A new year is almost upon us, and for many of you engaged couples all over Birmingham, West Midlands and the UK, if you’re not careful, your search for a wedding photographer is about to become a blind panic! Lets not let it get to that stage because that is when rushed decisions are made and mistakes happen.
Firstly, to be safe, your wedding photographer should really be booked 12 months before the wedding. So for anyone getting married in the Summer or Autumn of 2012, now is the time to seriously start searching if you haven’t already, as many photographers can get booked up years in advance. Websites are a good place to start, but nothing can beat meeting your photographer in person. This is the only way you can find out if you like them and if you feel they will be able to get the best out of you on the day.
It is always a good idea to meet about 2 or 3 professionals before choosing your favourite, making sure that you ask them lots of questions, including their experience to date, what happens if it rains, how long until you receive your final album or CD and so on.
References can be a great way of finding out the true value of any service. If the photographer is happy with their work, they should be willing to pass on the details of past clients you can contact. Never agree to confirm their hiring without first of all looking at the comments of at least two references. This should help to give you peace of mind that the satisfaction level is high.
It would be useful if you have a strict budget and stick to it. Getting married can be a costly activity, find out exactly what the charges would be for hiring an individual to take photographs of the big day, and be sure that they explain to you every fee. There is nothing wrong with negotiating on the price, although, like all things in life – you get what you pay for.
Understand that the length of time that is required for the photographs to be received after the ceremony has taken place can vary dramatically. Preparing the pictures in the correct way can take a number of days, weeks or longer. Make sure the photographer you are to hire is clear on the processing and delivery time.
Finally, once you have decided on who you will use, provide them with information regarding the venue and number of guests, as early as possible. They may want to visit the location beforehand so that they can mentally prepare for your big day.
