Why you should hire a professional wedding photographer

With more guests owning high spec cameras and smart phone picture quality improving with every new release it can be tempting to leave a photographer out of your wedding team.

But ditch a qualified professional at your peril.

We speak to Ewan from Top Table Photography and Ross of Ross Alexander Photography on why hiring a pro is a no-brainer.

“Experience, experience, experience!” explains Ewan. “A pro photographer knows exactly how a wedding day runs, and how to liaise with various other wedding vendors throughout the day to ensure nothing is missed.

“They also have the technical knowledge and equipment to be able to adapt to situations that maybe haven’t been planned for.” 

Ross adds wedding photographers also have the separation that a friend wouldn’t so although they can blend in like a guest they also keep a level of professionalism and won’t miss all the photo ops.

Let the search begin

So where do you find the professional that suits you best?

Wedding fairs are great places to meet potential suppliers while browsing online can tighten the search.

“Wedding blogs are a great way to find photographers as often the work has already been deemed high quality enough to be featured,” says Ross.

“Not all photographers submit to blogs [though] so definitely spend some time on Google and social media to get a shortlist together. A good idea is to use the hashtag search on Instagram.”

Most importantly ask yourself if you can see yourself in those pictures.

“You might love really stunning posed pictures but hate having your picture taken so it’s unlikely you’d enjoy that experience and when you get the pictures back you’ll only remember how awkward you felt,” says Ross.

You’re also going to spend a large part of your day with your photographer so it’s important you get along.

Ross suggests meeting beforehand to make sure you’ve found someone you trust and feel comfortable with.

“Just talking through the day about timings, light, family formal photographs, logistics will really help you feel prepared.”

And Ewan advises asking to see complete albums of their past work.

“Ask to see full day examples to ensure you’re not just seeing a handful of their best shots,” he says.

How much to pay

Photography fees can vary a great deal but Ewan says the average cost is in the region of £1,300 – £1,700 for a solo photographer while an additional photographer (or second shooter) is likely to cost about £500.

Ross agrees that the average standard package for a full day’s coverage starting a couple of hour before the ceremony for bridal preparations through until about 30 minutes after the first dance should be in the region of £1,700.

“Couples should expect to receive a minimum of around 500 pictures that would be presented in an online gallery where they are able to download, print, and share with family and friends,” he says.

Engagement shoots

Not all photographers offer these so it’s important to ask your chosen vendor if this is something they include as standard or an added extra they can do.

Meeting your photographer for a session before the big day can be a great way to get comfortable in front of the lens.

“For some couples, the idea of having professional photos taken is very daunting,” explains Ewan.

“An engagement shoot can be seen as a trial run before the big day to get used to being in front of the camera.”

Ross adds, “I always say it’s a chance to ‘unlearn’ how to have your picture taken as it’s so different to how you’ve had your picture taken before.”

What to expect on the day

Your photographer should arrive around two hours before the ceremony to capture all of the bridal prep including hair and make-up, the bride’s dress, shoes, bouquet and jewellery.

The groom’s preparation can also be captured.

Then you can expect them to stay until about half an hour after your first dance.

While every wedding is unique there are several key photos every photographer must get including:

• A wide shot of the venue and details from around the venue
• The bride’s dad seeing her in her dress for the first time
• The bride walking down the aisle with the groom’s reaction
• The first kiss
• Signing the register
• Leaving the church or venue
• Pictures of the couples alone
• Family portraits
• The speeches
• Cutting the cake
• The first dance

“Please don’t hand your photographer a huge list of specific things to capture as it’s a massive creativity killer,” says Ross.

If all that seems a bit too much it is possible to ask for a smaller, slimmed down package with many photographers offering half-day packages covering the ceremony until the speeches before dinner.

“Some photographers also offer an hourly rate allowing couples to choose exactly how much coverage they want,” Ross adds.

“On the other end, some photographers (like myself) offer unlimited coverage where they stay until the very end of the night.”

A vital service

Coronavirus and the subsequent restrictions on how couples celebrate their wedding have arguably heightened the importance of professional photography.

Ewan says, “It’s still a momentous day in both your lives and as you’ll have even fewer guests there it’s arguably more important to be able to share the memories with the best photos possible.”

Have you found your photographer yet?

Take a look at our suppliers pages for inspiration