How to choose a photographer, what questions to ask, and how not to get scammed!

From a Dorset Candid Wedding Photographer

So many choices!

There are so many photographers about nowadays it can make choosing a photographer an absolute nightmare. So how do you choose? What do you need to know?

As a Weymouth Wedding Photographer here are my top tips to choosing your wedding photographer and not getting scammed!

wEDDING pHOTOGRAPHY Price:

I would be stupid if I did not think that price was not a factor in your decision making; I know it plays a huge part. Weddings are a big cost and it can be hard to know what to prioritise and how much things cost. Photographers vary from a few hundred pounds to a few thousand pounds and it can be challenging to know why costs vary so much.

Firstly, you need to consider what your budget is. One common theme I come across in wedding social media groups is the regret in not having a photographer, or not paying the extra for the style they liked. At the end of the day, you will have your memories and your photographs- and depending on how much you enjoy your day those memories may have faded! So, whilst I understand finances always come into decision making, I would encourage you to try and consider making sure there is enough for the photographer you want.

If you want a specific photography, but their prices are not within your budget ask to see if they can create a package for you! I have three packages £600 2 hours only, £1150 (half day-5 hours) and £1800 (full day), but I often create packages to suit your needs. For example, add an hour on to the ceremony only package, or a package in between 5-10 hours. Photographers are often, more than happy to help you!

So why does cost vary?

Location is usually a factor in cost, with the South being considerable more expensive, on average, than the North. More often than not there are other things at play:

Experience: How long has the photographer been shooting? Usually, the more seasoned they are, the more they charge because of the expertise and training they may have.
Equipment- I have seen some photographers using an iPhone, and others using, what looks like a professional camera, but it is not. They are basic hobby cameras and their capabilities in things such as low light is not as good and will compromise quality.
Shooting- I have also seen some photographers shooting in Jpeg files. These are a lower quality than RAW files, and photographers are shooting and delivering straight out of camera. So no editing. These will look very basic but means there is a lot less editing time. I have also seen photographers offer very small file sizes meaning photographs are only really appropriate for sharing on social media, or printing in 6x4
How many photographers-If they offer a second photographer, you are paying for the second person to be there to help capture your day and for increased culling and editing time.
Photo Packages- These vary, some may offer digital downloads only, some may be offering a leather bound album. Again, this is going to cost more money. I offer digital only to keep the costs down and then allow you to purchase prints if wanted.
Travel- This may bump up your price. Travel fees may not only include fuel, but photographers time too.
Main Career vs Side Hustle- I can offer discounted prices because I have a career in Family Support. Photographers are often seasonal work, and therefore they need to cover the times they are not working.
Hidden costs- You are also paying for time you do not see. From organising the pre-meets, to researching the venue, travel times, contract writing, equipment preparation and then the huge time that goes into editing (days!) You are not just paying for 10 hours, but more than likely around 50-70+ hours.
Added extras- some photographers include drone footage, videographer, content creation, selfie mirror, fireworks (I may have made that one up!)

wEDDING pHOTOGRAPHY Style:

Documentary (candid) VS Posed/Traditional Photography

You need to consider what type of photographer you want on the day. Do you want it to be completely relaxed and your day documented as you go with little to no input from your photographer? Or do you want traditional/vogue styled, posed photographs where you are directed through out your day? Only you will know what style you will like. So do some research to see if you like more of the static poses, or more movement photos.

Colour:

There are also difference in the way photographs edit photos. Can you remember the old sepia tones, or grey scale and selective colour (IE flowers in colour but rest grey!). Well those days, are [mostly] gone; however, the artistic license photographers have does vary. For example, I edit in a slightly warm style, but vibrant and try to be closely true to colour. Some photographers use muted tones, brown for the greens, or there is light and airy, or dark and moody. Take a look at the different styles and find a photographer that meets your preference.

Vibe check:

It is so important that you get on with your photographer, if you do not like them you are not going to feel happy and relaxed. If you re not happy and relaxed then your photos are going to echo this. Most photographers offer a friendly meet and greet where you can get to know each other and make sure you have the same vibe. I offer virtual appointments for clients that are further away and can not travel to me. There is no reason why your photographer should not be happy to meet you!

What do ask your wedding photographer?

So you have arranged to meet up with your photographer; what can you ask them?

How many photos: Now I actually do not give a number, but I always reassure you will get lots! However, some photographers will only give 100 or so, so it is best to check: Do you get all of the best, or does your photographer choose 100 for you?
Can you Print and Share? Whilst the copy right will, usually, always remain with the photographer, you want to ensure you can print and share!
What does each package include- How many hours? Hidden extras?
Can you purchase extra hours/ create a package?
Contract- will you receive a contract
Contact- How much contact with the photographer would you have between booking and your day?
Backup - what is their back up plan. How many camera's do they have? Do they have dual memory slots? What if they breakdown/ill? How do they store your photos?
Insurance- Are they insured? Do they have public liability and indemnity insurance?
How long have they been shooting for?
Is travel included?
Money- How much is the deposit and when would the final payment be due?

How not to get scammed:

Sadly, every day I see a post on wedding budget Facebook pages where a couple have lost their deposit and/or their photographer cancels last minute. Unfortunately, they are often to 'bargain' photographers. Here's some tips on things you can do

Do your research!

Check out the Wedding Scammers Don't Let Them Win [Facebook Page] when booking vendors. You can search vendor names or pop a post asking if anyone has had any issues with the vendors you're considering.
Search the vendors website for feedback and check for additional photographs where they have been tagged- is it consistent with what is on their social media? Are there any negative comments?
Check their work thoroughly- is it consistent? Do they have many photos advertised? Some scammers steal photos! Is there work from styled sessions (fake wedding set up, lighting controlled, models) or from actual weddings.
Do a reverse Google image search, to make sure its not stolen.
Ask yourself is it too good to be true? Ask yourself why is it a bargain? Are they working for £5 an hour remember there is around 40-70 hours unseen work). How can they provide an album in that cost? What is the quality like?
Wedding Fayres can be a great way to meet vendors. But don't rule out vendors that aren't there (wedding fayres can be difficult to get into, and favour more seasoned photographers, and are a HUGE expense)

Check reviews!

Check social media reviews and comments
Check Google Reviews
Look at the 'mentions' on their social media page
Ask for reviews from family, friend or those how have used the photographer in question .

Ever seen a negative review that makes you laugh; like the beach was too sandy, the hill was too high, it rained.... It is inevitable that negative reviews happen (thankfully, I haven't experience this yet!) If you do see one negative review, really think about what it says and how it was responded to by the photographer. Some times people just love to complain to try and get money back, and is not an actual representation of the work or service received.

Before Booking a Wedding Photographer

ALWAYS get a contract before you pay. Read it thoroughly and make sure you ask questions if you are unsure about any aspect of what is written.
Meet with them and ask questions to get some reassurance! Either virtually or Face-to-face.
Ask to see their insurance if you're feeling uneasy
Ask questions: Don't be afraid to ask them why they are a bargain- are they starting out? What do you get? How can they travel 3 hours for free?
Ask what their photography gear is- is it a full frame camera? Dual memory slots (preferably), are they shooting in RAW and editing them or giving basic jpeg files straight out of the camera.
Ask to see a full album. You are seeing the best bits of their work, so looking at what an entire album looks like will give you an idea of their consistency.

How to spot potential red flags in wedding photography (not necessarily a scam)

No contract- Reputable photographers will ALWAYS send a contract first!
Small Portfolio- Only 1-2 couples across their website and social media pages? This could be photographs taken at a styled shoot meaning the photographer has not experienced a real wedding. or is inexperienced altogether.
Extremely low fees- Anything below £1000 for a full day for an established photographer is a bargain. It is not necessarily a scam but does usually come with higher risks. When I first started out I was charging a low rate and explained I was new and still learning; as long as you are happy with the risks that this is fine. However, low fees and other red flags are concerning; it is usually the very low budget photographers that cancel last minute or take on 100 weddings and can not keep up with editing!
Free Travel - anywhere... This along side a £550 all day wedding package and an Italian leather album should really ring alarm bells. It is not just the travel costs, but also the time factor involved Would you work for £5 or less an hour?
High deposit or 50% off in January. There are many reason why this may be- tax bill they haven't budgeted for, refunding clients last minute and need to keep turning over cash; there is no need to request huge deposits, or to give huge discounts. January is a busy time with couples booking in so there is usually no need to offer 50% off!
Reviews turned off - now sometimes this is due to scammer adding false reviews, but it is worth questioning!
No website page, or social media pages- Some people do not like social media, so again, not a red flag on its own!
No insurance- Lots of venues will not allow a vendor in if they do not have insurance and ALL reputable vendors will have insurance in place.
No professional gear- Run if you hear the words 'my phone takes good photographs'. Most photographers use full frame cameras with dual memory slots

Most of all, what is your gut saying? Trust your instincts. This is why I insist I meet with you before booking to make sure you feel happy around me!