Choose Photographer

Choosing the Perfect Photographer

Your wedding photographs are a precious keepsake of an event that can never be repeated. Follow these guidelines on how to choose the ideal professional photographer for your wedding! 

Decide on your requirements.

A professional photographer in South Africa, is an experienced advisor, who can help you to explore what you really want - and then do it. Whether candid or posed, indoors or outdoors, colour, black-and-white or sepia, finding the right photographic location and capturing the most precious moments is an art. A professional offers you any variation you can think of, and even gives a few that you had never even imagined!

Ensure that your photographer has a set of professional cameras, lenses, flash units, and accessories, as well as back-up equipment. He will know which lens to use for a romantic close-up, and which one is right for the whole dance floor. He knows how to light a scene and he uses professional film that's perfect for the occasion. White gown, black tux, pink bridesmaids' dresses, red flowers, delicate skin tones -- whatever the subject or the light, the images will look great.

Your photographer must be tuned in to the rhythm of the event, including the essential highlights as well as the more relaxed and spontaneous moments. He will know how to gather people for group shots and he will know when to get close or when to back off. The bottom line is that the professional photographer is an experienced, knowledgeable professional at the wedding, and is there to fulfil your desires without spoiling your fun.

Your wedding only takes a few hours, but you will enjoy the photographs for a lifetime. Rather use a professional photographer who will make the photographs look as memorable as the event itself? You will recognize a professional photographer not only by his professionalism, style and artistic creativity, but also by the quotation that he presents to you. Always be weary of someone who is too cheap – the bad photographs are remembered long after the cheap price is forgotten!!!

What Style of Photographs is Right for you?

Every bride is different and every professional photographer is different. You want to find a photographer with a style you admire, whose personality complements your own. Finding the right one is an adventure, which leads you to great and exciting wedding pictures. Meet with a selection of recommended professional photographers and carefully look at their portfolios. Is one of them particularly close to what you want? Does he seem to understand your desires and concerns? Is this someone you would want to be a part of your wedding – someone who will in fact be present for the full duration of the wedding day and personally photograph each and every one of your precious memories instead of sending out an assistant to photograph the events, or part thereof? Is this an experienced professional with an excellent track record of creative and artistic wedding photography?

Many brides prefer a casual, "photojournalist" approach – these are mostly candid pictures without the wedding party posing for the shots. A photographer who can react quickly and anticipate the next significant happening is experienced in delivering this style. An artistic photographer can produce images that are spontaneous, up beat, light, and energetic. These images look natural and beautiful, with good lighting and backgrounds. They capture the feeling and spirit of the occasion as well as lots of great expressions and spontaneous interaction. A professional photographer will ensure a good balance between these kinds of images and some of the more posed images, which you also need as part of your album. Choose a photographer who can show you examples of other weddings they have done that closely resemble all your preferences.

Consider having the majority of your pictures taken outdoors where possible. The rich colours and textures of a natural background make a great counterpoint to the indoor wedding reception. Many couples have their photographs taken in a park or garden or stop at a favourite outdoor spot. The beauty of nature compliments the beauty of the bride.

There are a few simple things you should take into consideration when hiring your wedding photographer:

Style: This comes first and is the most important aspect to consider when choosing a professional photographer who needs to capture your precious memories. When you look at prospective photographers’ portfolios, you need to try and picture yourselves in that type of photographs. Ask yourself whether or not this style will suit you as a couple? Once you return from your honeymoon, you can sit down together with your photographer to review your pictures. With the photographer's advice, you can choose the images that you want to have enlarged. Your photographer arranges and takes care of everything - working with the same professional lab as before!Budget: You are going to need to decide just how much of your budget you are willing to spend on your wedding photographs. Do not spend too little as these are going to be the memories you will have for the rest of your life.Experience: The more experience your photographer has, the more likely he will be able to take photographs which will suit your wedding and your personalities as a couple. The important thing is that you both need to feel comfortable and relaxed with him or her, especially since you are the ones being photographed.Appearance: Your photographer should always be in the “background” of your wedding, while capturing everything that is happening in the “foreground” and by not being “in your face”. He/she must also be tastefully and suitably dressed for the occasion. An experienced photographer is punctual, patient, professional, friendly, always smiling and is present for the full duration of the wedding day, personally capturing all your special moments.Turn around time: Be sure to find out from the photographer how long it will take before the photographs are ready – make sure that delivery will only take between 1-4 weeks. Professional Equipment and specialized photographic labs: It is essential that you avoid hobby photographers that offer to photograph your wedding. A professional has the right equipment and uses a professional lab that will make all the difference to your photos. The professional lab, which specializes in the type of film your photographer uses, makes exquisite prints to the demanding specifications of professional photographers in Cape Town. The lab's printer is optimised for this film as well, so colour and exposure are just right.