I've learned that on this one special day of your life, your photographs are going to be one of the few things what will still be around long after the confetti has been swept up, the cake has been eaten and the flowers have faded. You really want to make sure that your photographer is going to capture your day in a way that resonates with you.
Well it's not easy, for many there's a budget involved; no doubt there will have been much researching online, deciding on what can be afforded as well as what is included in the price; but there's much more to finding your ideal photographer than this. For example, do you like their style? Do you like them?
The last question may possibly be one of the most important. Like any relationship that brings people together, be it business or personal, the magic happens when you all get on together.
As a photographer, asking your bride and groom to trust you comes from empathy and understanding them and they you. You are being invited to be part of their day - and not just any day - it's the day they are sharing with family and friends; and although you are there to deliver a service, you also find that you often become a friend to them, supporting them in the lead up to their big day as well as on the day, and often afterwards.
We are often privy to the most intense moments so trust is very important.
Choosing the wrong photographer can cost a lot, and I'm not talking about the financial aspect, although this is important
Often the answer is yes. You have to remember that the actual cost of getting married is quite inexpensive. Going to a registry office or even a church, without the luxury of a dress, the suit(s), the reception, flowers, favours and yes, even the photography, you can get married to the person of your dreams for a really good price. But I think that we all want to share our day and then we want it to look beautiful when we do, and finally we want someone to record it for prosperity. All of these cost and you have to decide where you invest your hard earned money.
I always tell a couple to invest in three things
Be realistic about your budget, on average the cost of a UK wedding is now £20,000. The average professional wedding photographer charges £2,000 upwards. But they will have invested in good quality equipment, professional photography training, business insurance and will have vast experience with difficult situations that they can master.
I hope that this has been useful to you. With over 20 years of experience I've heard so many heart breaking stories of couples who have been let down because they choose someone without researching. But with a few choice questions, like those I've suggested here, in your pocket you should find it less likely to happen to you.
If you are getting married in the future and would like to talk to me about your special day then please get in touch, there's always time for a chat, so please include your phone number and a good time to call you. You can always find more details about the services I offer on my Wedding Page
Barbara Leatham Photography is based in the small village of Tilshead in the middle of the Salisbury Plains in Wiltshire. Specialising in lifestyle family photography, beautiful weddings and excellent commercial photography for small to medium businesses in Wiltshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, London and the rest of the UK. Barbara also teaches photography and runs some workshops for beginners, enthusiasts and amateur photographers