Photographer – turned guest expert writer – Kellie Tweeddale shares tips on how to choose the right wedding photographer for your special day.
There will almost never be a day in your life when capturing your memories is more important than your wedding day. Whether you are having a lavish, expensive event or an intimate family gathering, you want to be able to look back at your photos and smile.
For most couples, choosing a wedding photographer is a very emotional decision. You want someone who not only takes beautiful photographs but who is also personable, flexible, friendly and relaxed – someone who can handle themselves and others in any situation that may arise. Your photographer should be your ‘best friend’ for the day, and you should feel comfortable turning to them for advice and reassurance.
A good wedding photographer will instinctively know what style of photo suits you as a couple. Everyone is different. Some couples are shy, others love a laugh, and some are happy to go wild!
Have a look at all potential photographers’ websites to gauge the variety and type of images they take and get a feel for whether you will be comfortable working with them. Ask yourself, “Would I like to see myself in this picture?” Any feedback from happy clients will also give you an idea of what other couples liked about them and how satisfied they were with the result.
Recommendations are ‘gold’. There is nothing better than another happy bride and groom. Working from an expensive studio and all the experience in the world doesn’t necessarily mean you will be a good match.
Similarly, someone who is charging a budget rate but doesn’t know how to relate to you won’t be the right choice either. Go with your gut feeling – your photographer will be with you for all the special moments of your wedding day and will need to stay calm and relaxed during all the stressful things that may or may not happen. You want your wedding photographer to love what they do and to make you feel like you are the most special bride or groom they’ve ever worked with. Beautiful, memorable pictures will naturally come from this, and you will never regret your decision.
Organise your wedding photography now.
Kellie has a Bachelor of Education and many years of experience in teaching, acting, customer service and, of course, photography. With a love of weddings and a few photography courses later, Kellie was encouraged to begin her own business – KT Pearl Photography, which she operates mainly on weekends, allowing her to spend time with her beautiful little boy Benjamin during the week.
Kellie prides herself on her friendly manner, ability to relate to people of all backgrounds and ages, and how every wedding she captures is special and unique. An Australian Bridal Industry Award Finalist in 2010, Kellie takes beautiful, natural photographs that you will love looking at long after your big day has passed.