dealbreaker but it’s worth asking about the finished product. You’ll want to cover things like:

• How they edit their work: The post-production stage is where shots from your day become works of art. Various processes are applied to create a magical finished version (like those mentioned when we talked about style earlier), so it’s worth asking about them. Do you want some photos in black-and-white, for example, or a certain song played over your movie?

www.deesidephoto.co.uk

www.byrhea.co.uk

www.simonesmithphotography.com

www.aboynephotographics.com

• When you can expect it: Do bear in mind that the pandemic has caused a massive wedding backlog so wait times will likely be longer across the board.

• If you’ll get a sneak preview: Most photographers will send a few star shots immediately after the wedding whilst some videographers treat their couples to a trailer ahead of the big blockbuster release!

• What format it comes in: ‘Tog-wise, are they providing you with a big, glossy album?

Statement prints to hang? Digital images to do with as you please? When it comes to your wedding film, would you like a branded

DVD or a digital download? Make sure your expectations will be met and ask what the protocol is for sharing your photography and videography with family and friends.

www.danirosephotography.com

Specialising in Newborn and Wedding photography fm

07590457496 ♥ danirosephotography.com

Say hello in person – or via Zoom!

They’re your type on paper… But what about in person? You’ll spend so long with your photographer on your big day (possibly more than you’ll spend together) so it’s incredibly important that you feel comfortable around them, and that they ‘get’ you – both of you, that is.

Most photographers will be delighted to do this as, like you, they want to work with people they get on with. As such, they’re likely to recommend an in-person meet before you sign on the dotted line or, with the way the world is right now, a hello via Zoom.

Don’t worry, this isn’t anything formal. Just a chance to have a chat, discuss what you want from your wedding photography/ videography and really get a feel for whether you’re a match. And we bet, after just a few moments, you’ll know! Good luck! ♥