Photo credit Elizabeth Ruby Photography
Finding your ideal wedding photographer is one of the most important decisions in the wedding planning process. Long after all the fabulous celebrations come to an end your photographs will be the enduring record of your day, so regardless of how much you chose to spend on food, flowers or décor, it will be the photographs that you will return to in the months, years and decades after your wedding. In order to be totally thrilled with them, you need to make a sound investment, but it can be a minefield so here are a few pointers:
You will need a substantial budget for a professional wedding photographer, and I would suggest a budget of between £2,500 to £3,000. This should provide 8 to 10 hours of coverage from morning preparations through to the first dance. A less expensive photographer is likely to have limited experience and might be an unfortunate case of ‘you get what you pay for’. If you are disappointed with the results, there’s no opportunity for a re-shoot and you will spend a very long time regretting it!
Likewise, I often hear couples mention that they have a mate who is a good photographer that they intend to ask to photograph their wedding day. However, wedding photography is a highly specialised skill, and just because they are a friend and can do you a good deal, or even a freebie, this is no guarantee of good wedding photos. Furthermore, if they are also a guest at your wedding, they are unlikely to be 100% focused on documenting your day, so all things considered this could be a huge risk!
Photographers with extensive portfolios, strong client reviews and a distinctive style will also bring essential experience that is required to manage challenging lighting, tight schedules and unexpected changes with confidence. This is really worth paying a premium for and will also provide important peace of mind. Styles include candid storytelling, styled portraits or relaxed documentary coverage, so choose someone whose work reflects your vision and how you roll.
Choosing a photographer from our trusted suppliers list is always a good starting point. They have all shot at Bignor Park so understand the unique lay of the land, and are familiar with the most iconic spots for stunning photographs. They can also show you examples of previous Bignor Park weddings so you can visualise in advance how your photos might look.
Once you have settled on a photographer with a style that you like, it’s worth asking if they can provide a second shooter, budget allowing. One person can’t be in two places at the same time, and a second shooter can capture understated side profiles of the wedding couple, and unscripted moments unfolding in the wings that may otherwise get missed. It can often be the most unexpected images that become your favourites.
Bear in mind that on your wedding day you will probably spend more time with your photographer than almost anyone else, so you need someone with whom you connect really well and enjoy their company! Get to know them as much as possible, which also allows them to get to know you, and what you are comfortable with (or not!). If you feel relaxed and trust your photographer this will be reflected in the end results.
Some photographers offer a pre wedding shoot which is an ideal way to get to know each other. We are happy for pre-shoots to take place in the grounds and gardens at Bignor Park in advance of your wedding day, and you can consider it as a trial run for you both to build confidence in front of the camera, which also provides you with engagement photographs.
Wedding photography is an investment in how you will remember your day, so make sure they will be images you’ll be happy to treasure for a lifetime!
Louise Hartley
Trusted Bignor Park Photographers:
Elizabeth Ruby Photography – www.elizabethrubyphotography.com
Modern Vintage Weddings – www.modernvintageweddings.com
Mark Nortcliffe Photography – www.marknortcliffephotography.co.uk
Real Simple Photography – www.realsimplephotography.net
Jordanna Marston – www.jordannamarston.com
Ali Paul – www.alipaul.com
Helen Warner – www.helenwarner.co.uk
Stephanie and Nicole – www.stephanieandnicole.co.uk
Olive Joy Photography – www.olivejoyphotography.co.uk
Matthew Scott Photography – www.matthew-scott.co
Sarah Ann Wright – www.sarahannweddings.com
Manon Pauffin Photography – http://manonpauffin.com
Jonny MP Photography – www.jonnymp.com
HBA Photography – http://hbaphotography.com
Luke Hayden Photography – www.lukehayden.co.uk
Chloe Ely Photography – www.chloeelyphotography.com
Yana Nova Photography – www.yananovaphotography.com
Chloe Martin Photography – www.chloemartinphotography.com
Simon Biffen Photography – www.simonbiffenphotography.co.uk
Matt Ryle Photography – www.mattrylephotography.co.uk
Aisle in Style – http://aisleinstyle.co.uk
Kelly Rebecca Photography – http://kellyrebeccaphotography.co.uk
Thomas J http://www.thomasj.co.uk
Kelsie Scully – www.kelsiescullyphotography.com
Drew Buckler – www.drewbucklerweddings.com
Emma Hollamby Weddings – www.instagram.com/emmahollambyweddings/
Christian Doyle – http://www.christiandoyle.co.uk
Please Note:
The photographers featured on our trusted suppliers list are professionals whose work we admire and who have experience photographing weddings at Bignor Park. While we are pleased to mention them, all suppliers operate independently and couples should make their own enquiries before booking. Any contract for photography services is entered into directly with the photographer, and Bignor Park cannot accept responsibility for the services provided or for any issues arising from those arrangements.
To find out more about Bignor Park or Weddings at Bignor Park please contact us.