How to find the best wedding photographer for your wedding in Northern Ireland
How to Pick Your Wedding Photographer and get those wedding photographs that you'll cherish forever!
Let's talk about nailing down that perfect wedding photographer – the one who'll snap shots you'll want to frame and flaunt for ages!
Wedding photography?
Big deal!
Seriously, it's one of the coolest investments you'll make for your big day.
You might think that I'm constantly championing wedding videography - and I do - but being in the industry means that I've seen both terrible, and amazing wedding photographers at work - and it's more than just their images that you need to be concerned with.
So it's all about finding a good photographer, whose work you're totally loving right now and know you'll still be swooning over years down the line.
Plus, they have to get on with you and your partner, and totally get the vibe of your wedding.
And remember, your wedding pics, along with the wedding video (and of course, all the awesome memories!), will be the few things that stick around long after the party's over and the cake's been devoured.
So, getting the right person to capture all that goodness?
Super-duper important!
Now, unless you're a photography geek yourself, comparing photographers with all these different styles can be kind of baffling.
Figuring out what makes a photographer so good can feel like a puzzle, and knowing if they're a good match to capture you and your sweetheart on the big day – that's another head-scratcher.
To help out, we've rounded up some juicy tips on how to lock in your wedding date with that dream wedding photographer.
Getting the Scoop on Your Wedding Photographer
Do Your Homework
First things first, let's hunt down those wedding photographers near you and check out their work.
The first place you're going to look....is Instagram!
Here's how wedding photographers use Instagram to peddle their wares.
Wedding photographers have embraced Instagram as a powerful platform to showcase their work, connect with potential clients, and establish a strong online presence. Here's a breakdown of how wedding photographers use Instagram to effectively market themselves to couples in search of their dream wedding photographer:
Visual Portfolio:
Instagram is a visually driven platform, making it an ideal showcase for wedding photographers to display their best work. Photographers curate their Instagram feeds to feature a diverse range of high-quality images capturing various aspects of weddings – from candid moments and emotional expressions to stunning portraits and intricate details. This visual portfolio serves as a virtual window into the photographer's style, creativity, and skill, instantly impressing potential couples who scroll through their feed.
Consistent Aesthetic:
Successful photographers maintain a consistent aesthetic theme throughout their Instagram feed. This cohesive look can be achieved through color palettes, tones, and editing styles. Consistency not only establishes a distinct brand identity but also helps potential clients understand the photographer's artistic approach.
Engagement and Interaction:
Wedding photographers engage actively with their followers and potential clients. Responding to comments, answering inquiries, and actively participating in conversations build a sense of connection and approachability. Interaction demonstrates that the photographer is attentive, cares about their audience, and is ready to connect on a personal level.
Storytelling Through Captions:
Photographers use Instagram captions to share stories behind their images, provide insights into their creative process, and offer glimpses into their personality. Captions can give context, evoke emotions, and offer a personal touch that resonates with couples looking for a photographer who understands them.
Behind-the-Scenes Glimpses:
Sharing behind-the-scenes content, like setup shots, editing sessions, and snippets of wedding days, adds authenticity to a photographer's brand. Couples appreciate seeing the person behind the camera and gaining insight into the work that goes into crafting their perfect wedding memories.
Highlighting Testimonials:
Sharing positive feedback and testimonials from satisfied clients reinforces a photographer's credibility and showcases their ability to deliver exceptional results. These endorsements act as social proof, reassuring potential clients of the photographer's expertise and customer satisfaction.
Utilizing Hashtags:
Wedding photographers use relevant and trending hashtags to ensure their posts reach a wider audience. Hashtags like #WeddingPhotographer, #BrideAndGroom, and #WeddingInspiration help potential couples discover the photographer's work when they're searching for wedding-related content.
Showcasing Different Venues:
Photographers may use Instagram to highlight the various wedding venues they've worked at. Sharing images from different settings, such as rustic barns, elegant ballrooms, or scenic outdoor locations, showcases their versatility and ability to capture the essence of different wedding styles.
Engaging Stories:
Instagram Stories offer a way to share temporary content, such as sneak peeks of recent shoots, polls to gather opinions, and Q&A sessions with the photographer. Stories create a sense of urgency and foster engagement by encouraging followers to interact in real-time.
Collaborations and Partnerships:
Collaborating with wedding vendors, such as makeup artists, florists, and wedding planners, can introduce photographers to new audiences. Sharing posts featuring other vendors' work can lead to mutual promotion and potentially attract couples looking for a complete wedding package.
Promotions and Offers:
Instagram is a platform where photographers can announce special promotions, discounts, or limited-time offers to attract potential clients who are on the lookout for budget-friendly options.
Okay, so as you start browsing, you'll notice a bunch of different photography styles – like fancy "fine art" (think dreamy, magazine-style shots) or "documentary" (super candid and spontaneous).
Traditional, modern – you name it!
Now, here's the trick: when you're eyeballing a group photos or photographer's pics, don't sweat it if you can't pinpoint the style you want. Just ask yourself, "Do I like their stuff?"
And don't stop at the homepage website pics – go deep into their galleries or blog posts, and even scroll through their social media.
Look for consistency, not just a couple of great shots.
If there are specific shots that you're all about – like family portraits, dancefloor fun, those tiny details – make sure the photographer gets those how you like them too.
Some photographers might not show these shots on their site right photographer, but they'll be happy to share 'em if you ask.
Here's a tricky bit: try to separate the photographer's work from the weddings they've shot. Whether you're enjoying the right wedding photographers work, the dress or the venue shouldn't influence how you see their work.
If you know your wedding venue is a bit dim or you're tying the knot in the winter, scope out similar weddings they've captured in those conditions.
Bottom line: be thrilled with what you uncover!
Imagine yourself in those pics and think about the feels. Some people get awkward in front of the camera, so go for a photographer whose style lets you kick back and relax. Here's a kicker: things like outfits, hairdos, and of course, your photography style, will all eventually look kind of dated – that's part of the fun when you look back at old pics. But here's the real deal: choose a photo style that you can totally see yourself loving years from now, something you'd proudly hang on your living room wall. Sure, tons of styles are Instagram-worthy or look great on wedding sites, but they also have to be wall-worthy for the long haul!
Make Your Shortlist
Alrighty, it's time to hit up a couple of wedding photographers whose work makes you go "Wow!" – let's start with two or three. First things first: check if they're free on your big day and if their price tag fits your wallet.
Now, let's talk money. How much does a good wedding photographer cost? It's like asking how long a piece of string is, seriously! Loads of them don't spill the beans on their rates online, but don't sweat it. If you're really into their style, just send them a message and ask for their pricing details.
Personally, we work in collaboration with Hannah Jane - a brilliant wedding photographer based out of Cookstown, Northern Ireland. She covers the whole of Ireland and Northern Ireland. We structure our pricing (check our wedding videography and wedding photography package pricing here) so that you save lots of money by going to just one person.
Remember, with wedding photography, you often get what you pay for. Everyone's got different priorities, but cutting corners on photography (or wedding videography to that matter) isn't a great idea. Think of wedding photography as an investment. Your wedding might be a day or a weekend, but those photos? They're forever. They're gonna decorate your home walls and be your time machine back to that special day. So, it's smart to set aside a good chunk of your budget for photography.
Most folks put around 8% to 15% of their total budget into it. Here's the scoop: you're not just paying for the photographer's time on the day itself. You're also paying for all the editing hours post-wedding, their mad skills, their years of experience, and their crazy expensive gear. Good news is, there's a wedding photographer for every wallet size. Even the fanciest ones usually offer different packages to match different price ranges. And hey, if you're lookin' to cut costs a bit, don't go for a lower quality photographer. Instead, think about snagging a great photographer for part of your day. But remember, not all photographers offer this kind of deal. Once you've heard back from a few photographers, you'll likely find a front-runner emerging.
If you're still on the fence, rinse and repeat the process with one or two more photographers till you've got the right wedding photographer. Don't forget to ask recently married friends who they chose, and even ask anyone who has recently done an engagement shoot. Most photographers offer engagement shoots as an addition to their wedding photography packages.
If Hannah doesn't quite fit your style, be sure to check out Mark Barnes - an award winning photographer based in Northern Ireland. Not only is he great at posing couples, but his detail shots make him most people's dream photographer. Aside from being a professional photographer he's also the president of the photography association nothern ireland and well-known in the wedding industry amongst almost all wedding suppliers. Many photographers really look up to him as a mentor and want to do joint photographer shoots with him just to see how he works with a wedding party or through the entire wedding day.
Build That Connection Here's a secret many couples don't figure out till their wedding day: you spend a crazy amount of time with your photographer – almost as much with particular photographer as with your sweetheart! So, it's got to be someone you both click with, who's chill or a total hoot, and who puts you at ease.
Try to meet them in person if you can swing it – this face-to-face time helps you vibe together. If that's a no-go due to distance or whatever, set up a video call on Zoom, Facetime, or Skype. Yeah, it might feel a bit awkward at first, but totally worth it in the end.
When you're chatting with your photographer, spill the beans about your wedding style and vibe. This helps everyone figure out if it's a match made in photo heaven. Here's your chance to dig into the photographer's world too.
How do they like to work on the day?
Wedding Photos
Do they photograph all of traditional shots, the various group shots, pics and portraits in one go, or split them into short bursts?
Some shots need time – think epic drone shots or those golden hour portraits that make everyone swoon.
Some couples are fine with a reputable photographer spending a couple of hours on these, while others want to spend more time mingling. Ask your photographer how much time they usually dedicate real weddings to these pics. Top photographers can be flexible, but it's good to know where you stand.
Oh, and have you heard about engagement shoots? Kind of new, but they're awesome for getting comfy in front of the lens before the big day arrives. Remember, a top-notch, wedding planner or photographer is chill and confident. They'll put you at ease, keep things flowing smoothly, and handle everything with professionalism and a good sense of humor – whether it's rounding up your university friends for a group shot or dealing with your aunt's iPad photobombs!
Dive into the Nitty-Gritty of the Contract So, you're pretty much ready to book your photographer's portfolio now. Now it's time to make sure you're a-okay with all the nitty-gritty details in that contract and you're clear on what you're getting.
When you're checking out the package, keep an eye on how many digital pics you'll get and whether you have to pay extra to get digital images of them without watermarks. Ask second photographer about prices for prints and photo albums – they can vary from photographer to photographer. Not something you'd normally think about till after the wedding, but it's smart to peek at your options early on.
If you're throwing in extras like an engagement photo shoot or a second shooter (that's another photographer helping capture the day), make sure it's all locked in the contract. Chat up your photographer about how many hours they're gonna be around. Some bounce after dinner, others hang around till the first dance.
Oh, and the contract should cover things like feeding the photographer on the day (find out if they've got dietary needs for the venue or caterer), and what their travel expenses are gonna be. This is a biggie for destination weddings. Certain photographers might want a list of must-have shots from you choosing a wedding photographer, while others have their own tried-and-true shot list. If you're giving them a list, agree on when they need it by. Don't forget to ask about payment details – what's the deposit and when's the final bill due?
Ever wondered what happens if your photographer falls sick or can't make it on your wedding day? It's a possibility, so good to know their backup plan!
And lastly, find out how long it'll take to get your photos. They should give you a ballpark estimate.
Got it? Awesome! You're on your way to having those picture-perfect memories locked down. Cheers to your big day!
On someone who didn't choose a wedding photographer
Wedding photography
Once upon a time, in the picturesque landscapes of Northern Ireland, there lived a couple named Liam and Aoife. They were deeply in love and decided to tie the knot in a charming countryside wedding. However, in the midst of their excitement and the whirlwind of wedding planning, they made a decision that would later fill them with regret – they chose not to hire a wedding photographer.
As the big day arrived, the sun peeked through fluffy clouds, casting a warm glow over the rolling hills and tranquil lakes of Northern Ireland. Friends and family gathered in a rustic barn, and the atmosphere buzzed with joy and anticipation. Liam and Aoife exchanged their vows against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty, promising to journey through life hand in hand.
The celebration was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and dancing that seemed to blend seamlessly with the enchanting surroundings. Yet, in the midst of all the excitement, neither Liam nor Aoife had a moment to capture the little details, the candid smiles, or the touching interactions that made their wedding day truly magical.
As the years went by, Liam and Aoife often found themselves reminiscing about their wedding day. They wished they could flip through an album filled with photographs and wedding album that would transport them back to those cherished moments – the tears that welled up in Aoife's eyes as she walked down the aisle, the tender embrace during their first dance, and the uproarious laughter that echoed throughout the barn.
They realized that those moments, fleeting as they were, had now become precious memories key moments that they longed to relive. Their decision not to hire or choose a wedding photographer or photographer, while made with good intentions at the time, left them with a sense of longing for something they couldn't recreate.
Liam and Aoife looked at their friends' and other family members's wedding photographs and albums, each photo capturing a unique essence of love and celebration. They couldn't help but feel a pang of regret, wishing they had tangible memories to pass down to future generations, to proudly display on their walls, and to flip through whenever they needed a heartwarming reminder of the love they shared.
Their story serves as a poignant lesson for all couples embarking on their own wedding day photography journey – the decision to hire a wedding photographer is not just about capturing images; it's about preserving the emotions, the laughter, the tears, and the atmosphere that make a wedding day a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
In the end, Liam and Aoife realized that while they couldn't turn back time, they could still create beautiful photos and memories together. On their anniversary, they arranged a photoshoot in the very locations where they had exchanged their vows. With a skilled photographer capturing their laughter, their stolen glances, and their genuine connection, they finally had the photos they yearned for.
Their home now proudly displayed these 'wedding photos', a visual testament to their love story. And whenever they looked at those images, they were transported back to the rolling hills of Northern Ireland, to the day they promised forever to each other, and to the realization that some memories are simply too precious to leave undocumented.
Thanks for reading!
For more information about our style of videography just check out our films here.
We cover weddings in Northern Ireland, Ireland, and destination weddings across the globe. For more information just get in touch today. I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Adam White
Wedding Cinematographer - Creative Director
