Top Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer in Kent

Ever since photography was invented, people have known how important it is in the preservation of big life events. Wedding photography is a lucrative business and is an essential part of the ceremony and the celebrations afterward. Choosing the right wedding photographer is vital for not only the wedding day but also for the enjoyment of looking back on the memories for years to come. It is not an easy decision, which is why this list of tips will help you decide which wedding photographer is right for one of the most important days of your life.

Choose the Style You Want

There are many different styles of photography, from traditional to candid to editorial. Because weddings are both formal and fun, you need to find a photographer who excels in many different styles. Before you even start your search for a photographer, do some research about which styles will best suit you, your spouse, and your loved ones on the day. Once you know that, you will have a base for which to discuss what you want with photographer candidates.

Review Portfolios and Full Albums

Looking through a photographer’s portfolio is the best way to get a feel for whether or not they take the kinds of photographs you want at your wedding. If you are looking for a Kent wedding photographer, then make sure to peruse different local websites and look through different photographer’s portfolios. If a professional photographer has done a lot of weddings, then they will have a lot of content on their website to look through. This will give you a good idea of their style and what they do in terms of staging and candid shots.

Check for Local Experience

If you want a photographer who knows the area and might have good ideas for the perfect places to take photographs, then look into the bio section of their websites to see which photographers work primarily in the Kent area. This not only means that they are familiar with local vendors and locations, but they are also aware of changing weather and are prepared to still take good photographs no matter the weather on the day of the wedding. 

Discuss Your Budget and Packages

Every photographer will have their own rates depending on their popularity and skill. They will also have different packages to choose from based on budgets and time spent. The most common package is for a full day, including pre-wedding individual shots of the wedding party getting ready, shots during the ceremony, formal group, couple, and individual shots, and candid shots of the reception. If you would like the photographer there for the entire day, then there will be a set price with the option to include add-ons like a wedding video, a second photographer, and travel coverage for destination weddings.  

Many photographers are flexible and can give you a budget-friendly package where they come only for the ceremony if those are the photos you care the most about. No matter what kind of services you are looking for, photographers work on flexible schedules and can accommodate your needs for the right price.  

Ask About Backup Plans and Insurance

Sometimes plans change due to weather, family tragedy, and a plethora of other factors. If you are interviewing different local wedding photographers, ask if they offer backup plans or insurance refunds if your wedding gets delayed or canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Also, make sure that the photographer you are interviewing has backup equipment in case of technical errors. This will ensure that you will still get footage from your wedding day, even if one of the cameras has a malfunction. Make sure the photographer is insured as well so that any damage to their equipment that happens during the ceremony or celebrations is covered and you do not have to pay for repairs.

Review Testimonials and Get Recommendations

Sometimes the best way to find a wedding photographer is to ask your other friends and family members who have recently gotten married. You can even network with photographers at other weddings to get to know them and see if they will be a good fit for your own wedding. If you do not have any weddings to attend or don’t know anyone who has been recently married, go online and read reviews and testimonials on photography websites to get a feel for their personality, professionalism, and style.

Check for Consistency and Professionalism

Most photographers take their jobs very seriously and do photography full-time. This means that a good photographer will be very professional and do whatever they can to get amazing photos for your big day. If you are worried about reliability or consistency from a photographer, make sure to go over their portfolio again and schedule a consultation where they can walk you through their process and why they do what they do.

Once you meet the right photographer, you will form a connection as they will be one of the most important pieces to come together to make your wedding day a delight. They will also be the person responsible for memories of that day that will last a lifetime, so getting to know them a bit better before the wedding day will help them understand your vision for the photographs that you want. A photographer who shows professionalism will try their hardest to get to know you and your future spouse so that they can capture your personality throughout the day.

One step that you can take to test the professionalism and consistency of a wedding photographer is to hire them for your engagement photos first. This is a great trial run to understand how they see you through their camera lens and to see if their photos are what you want. 

Choosing the right wedding photographer is very important and your choice can affect the way you view your wedding day forever. Make sure to do your research and ask around for advice on which photographer will be best for your wedding. Remember to also speak to different photographers to see which one will work best for you.