Photography

Irreplaceable keepsakes you’ll cherish forever, your photographs are one thing you’ll want to get exactly right. Here’s how.

A photograph can take you right back to a special moment, and with your wedding day set to be one of the most memorable occasions of your life, choosing the right photographer is crucial. Do your research, keep the lines of communication open and your images should be something you’ll treasure forever.

TAKE YOUR PICK

Each photographer has a unique approach. While some shoot in a formal style, others are more artistic. Think about whether you prefer light and pretty or dark and moody, documentary or staged, flash photography or natural light. If you like natural shots, look for photographers who capture unstaged moments rather than lots of formal shots.

Browse websites before selecting two or three photographers you like and ask to see a complete set of wedding photographs they’ve taken to ensure they’re as good as the hero shots on their website. If you’re happy, follow this up with a face-to-face chat.

You’ll be spending a lot of time with your photographer, so it’s essential you’re comfortable around them. “A good wedding photographer is so much more than a good wedding photographer,” says Anna Allan of Alpine Image Company (alpineimages. co.nz). “They also need great people and organisational skills and the experience to deal with any issues that might arise.”

Since wedding photography is a specialty area, enquire about their experience in this field. They have only one chance to capture the essence of your day, and someone who sets up beautiful portraits in a studio may not be familiar with the commotion of a wedding celebration and the challenges it can present. An experienced shooter will also be more adept at fielding any curve balls, including weather changes.

THE COST

As a rule, a couple’s photographic spend is between five and 10 per cent of their total budget. To determine whether you can afford a photographer you like, ask them for a full rundown of their charges and services so you can budget precisely.

Request a detailed breakdown of the fee structure and service details, including whether the photographer will have an assistant, whether their fee is inclusive of GST, and whether there are travel expenses. Ask if they will attend the rehearsal, how many images you’ll receive, and when they’ll be ready for you to view. And don’t forget to factor in prints and an album.

The length of time a photographer spends at the wedding also affects the cost. “The ritual of a bride getting ready is a great place to start documenting the day,” says Jessica Higueras ( jessicaphotography.co.nz). “But you can negotiate with your photographer on how much of the event you’d like covered.” Basic packages will often include the first hour or so of the reception, covering your arrival, cake cutting and some speeches. Most photographers are flexible as to how long they’ll stay, but each hour that’s added to the schedule may increase the rate.

THE SERVICE

If you’re marrying outside, be aware of where the sun sits in the sky so you’re not squinting in the images. Some churches don’t permit flashes, or have rules about where the photographer can stand, so check this with your officiant.

Devise a shot list and assign a responsible guest to round up family members for photos after the ceremony. After family photos, the portrait session gives your photographer the chance to flex their creative muscles – starting with the bridal party, then bride and groom. Brainstorm locations before the day and have a back-up plan.

Music, drinks, and canapés will entertain guests while you’re away, but photographer Ken Buist (kenbuist.com) says couples should consider how long they want to leave their guests for. “Shooting at different locations takes time, so plan accordingly.”

THE PRESENTATION

ALBUM Photographers usually offer a variety of album styles and layouts. If your budget doesn’t allow for an album, this could be a DIY project. SINGLE PRINTS If your images are produced as loose prints and you don’t want an album, store them in an acid-free box and choose a heavy card stock. DISK WITH IMAGES A photographer will usually provide digital files of your day, but if you’re planning to print them off yourself, discuss a minimum image size to avoid pixellation (at least 300dpi). W