Getting the photography right on your big day is so important. Not only do you want to remember the way you and everyone you looked on your wedding day in the years and decades to come, but brides and grooms are often so busy on their special day that going through the photos is a great way to share some of the moments you might have missed. It's a large part of your budget- typically about 10%, and unlike the dress, the cake and the venue, it's very difficult to try it out before the big day. This is one area where I would really recommend stretching your budget as far as possible- having worked with a lot of wedding photographers recently I can attest that you can really tell the difference, both on the day and in the pictures, between the two ends of the pricing spectrum.
While you generally can't try them out I would definitely recommend going through a lot of their work, including a few whole weddings, so that you have an idea of what your wedding gallery might like.
THREE BASIC STYLES
CLASSIC
Quick description- Classic or traditional wedding photographers are the sort who will take photos more or less how your parent's wedding album looks. Formal, posed group shots and a good selection of posed couple portraits. Generally the cheapest option, often wedding photographers start out shooting traditionally before finding their signature style.
Perfect for- Brides who have a set list of photos they want taken. If you're a pinterest addict and you like posing for and setting up pictures this might be the perfect style for you. Classic photographers will take as many group shots as you like, which is bound to keep your granny happy.
How to spot them- Often the best way is to ask friends and family. If you're less worried about the photographer's individual style, this can be a really quick and easy way of finding them. If you're on their website, look out for pictures of groups of people all looking at the camera, or the bride holding the bouquet above her head triumphantly.
JOURNALISTIC
Quick Description- Candid, journalistic or reportage wedding photographers aim to be as noninvasive as possible throughout the day. They will take group pictures if you ask, but in general will just follow your day from behind the camera taking pictures whenever they see them.
Perfect for- Brides who don't like to have their pictures taken and don't want to spend time away from their guests on the day. My sister used a brilliant photographer who took her for a 15 minute walk on the beach, and we barely saw him for the rest of the day, even though he was taking stunningly intimate pictures of us.
How to spot them- look for buzz words on their website like natural and relaxed. Their gallery should be full of people laughing, showing real emotion and looking super natural.
EDITORIAL
Quick Description- These are the photographers with really unusual visions for your day. Because they are often so diverse, it is difficult to lump them all in together- my personal favorites are fine art wedding photographers like Rachel Rose. They take more time than other photographers, but they bring their unique vision to your day and create beautiful images. Be prepared to have to get ready at least an hour before you leave for church to take posed pictures of you and your maids, and to take an hour out after the ceremony for pics with you and your husband.
Perfect for- brides who are willing to spend more time finding a photographer who's style suits them. Brides who feel relatively comfortable in front of a camera.
How to spot them- these photographers often promote their work through styled shoots on wedding blogs and in wedding magazines. Try your local wedding magazine or links from your dress designer or florist's photography and social media. Once you're on their website, keep an eye out for pictures where the light is incredible- it's often the best sign of a great editorial photographer.
