Picking a wedding photographer...any tips?

[Tob]

Hi all,

I'm getting married in Sept and am on the hunt for a photographer, but I'm a bit overwhelmed by the choice and range of prices out there...they seem to vary massive amounts! I'm a bit clueless when it comes to all things photography.

What I'd like is 2/3 hours work - some shots during the arrival, during the ceremony, some group shots and a few during the wedding breakfast. Ideally, would like the images on a CD/DVD (although I understand that this is a bit of a contentious issue for a lot of photographers). What kind of ballpark figure should I be looking at for the above criteria from a decent photographer?

What I'm a bit confused by is what I should be looking for in the actual quality of photos...I obviously know if I like a photo or not by looking at it, but looking at a photographers website gallery is not really helping me much, there seems to be so much variation that I don't really know where to start in terms of assessing if a photographers skill or style is what I am looking for. Any advice or pointers for things I perhaps should look out for?

Thanks for any help!!

[still average joe]

You dont need to assess their skill, you need to decide if you like their previous work and find out if they are reliable, have insurance and you can get on with them.

For what you want in the area you live I would guess at minimum £600 for a reputable pro. More for a popular one, and the reason they are popular is because they are good. Dont scrimp on wedding photos.

[Radiohead]

What sort of style of photography are you after - posed and directed, or documentary? I'd say Joe is about right price-wise.

[photek]

I'd suggest that meeting and getting on with the photographer is an absolute must. To be honest the guy who did our wedding wasn't necessarily the first choice when it came to the actual photographs taken but he was far and away the nicest and an absolute pleasure to have around the wedding - superb with all the guests and kids, blended into the background when necessary etc.

[SIMON ADEBISI]

Book Radiohead

[downhillbiker]

Book Radiohead

Came in here to post the same thing! :lol:

[Highlander]

This chap (http://www.guycollierphotography.com/) looks pretty good ;) And he's not too far from you?

[Taq]

Get a mate with no experience at all but you see has a nice camera and will do it for nothing as he's there anyway.
;)

Taq

[ChrisBlack]

Book downhillbiker - he's probably cheaper than Guy :lol:

[downhillbiker]

Aye, that'll be because I don't know **** about wedding photography and will only be able to take good photos of you (at the moment) if you're on a bike or holding a guitar!

[Boink!]

Well, if that's the case you'll certainly have a unique wedding album. :lol:

[still average joe]

He might be on a bike later in the evening.





Sorry;)

[ChrisBlack]

:lol:

[Tob]

Thanks for the advice all!!

I think I would prefer documentary style...and thanks for the tip regarding definitely meeting the person and going for someone you can get on with and who has the personality to fit the wedding...sounds like good advice.

I'm actually getting married down Kent/East Sussex way and not in Reading, but thanks for the recommendations. Radiohead, I'll count the pennies and will add your webby to my list of sites to look at - your work looks terrific. £600 is a little more than we wanted to pay, but it seems to be the going rate.

Taq - that is an option, I have a mate who is a good amateur photographer...but it is a risk and I'm not sure if I am willing to gamble.

downhillbiker - not sure the missus will approve of bikes and guitars, but thanks anyway! LOL :)