FINDING THE PERFECT WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER

Beware of Imitations! Wedding photography is not regulated within the photography industry and in this digital age pretty much anyone can set themselves up and claim to be a wedding photographer. I can offer a little bit of friendly advice regarding searching for a photographer and making that critical choice.
 
Firstly, don’t be seduced by the low prices offered by some photographers. There is probably a very good reason why they are cheap, and you will only get what you pay for. Photographers who are worth what they cost are not afraid to charge the going rate and beyond. Professional photographers, as opposed to amateurs, have much higher business overheads than you might realise. Factors that are included in fees are equipment purchase and hire, including duplicate kit in the event of technical failure on the day; purchase and maintenance of computer hardware & software, as well as insurances and years of training and development in the field. Also included in your fees are local travel costs, the endless hours of searching through and editing 1000's of photographs, and designing your wedding books. You can also expect to pay that little bit extra for certain other factors, for example, if the photographer is an award-winner, or if the photographer is accredited.
 
While it is not essential, I would recommend choosing a photographer who has a recognised industry qualification from one of the leading photographic institutions, such as, The Societies (SWPP), The British Institute of Professional Photographers (BIPP), Master Photographers Association (MPA) or The Royal Photographic Society (RPS). Accreditation by these institutes is only awarded when a panel of experts has assessed the creativity, competency and technical excellence of the photographer's work. A photographer with a qualification from any of these institutes is more likely to have consistently demonstrated photography of a highly creative nature and have excellent technical ability.  A more detailed example and overview of current professional qualifications can be seen here.

 
Any photographer worth their mint will have their own unique style, and you won’t find two professional photographers with the same creative vision. The style of photography you see on a photographer’s website/book is going to be the style of photography you are going to be paying for. Don’t book a traditional wedding photographer and expect to get contemporary photographs or vice versa. Don't assume every wedding photographer will have the aptitude to shoot a winter wedding, some won't, don't be afraid to ask.
 
Always choose a photographer who is professional and friendly, who listens, and who is accommodating to your requirements. Ask for a contract that outlines everything your wedding photography package will include in respect of coverage, timescale and delivery of the final product and also what cancellation policies apply. Always ensure your photographer is insured with full public liability insurance.