GoHen asked me to write a feature on how best to pick your wedding photographer. One of the larger suppliers to pick ,there are so so soooo man choices out there. Find a photographer’s style that really resonates to you. If there are lots of staged group shots mainly on the website but you want more natural creative shots, this might not be the photographer for you. It’s important that you see enough variety in their work, so that they can handle the ceremony, couple shots, group shots and candid dancing etc all equally as well.

Take the time to organize a phone call or meet them. This will be one of the most important suppliers you will book, as you will spend lead up time with them such as meetings and engagement shoots, on the day itself your wedding photographer becomes a friend, planner/organizer and then you have the after relationship of picking images and designing albums.

So you really need to get on. I tend to hold a few consult dates per month so that I can meet new and existing couples. To answer questions as well as help them to design their wedding schedule to get the best shots.

What should couples ask their photographer?

Do they have back up kit? What happens if things go wrong or they’re ill on the day? As well as making sure they have the correct liability insurances as your venues will often ask for this. Also make sure there are no hidden extras in their packages, so ask to see a contract.

You must have been at hundreds of weddings, what’s the best wedding day advice for brides?

Make sure you have enough time for each element. Don’t be pushed around by a venue or staff pulling your times forward or cramming everything together in your planning. The day will pass by so fast, make sure you have enough time to take in each element. It’s inevitable that things take longer than planned or overrun, so you need that run off time. This means less stress and also, for myself, enough time to get the shots we planned.

What’s the best/most original idea you’ve ever seen at a wedding?

I love it when I see couples do things like want the smoke added to photos, do a first dance that includes the bridal party, release butterflies or even do a cream tea instead of a drinks reception!

Spending all day looking and talking about weddings sounds like a dream, so what’s the best part about your job?

I love getting the enquiries that make my heart sing. When you look at the venues and the couple’s ideas and think “That’s going to make some great shots!” you then have that date booked in the diary and you are looking forward to the day. As well as getting the comments back when they are happy.

Any final parting words of bridal wisdom?

Find a photographer you trust, who is creative and passionate. And you cannot go wrong!

If you’re still wondering how to choose a wedding photographer? You can find out more about Emma-Jane’s stunning work here…

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