Weinman says it doesn't matter whether your perfect wedding photographer is new to the scene, or a seasoned pro with many years of experience. What's important is consistency, and whether they'll deliver the same quality work you've seen in their portfolio, on your wedding day. The expert says she wouldn't recommend hiring someone who has never photographed a wedding.
"It is a very steep learning curve and you don’t want to be their guinea pig," she warns. "For inexperienced photographers, it is best for them to shadow under a more seasoned professional and work as a second shooter at several weddings first."
Photographer Sharyn Hodges suggests setting up an engagement shoot to get to know your photographer better.
"This will also make you feel more comfortable in front of the lens on your wedding day," she adds. "This is a beautiful way to capture images that tells your real love story in a more relaxed and informal way."
Hodges stresses that many people fail to see the importance of choosing the perfect wedding photographer.
"Once your wedding day is over, it’s over. The flowers have been taken by your guests, the venue is a skeleton of the dream it was the day before, the champagne has either been sprayed into oblivion or drunk up… The only things you are left with as a reminder that YOU ARE MARRIED is your spouse, your rings and your photographs," writes the expert.
"These are historical heirlooms that hopefully in time you can look at and they immediately transport you to that time, that place, the instant butterflies or a nostalgic smile," she says. "This is what wedding photography is all about."
It's a sentiment echoed by the team at wedding site The Lane, who put it beautifully when they reminded readers to choose wisely, "Because this person won’t just witness your wedding day, they’ll shape how you remember it."
